Corporate responsibility code of conduct

At Grass Roots we are committed to supporting our people, the communities we work in and our environment. We have always shared the view that how we go about doing our work is just as important as what we do. So acting responsibly is not a new concept for us, though like all businesses, our thinking on environmental issues has been sharpened by the heightened public information on the subject. It is clear to us that we can and must consider these issues in our day-to-day operations.

To this end we have created a Corporate Responsibility Code of Conduct. This code uses our company values as a platform and is a reference point for our employees on how to engage in relationships, both internally and externally.

Our aim is to contribute to a sustainable future through:

• Our people - respecting rights, promoting diversity, encouraging work-life balance. For example we have a sophisticated peer-to-peer recognition programme with tangible award and a 'best-of-the-best' annual award for outstanding performers. We have been recognised by the government for our 'Age Positive' programme and we make every effort to accommodate individual working preferences in terms of hours, location and context.

• Our clients - to be an extension of the client's team, delivering sustainable solutions for long- term mutual benefit. For example we actively use and promote the Eventia One Future programme that provides our business with a framework for delivering lower carbon events and a method to calculate emissions that cannot be reduced and offset options.

• Our suppliers - fair procurement methods, comparable standards of integrity and business conduct to our own. For example we have built these requirements into our SLA's (service level agreements) for suppliers to adhere to and support our CSR views.

• Environmental awareness - seek to minimise adverse environmental impact starting with our people and our offices. For example we have analysed our carbon emissions and identified areas that are a priority for reduction activity. Our 'Green Team' is responsible for implementing these initiatives and identifying future ones, together with communicating to the company and maintaining on-going focus. In the last year, we have achieved a 40% reduction in waste production and are targeting a further 79% reduction this year and an overall reduction of 93% within 24 months. We have offset the unsaved emissions in terms of office building energy plus all business road, rail and air travel.

• Our role in the community - as a founder member, Grass Roots supports 4C (Companies, Commitment, community and Collaboration) in the Wycombe District Council area. This charity focuses on identifying opportunities for us, and other local companies, to use our skills, experience and resources to address community problems. For example Grass Roots supported local charity - and recent winner of ITV's People's Millions Lottery - Longridge, in Marlow, by painting their external buildings. We have also given time to gardening at a local play group and engaged our employees in donating 120 Christmas presents to a local residential home for the elderly.

Request a copy of our Corporate Responsibility Code of Conduct