March 2015

Founded 13 years ago, Cambre has pioneered an integrated approach to public relations and public affairs, based on best practice and in-depth knowledge of PR and PA landscapes both in Brussels and internationally. As the Brussels advocacy and communications landscape has evolved, we have consistently stayed ahead of the trends and ensured our clients results by means of a combination of in-depth knowledge and expertise, solid networks and creative approach.

Part of the independent SEC Group (www.secrp.it), we have offices in Brussels, Madrid and across Italy, as well as a network of partners in the key EU member states and beyond.

Our independence allows us to be genuinely client-focused. As a growing business, we are keenly aware of the financial pressures faced by clients so we carefully consider their requirements before devising packages to ensure their investments yield maximum, tangible results.

Cambre Associates has committed itself to the continued support of the UN Global Compact and its principles, as a member of the business community and of society at large.

Our support is reflected in our daily work with clients, business partners, our global network, suppliers and staff members. In order to integrate corporate responsibility within Cambre’s activities, we have adopted a CSR policy. The policy serves as a reference point which respects the values that determine how we manage our business and how we build and maintain relationships within the world in which we operate.

Aart van Iterson, Managing Director

Cambre Associates supports the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human rights. These include the guidelines and restriction on the use of force, training and ensuring that equipment and facilities are not misused.

Principle one and two are part of the Belgian constitution and are partially repeated in our general labour regulation policy. We adhere to both principles as part of our standing as a company in Belgium.

We have developed a Code of Conduct as part of our Règlement de Travail (Corporate Manual) available to all employees.

Additionally, we are a member of the European Public Affairs Consultancies Association, EPACA, which is the representative trade body for public affairs consultancies working with EU institutions. As such, Cambre adheres to the EPACA Code of Conduct and supports the introduction of voluntary registration system for all lobbyists. The EPACA Code of Conduct is a 12-point code of best practices for public affairs professionals working in consultancies in the EU sphere. Signatories to the Code all commit to abide by it, acting in an honest, responsible and courteous manner at all times and seeking to apply the highest professional standards.

Aart van Iterson, Managing Director of Cambre Associates, sits on the EPACA Management Committee.

In addition to this, we offer training and guidance to all of our co-workers so that everyone in our company is aware of, understands and acts in accordance with these principles.

Cambre Associates has committed itself to integrating these principles in our Code of Conduct, and where applicable, legal framework and policies.

Annual reviews and internal mentoring programmes provide a mechanism for assessment of compliance with the Code. The Code of Conduct is part of the day-to-day engagement of Cambre staff at all levels in the company.

Cambre Associates has carried out the following trainings for its employees:

Directors

Cambre organizes monthly Top Team Training sessions for Directors. These lectures are a
tailor-made implementation program based on ideas and concerns listed by Directors and Managing Directors.

Consultants

Following performance reviews, Cambre provides additional on-site-job training tailored to individual needs, with the support of an external coach.

• Cambre services and Advocacy 3.0
• Drafting/writing skills
• Industry economics, budgeting
• Leadership training
• Public speaking
• Sales training/Business development
• Social media

Cambre Associates recognizes and respects the rights of everyone who chooses to be represented, either independently or collectively. As we are a small company with less than 30 employees, our organisation promotes open communication which results in direct and open dialogue between all members of staff.

Force and compulsory labour are not applicable, as reflected in our company Code of Conduct. We provide a flexible work schedule for each employee; they can choose to arrive and leave within reasonable margins. The maximum of 39.5 working hours per week is compensated by 6 extra days of holiday each year.

As 95% of our employees are lawyers, communication experts, public policy practitioners and business developers, the minimum age of a new employee is 23, upon completion of a university degree. If applicable, for trainees we respect the minimum age as regulated by Belgian law.

Cambre Associates employs on the basis of job requirements and does not discriminate on the grounds of age, ethnic or social origin, gender, sexual orientation, politics or religion.

The Juniors Forum was created in 2011, for all intern and junior staff members. This platform was established to share ideas and experiences about how to work better or highlight problems faced in the office. The platform holds a monthly meeting, and Forum representatives meet with the managing directors to discuss any issues on a bi-monthly basis.

This year, we implemented training and guidance workshops for the whole office so that everyone in our company is aware of, understands and acts in accordance with these principles.

Cambre Associates commits itself to integrating these principles in our Code of Conduct, and where applicable, legal framework and policies.

Cambre Associates operates on a small scale however we are in full compliance with all environmental laws and regulations, not only in our activities but also in our selection process of suppliers.

The nature of our company and the goals of the products we offer are environmentally friendly – the advice service we offer our clients has minimal environmental impact. If we are required to produce materials, we work to ensure that the most sustainable option is used.

To reduce our carbon footprint and to integrate sustainable development practices into our business, Cambre Associates implemented an annual Sustainability Action Plan.

To implement this plan we have appointed an in-house sustainability officer to analyse our overall environmental impact. As part of this process, we will be continuously assessing how we use resources such as energy and water; how we deal with waste; how we travel to work; and what services and products we use. A sustainable approach to consumption in our offices will contribute to increased environmental and economic efficiency. As we change our practices, our ecological footprint will be reduced.

Cambre Associates believes that management in the use of resources – natural, human and of human origin – contributes to its competitiveness, growth and ability to provide valued services to its clients. In order to achieve sustainability, Cambre will ensure that its economic, environmental and ethical performance objectives are mutually supportive and are reflected in its management systems and business practices. Cambre has used the European Union definition of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to guide our work: “A concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis.”

In 2011, our sustainability officer regrouped a variety of long-standing initiatives and activities under a single CSR strategy. Using the UN Global Compact 10 principles as a starting point, Cambre created two core pillars to focus our CSR work: Health and Community, and Environment.

Cambre Associates supports Brussels-based charities throughout the year. The table below summarizes the iniatives.

Health and Community

Nos enfants cardiaques

Nos enfants cardiaques is an association composed of parents of cardiac children and members of the healthcare team Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Brussels. It aims to improve the well-being of children with heart defects and their families.

Cambre Associates supported Nos enftants cardiaques in 20km run in Brussels. Cambre employees participated in this popular event as runners representing the association or as volunteers assisting the organisers.

Serve the City

Serve the City is a global movement of volunteers showing kindness in practical ways to people in need. The organisation partners with homeless shelters, refugee centres, orphanages, and other associations, offering help and support.

In December, Cambre organized a big collection of food and clothes. The items were then brought to the association for distribute to the homeless and other people in need.

Great Brussels Charity Bake Off - Christmas Signature Bake

Baking competition for members and non-members of the British Chamber of Commerce with purpose to raise money for a charity.

In 2013 money gained from participation fees were dedicated to Roi Baudouin Foundation's NFTE: Network For Training Entrepreneurship. Cambre contributed 60€ by payment for a participation fee.

Fondation Contre le Cancer

For over 80 years, Fondation Contre le Cancer is the only national organisation fighting against cancer in Belgium. Its purpose is to unite forces to mobilize all energies and awareness of his fight population, health professionals and public actors.

Cambre Associates donated 3.000€ to Fondation Contre le Cancer.

UNICEF Quiz for Children

UNICEF Belgium organizes an annual quiz. The proceeds of the event were distributed amongst various initiatives that aim to provide access to education for children in rural areas.
Cambre Associates contributed to the cause by joining the event in two teams. By paying participation fee for two teams, Cambre contributed 800€ to the UNICEF.

Environment

Cambre Associates is attempting to maintain safe and sustainable environment for its employees. For this purpose we have also implied 10 Green rules, which every employee should follow:

Development of energy and water consumption benchmarking schemes

Through compliance of 10 Green Principles all employees contribute to saving energy (please see 10 Green Rules below).

Implementation of a fully integrated recycling system
Every office has separate bin for paper and for general waste. In the kitchens, we provide bins for plastic waste.

A sustainable purchasing policy for furniture and electronic equipment and office supplies
 Replacement of all high energy consuming light bulbs

 Use of recycled paper

 Elimination of packaging

Membership in the United Nations Global Compact

Creation of the COP report and annual debrief/progress discussed at annual team building day.

10 Green Rules for Cambre Associates:

1. I shall turn off lights when not in use
2. I shall use the printer responsibly
3. I shall use paper conservatively
4. I shall always recycle
5. I shall turn my computer off at the end of the day
6. I shall turn off coffee machine, printer, etc. at the end of the day
7. I shall walk, ride a bike or use public transport whenever possible
8. I shall be responsible carbon consumer
9. I shall be an active member of Cambre Sustainable Community
10. I shall follow 10 Green Rules

This year Cambre Associates will also develop the following documents to ensure safety in the workplace:

Annex to Regulation Working psychosocial care
Implementation of measures protecting employees against the psychosocial stress occurred during performance of work, i.e. bullying, sexual harassment, violence.

Telephone contact where employees can call in case of psychosocial stress, bullying or sexual harassment is available to everyone in the office.

Record of electrical/technical installation
Owners or leasers of buildings must be in possession of an electric record that includes, in addition to the inspection report, single line diagrams and schematics of installation position.

Record of electrical/technical installations including annual controls of suppliers.

Asbestos inventory
Maintenance of an inventory of items which contains asbestos in the building is a crucial element of workplace security.

Asbestos-safe and asbestos-free certification.

Emergency plan
Emergency plan is a device providing for the organisation of relief in the event of disasters or major events or major risk, endangering the health or integrity of the property.

Next to finalizing emergency plan, Cambre Associates will practise evacuation plan once per a year.

We foresee training and guidance of all of our co-workers so that everyone in our company is aware of, understands and acts in accordance with these principles as part of the Cambre Sustainability Action Plan and the Cambre CSR Strategy.

Policies and Codes of conduct are part of the day-to-day engagement of Cambre staff at all levels in the company.

Cambre Associates commits itself to integrating these principles in our Code of Conduct, and where applicable, legal framework and policies.

Cambre Associates values transparency and transparent business practices. We do not participate in politics (regional, local or pan-European) nor do we make payments to political parties.

We are a member of the European Public Affairs Consultancies Association, EPACA, which is the representative trade body for public affairs consultancies working with EU institutions. As such, Cambre adheres to the EPACA code of conduct, which expressly prohibits corrupt practices, and supports the introduction of a voluntary registration system for all lobbyists.

In addition to this, we plan to offer training and guidance to all of our co-workers so that everyone in our company is aware of, understands and acts in accordance with these principles.

Policies and Codes of Conducts are part of the day-to-day engagement of Cambre staff at all levels in the company.

Cambre Associates commits itself to integrating these principles in our Code of Conduct, and where applicable, legal framework and policies.