Ethical Policies

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd

Ethical Trading & Corporate Responsibility Policy

Policy Owner: HR & Compliance
Approved By: Board of Directors
Version: 2026
Review Frequency: Annual

1. Policy Statement

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd is committed to conducting business responsibly, ethically and transparently. We recognise our responsibility to our employees, customers, suppliers, communities and the environment, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity across all areas of our operations.

This Policy outlines our commitments to ethical trading, human rights, fair employment, equality, anti-corruption, sustainable sourcing and environmental responsibility. It applies to all employees, directors, contractors, agency workers, suppliers and business partners acting on behalf of Beatson Building Supplies Ltd.

2. Modern Slavery and Human Rights

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation.

We are committed to ensuring that modern slavery does not exist within our business operations or supply chains and expect all suppliers, contractors and business partners to uphold the same standards.

To support this commitment, we will:

  • Act ethically and with integrity in all business dealings.
  • Assess and monitor the risk of modern slavery within our operations and supply chains.
  • Undertake due diligence when selecting and reviewing suppliers.
  • Work with suppliers who demonstrate responsible employment practices.
  • Investigate any concerns relating to human rights abuses.
  • Take appropriate action, including termination of supplier relationships, where breaches are identified.
  • Maintain policies and procedures that support compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

All employees are expected to report any concerns regarding modern slavery or unethical employment practices through the appropriate reporting channels.

3. Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd is committed to conducting business honestly, fairly and professionally at all times.

The Company adopts a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and complies with the Bribery Act 2010 and all applicable legislation.

No employee, contractor or representative of the Company may:

  • Offer, promise or provide a bribe or improper payment.
  • Request or accept a bribe or financial advantage.
  • Make facilitation payments to secure routine actions.
  • Participate in kickbacks, secret commissions or unethical inducements.
  • Use charitable donations, sponsorship or gifts to gain an improper business advantage.

Gifts and Hospitality

Reasonable and proportionate business hospitality is permitted where it:

  • Is lawful and transparent.
  • Supports legitimate business relationships.
  • Is not intended to improperly influence a business decision.
  • Does not involve cash or cash equivalents.
  • Is appropriate in value and frequency.
  • Is accurately recorded where required.

Any gifts or hospitality involving government officials, public authorities or political organisations must receive prior approval from a Company Director.

Conflicts of Interest

Employees must avoid situations that create, or appear to create, conflicts between personal interests and the interests of the Company.

Any actual or potential conflict of interest must be declared to management as soon as reasonably practicable.

4. Fair Employment and Pay

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd is committed to treating all employees fairly, with dignity and respect.

We will:

  • Comply fully with all employment legislation.
  • Pay employees at or above the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage requirements.
  • Provide fair terms and conditions of employment.
  • Promote a positive and respectful workplace culture.
  • Ensure employment decisions are based on merit, performance and business needs.
  • Support employee wellbeing and professional development.

We do not tolerate forced labour, child labour, bonded labour or any form of worker exploitation.

5. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd is committed to providing equality of opportunity and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

We do not discriminate on the basis of:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage or civil partnership
  • Pregnancy or maternity
  • Race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation
  • Any other protected characteristic under applicable legislation

Our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including:

  • Recruitment and selection
  • Training and development
  • Promotion and career progression
  • Pay and benefits
  • Performance management
  • Discipline and grievance procedures
  • Redundancy and termination decisions

We encourage diversity throughout our workforce and seek to create an environment in which individuals can contribute and achieve their full potential.

6. Harassment, Bullying and Victimisation

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd is committed to maintaining a workplace free from harassment, bullying and victimisation.

We will not tolerate:

  • Offensive, abusive or discriminatory language.
  • Intimidation or threatening behaviour.
  • Sexual harassment or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.
  • Bullying, exclusion or victimisation.
  • Any behaviour that creates a hostile, humiliating or offensive working environment.

Any complaint of harassment, discrimination or victimisation will be treated seriously, investigated promptly and dealt with appropriately.

7. Health, Safety and Wellbeing

The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, contractors and visitors is fundamental to the way we operate.

We are committed to:

  • Providing safe and healthy working environments.
  • Complying with all applicable health and safety legislation.
  • Identifying and managing workplace risks.
  • Providing appropriate training and resources.
  • Encouraging employee participation in health and safety matters.
  • Continuously improving safety performance across our business.

All employees have a responsibility to work safely and report hazards, incidents and unsafe practices.

8. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd recognises the importance of responsible sourcing and sustainable supply chain management.

We seek to work with suppliers who share our commitment to:

  • Human rights and fair employment practices.
  • Safe and healthy working conditions.
  • Environmental responsibility.
  • Ethical business conduct.
  • Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Supplier selection and ongoing reviews will consider:

  • Labour standards.
  • Environmental performance.
  • Product quality and traceability.
  • Compliance with ethical trading requirements.
  • Modern slavery risk.

Where concerns are identified, suppliers may be required to implement corrective actions or demonstrate improvement within agreed timescales.

9. Environmental Responsibility

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and promoting sustainable business practices.

Our objectives include:

  • Improving resource efficiency.
  • Reducing waste and encouraging recycling.
  • Promoting responsible packaging and product stewardship.
  • Supporting sustainable sourcing initiatives.
  • Reducing carbon emissions where practicable.
  • Encouraging suppliers to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Responsible Timber Sourcing

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd supports responsible forestry management and seeks to source timber and timber-based products from legally verified and responsibly managed sources.

Where commercially appropriate, preference will be given to suppliers operating recognised certification schemes, including FSC® and PEFC-certified supply chains.

10. Whistleblowing and Reporting Concerns

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd encourages employees, suppliers, contractors and stakeholders to raise concerns regarding unethical, illegal or unsafe practices.

Concerns may include:

  • Modern slavery or labour exploitation.
  • Bribery or corruption.
  • Fraud or financial misconduct.
  • Health and safety breaches.
  • Discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
  • Environmental misconduct.

Individuals raising concerns in good faith will be protected from retaliation, victimisation or detrimental treatment.

Concerns should be reported to a Director, Line Manager or the HR Department.

Contact Number: 01259 219555

11. Monitoring and Compliance

The Company will monitor the effectiveness of this Policy and review its implementation regularly.

Employees are expected to comply with this Policy at all times and to cooperate with any investigation into alleged misconduct or non-compliance.

Breaches of this Policy may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal for gross misconduct, or termination of contracts with suppliers, contractors or other third parties.

12. Policy Review

Beatson Building Supplies Ltd will review this Policy annually, or sooner where required by changes in legislation, business activities or best practice guidance.

This Policy demonstrates our commitment to ethical business conduct, responsible sourcing, fair treatment of employees and sustainable long-term business practices.