[ Date ]

To our esteemed stakeholders:

I wish to confirm that Baker TIlly Merali's reaffirms its support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption.

In this annual Communication on Progress, we describe our actions to continually improve the integration of the Global Compact and its principles into our business strategy, culture and daily operations. We also commit to share this information with our stakeholders using our primary channels of communication.

Sincerely yours,

Madhav Bhandari

Managing Partner
Baker TIlly Merali's CPA

Baker TIlly Merali's is fully conversant and compliant with International Standards on Quality Control (ISQC1) for audit firms. Thus, all Human Resource policies are looked into and information is passed on to our staff of the same. Furthermore, it is imperative that we conduct our audit in compliance with this standard.
Our firm handbook, which is made available to all staff, has strict office rules and regulations in place for any potential abuses of Human Rights.

The staff Administrator at Baker TIlly Merali's is in charge of all human resource matters. Staff appraisals are done by their line managers and any case of abuse or the fear that such an abuse has taken place is treated with utmost urgency. If any staff has had an incident, this abuse can be reported and immediate investigation and action is undertaken.

At Baker TIlly Merali's top management follow an 'open door' policy wherein staff are encouraged to see the partners to report any such matter.

The staff administrator documents any instances that have occurred in the year after which the managers and partners review these instances. Remedial action to prevent and strengthen the firms HR system is then looked into and implemented.

We also out-source HR professionals/consultant to advise us on new developments and as and when required.

Meeting and mingling amongst staff members is encouraged within Baker TIlly Merali's. Partners and management meet on a monthly basis and discuss labour issues. Partners reiterate that Baker TIlly Merali's must uphold freedom of association and prohibits forced,compulsory behaviour. Child Labour and/or employment is strictly prohibited.

The firm is in compliance with the Employment Act of Kenya which has specific guidelines on labour. These are also in line with the UN mandate

Pay scale and salaries are in line with seniority of the staff. This means that similar staff with similar job descriptions will earn similar salaries. Furthermore, all staff are aware that any issues arising thereof can be channeled to the staff administrator, if the line managers are not responding or reacting.

Partners invest annually as per the budget and create new comfortable work stations and other necessary equipments such computers and lap tops. The firm has 4 cleaners to ensure hygienic and clean working conditions. Upgrade of office space is continuously looked into for improvements. The firm complies with the employment act and safeguards against potential discrimination.

Labour issues must be reported by management to the partner who in turn approves any change that arises thereof. Salary increments are done in comparison with other similar firms.

There is no gender bias in the recruitment process and all our advertisements specify that clearly.

We, as a firm, firmly believe in the importance of the environment and its protection , Environmentally friendly practices are encouraged for all the stake holders of the firm. It is our endeavor to look into a paper less firm to save the environment.

Staff is constantly advised regarding paperless documentation in the form of using e-mail communication, printing only when absolutely necessary, re-cycling paper etc. Even though we have a air conditioner in the boardroom, it is only used when necessary or when asked for by the client.

Notices are kept in strategic areas to ensure that printers are switched off every evening and lights turned off when staff leave the office.

Environmental issue are dealt with immediately. All exiting laws for NEMA are complied with . management reports are reviewed by the partners on a regular basis.
The firms feels pride in sponsoring various environmental based events such as the KWS Marine Park Effort through funding community based beach football tournaments.

We have a no tolerance policy for corruption, bribery and extortion. Staff are encouraged to declare any instance of conflict of interest or issues bordering on corruption. Staff are also well trained to handle possible instances of corruption. It is a Baker TIlly Merali's policy to safeguard staff at all times

Staff is advised and trained on how to handle corruption cases. the managing partner takes full responsibity of any fraud cases of corruption

We are in the process of creating an anti corruption ploicy