2011 Communication on Progress
- Participant
- Published
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- 28-Jun-2011
- Time period
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- June 2010 – June 2011
- Format
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- Stand alone document – Basic COP Template
- Differentiation Level
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- Self-assessment
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- Includes a CEO statement of continued support for the UN Global Compact and its ten principles
- Description of actions or relevant policies related to Human Rights
- Description of actions or relevant policies related to Labour
- Description of actions or relevant policies related to Environment
- Description of actions or relevant policies related to Anti-Corruption
- Includes a measurement of outcomes
- Statement of continued support by the Chief Executive Officer
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Statement of the company's chief executive (CEO or equivalent) expressing continued support for the Global Compact and renewing the company's ongoing commitment to the initiative and its principles.
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28th June 2011
To our stakeholders:
I am pleased to confirm that Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting, member of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization 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,
Ammar Azmeh
Executive Director
- Human Rights
- Assessment, policy and goals
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Description of the relevance of human rights for the company (i.e. human rights risk-assessment). Description of policies, public commitments and company goals on Human Rights.
- No answer provided.
- Implementation
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Description of concrete actions to implement Human Rights policies, address Human Rights risks and respond to Human Rights violations.
- No answer provided.
- Measurement of outcomes
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Description of how the company monitors and evaluates performance.
- No answer provided.
- Labour
- Assessment, policy and goals
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Description of the relevance of labour rights for the company (i.e. labour rights-related risks and opportunities). Description of written policies, public commitments and company goals on labour rights.
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Principle 3:
In Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting, the organizational structure is based on an open door policy, where the labor management relationship is maintained through a continuous and open mailing system, via which employees present all their suggestions, complaints and inquiries. The suggestions’ committee, which is part of the management committee, discusses suggestions, problems and complaints of employees and follows up accordingly. In addition, a monthly meeting with the management committee is held in Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting, where all employees present their problems and concerns directly to managers.Principle 4:
Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting respects all its employees’ rights and considers any form of harassment to be unacceptable or any other means, which might lead to compulsory and unwilling working conditions. The company is also committed to ban any form of verbal or physical abuse among its staff.Principle 5:
Although it has also always been its policy to refrain from utilizing child labor, Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting as member of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization, conformed with the instituted the policy in November 2004, to refrain from working with clients that utilize child labor (defined as full-time employment of children less than 16 years during the school year). Additionally, no one under 18 years of age is employed by the organization. None of Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting clients or partners utilizes child labor.Principle 6:
Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting is to guarantee its employees a fair working environment and protection from the loss of their jobs. All employees without any discrimination have the right to equal pay for equal work. Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting is not discriminating against any employees for any reason such as age race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religious belief, national extraction or disability.
- Implementation
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Description of concrete actions taken by the company to implement labour policies, address labour risks and respond to labour violations.
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Principle 3:
Orientation seminars, upon request by new employees, have been organized throughout the company to provide new employees with basic information and knowledge to kick off successfully and efficiently in the organization.Principle 4:
We have created a guide and a questionnaire for our clients and suppliers, which reveals any harmful and compulsory working practices and by doing so motivates those affected to change their policies towards that of greater transparency and free association. Furthermore, those of clients or suppliers responding positively are encouraged to join the UN Global Compact as members or partners.Principle 5:
Although it has also always been its policy to refrain from utilizing child labor, Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting as member of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization, conformed with the instituted the policy in November 2004, to refrain from working with clients that utilize child labor (defined as full-time employment of children less than 16 years during the school year). Additionally, no one under 18 years of age is employed by the organization. None of Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting clients or partners utilizes child labor.Principle 6:
Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting has a universal system of salary evaluation, which took several years to develop. The system guarantees a pay conditioned by formal education, working experience and other merits that managers will be able to consider. The system formalizes the previously unwritten law of equal treatment and pay to all employees.
- Measurement of outcomes
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Description of how the company monitors and evaluates performance.
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Principle 3:
Regular meetings, open discussions and consultations contributed in and eased the flow of information (opinions, grievances, problems) and ideas (suggestions, comments) bringing openness and transparency in the organization's everyday conduct.The principles of freedom association and effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining are recognized and widely have been used throughout the organization with positive results.
Principle 4:
Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting employees have right to terminate their contract at any time. Additionally, Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting will not terminate or otherwise penalize its employees for simply using or seeking their legitimate rights.Principle 5:
Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting has a policy forbidding any form of child labor since 2004. We verify regularly that none of our clients, partners and suppliers uses child labor. In case of discovery of child labor usage, the contract with a supplier, a partner or a client might become subject to cancellation.Principle 6:
Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting is an equal opportunity employer. It recruits based on merit only, regardless of nationality, gender or race. It provides an equal treatment for all its employees and determines salaries on experience and education. Bonuses and other incumbent awards are determined according to personal and group performance, contribution and personal growth.Regular trainings and seminars assure a challenging environment and room for perpetual growth and innovative mentality for its employees
- Environment
- Assessment, policy and goals
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Description of the relevance of environmental protection for the company (i.e. environmental risks and opportunities). Description of policies, public commitments and company goals on environmental protection.
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Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting being an active member of the GC, must anticipate organization of company-wide seminars aimed at greater promotion and spread of awareness among its employees, clients and suppliers.
Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting policy on environmental issues, including prevention and management of environmental risks was prepared to guide staff in situations related to the environmental issues.
- Implementation
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Description of concrete actions to implement environmental policies, address environmental risks and respond to environmental incidents.
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Support “Save for Syria” Project:
A pilot project By Junior Chamber International- Damascus that addresses the issue of climate change through an awareness program targeting companies in Damascus to aid them create an environmentally friendly workplace. Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility By Spreading Awareness On Rationalizing The Consumption Of Natural Recourses Under the Slogan Save for Syria".
- Measurement of outcomes
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Description of how the company monitors and evaluates environmental performance.
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Internal audits are conducted in order to ensure consistency with the company’s environmental policy.
- Anti-Corruption
- Assessment, policy and goals
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Description of the relevance of anti-corruption for the company (i.e. anti-corruption risk-assessment). Description of policies, public commitments and company goals on anti-corruption.
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Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAGorg)- the Arab Organization for Global Professional Services- has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the Arab Anti-Corruption Organization (AACO). The AACO is a non-profit independent civil institution, duly established and registered in 2005, in the United Kingdom. It seeks to promote transparency and good governance in the Arab world, in addition to combating corruption and raising awareness of its damaging impact on political stability and socio-economic development.
In addition, anti-corruption policies and programs were prepared to guide staff in situations where they are confronted with extortion or bribery.
- Implementation
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Description of concrete actions to implement anti-corruption policies, address anti-corruption risks and respond to incidents.
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The following elements are used in fighting corruption:
i. Introduce anti-corruption policies and programs within the organization.
ii. Join forces with industry peers and with other stakeholders.
iii. Include anti-corruption concepts in the published books as a main topic.
- Measurement of outcomes
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Description of how the company monitors and evaluates anti-corruption performance.
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Internal audits are conducted in order to ensure consistency with anti‐corruption commitment, including periodic review by senior management.