31 May 2019
To our stakeholders:

I am pleased to confirm that Global Partners Governance 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 sharing this information with our stakeholders using our primary channels of communication.

Sincerely yours,

Dr Susan Griffiths
Executive Director, Global Partners Governance

GPG’s Health and Safety policy sets out our processes to ensure that our workers have a safe environment.

GPG’s Equality and Diversity policy and Code of Conduct set out the standards of conduct we expect of all employees and processes to address any allegations of bullying or harassment.

GPG’s Ethical & Anti-bribery policy applies to all individuals working at all levels and grades, including senior managers, Directors, employees (whether permanent, fixed-term or temporary), consultants, contractors, trainees, seconded staff, interns or any other person associated with GPG, whether located in the UK or overseas.

This year, we have provided basic office first aid training to all employees so that they have an understanding of how to respond in an emergency at work. Our Ethical and Anti-bribery policy now also sets out what to do if personnel become aware of potential human rights violations or evidence of modern slavery by organisations with whom they come into contact in the course of our work in different countries.

GPG is in the process of developing a balanced scorecard approach to collecting performance information, which will include internal metrics on recruitment and diversity.

GPG has a clear focus on incorporating ethical principles in all our employment practices, both in our London office and overseas. GPG believes in fair pay and is an accredited Living Wage employer – we pay at or above the London Living Wage for all positions, including internships. The rights of our employees to a safe and non-discriminatory workplace are protected through our Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety policies.

This year, GPG launched its first annual staff survey, which will provide baseline data against which we can measure progress on staff engagement, satisfaction and wellbeing.

GPG is in the process of developing a balanced scorecard approach to collecting performance information, which will include internal metrics on recruitment and diversity.

GPG’s environmental policy sets out processes to minimise waste and increase efficiency.

As a social purpose SME, GPG benefits from eligibility for tenancy with the Ethical Property Company, which ensures building-wide energy efficiency, recycling and other environmental improvements (e.g. measures to encourage cycling to work) and sharing of best practice between tenants.

GPG is in the process of developing a balanced scorecard approach to collecting performance information, which will include internal metrics on environmental performance.

It is the policy of GPG to conduct business in an honest and ethical manner. A zero-tolerance approach is applied to bribery and corruption at every level in the business. GPG’s Ethical & Anti-bribery policy applies to all individuals working at all levels and grades, including senior managers, Directors, employees (whether permanent, fixed-term or temporary), consultants, contractors, trainees, seconded staff, interns or any other person associated with GPG, whether located in the UK or overseas.

GPG’s conflict of interests policy sets out the responsibility of all personnel to recognise situations in which a conflict of interest might arise, or there might reasonably be seen by others to be a conflict, to disclose that conflict to the appropriate person and to take further steps under the procedure described. It also includes guidance on recognising potential conflicts. GPG’s recruitment policy reflects these provisions, gives illustrative examples of conflicts which may or may not be manageable, and highlights steps that should be taken.

We have zero tolerance for tax evasion, corruption, bribery and fraud in partnership agreements.

GPG’s Ethical & Anti-bribery policy, updated this year, provides guidance in accordance with the Bribery Act 2010, but also sets standards for ethical behaviour and relevant disciplinary sanctions relating to any business dealing, irrespective of the Act. Where required, HMG approval requirements or clearance by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA). GPG’s whistleblowing policy explains the routes for disclosure of information in the public interest, including how to contact the FCO’s Anti-Fraud & Corruption Unit (AFCU).

GPG undertakes an annual company-wide audit as well as dedicated audits of larger projects. No issues have been reported.