Ethical and Environmental Policy

1. Introduction

Shropshire Community Foundation (SCF) takes a long-term view on the delivery of its role and of its responsibility to act in an ethical and environmentally sustainable manner at all times.

2. Purpose of the Policy

This policy sets out how SCF acts in accordance with its ethical principles and environmental responsibilities, particularly in terms of investments, suppliers, supporters, stakeholders and operations.

3. Scope of the Policy

This policy is intended to guide operational decisions, which may be taken by staff, volunteers or both working in partnership, where the actions of SCF may have ethical and environmental implications. It is also intended to assist any suppliers, partners, supporters, fundraisers or any other stakeholders in understanding SCF’s intentions.

4. Guidance

4.1 Investments

Please refer to our separate Investment Policy.

4.2 Suppliers

It is necessary for SCF to enter contracts for the supply of goods and services in order to meet its charitable object.

Beyond due diligence relating to financial and governance considerations, wherever practical, SCF’s procurement process will seek the following from potential suppliers on contracts greater than £5,000:

•  Policies that positively address their responsibilities relating to climate change and environmental sustainability, aimed at reducing environmental impact, including a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to minimise habitat destruction.
• Policies on labour standards, in particular ensuring that modern slavery and child labour are not present within their supply chains.

4.3 Operations

In the course of discharging its charitable object and in relation to all activity, beyond basic considerations of efficiency and effectiveness, SCF will respect the following principles in procurement and in operational activity generally:

4.3.1 Environmental Sustainability

• SCF will seek to reduce its environmental impact by selecting and procuring goods and services which are themselves sustainable in terms of materials, waste, packaging and energy consumption
• SCF will not procure form organisations where their activities cause significant environmental pollution or destruction of natural habitat
• SCF will seek to reduce the waste generated in its offices/premises and where possible increase recycling and eliminate single use plastic items
• SCF will seek to maximise the energy efficiency of its offices/premises using renewable electricity and sustainable sources of heating where possible.
• SCF will reduce staff and volunteer travel, only travelling if absolutely necessary, prioritising public transport where possible and or car-sharing where private cars are used (if possible).
• SCF will provide leadership, actively promoting to its members, stakeholders and other professional bodies, the need for commitment to environmental sustainability in all interactions.
• SCF will continually monitor and asses the environmental impact of all its operations.

4.3.2 Ethics

• SCF will deliver its charitable object in line with its own values, in a socially and environmentally responsible manner
• SCF will seek to work with organisations, individuals and suppliers where values broadly align with SCFs own
• SCF will not work with organisations or individuals with a poor reputation for equal opportunities, human rights or diversity
• SCF will avoid any relations with organisations or individuals involved in:
  • Tobacco
  • Pornography or sex trades
  • Nuclear weapons systems manufacture
  • Armaments
  • Animal testing (for purposes other than essential medical research)
  • Supporting regimes that restrict fundamental human rights
  • Having a business interest where outputs (such as goods or services) cause harm

• SCF will not generally endorse or approve products or companies. No products will be promoted unless research has shown direct benefit to our beneficiaries
• SCF will not accept more than 30% of total income per annum from one corporate partner/sponsor so as not to compromise our integrity. This does not include endowment funds or money raised via employee and fundraising as part of any corporate partnership arrangement. A full list of any corporate sponsor giving over £10,000 will be maintained on our website.

5. Relationship with other Policies

• Anti-fraud Policy
• Anti Money Laundering
• Investment Policy
• Fundraising Policy
• EDI Policy

6. Breach of the Policy

Any breaches of this policy must be reported to the Chair of Trustees, who will have responsibility to investigate.

7. Governance

The Board of Trustee has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with SCF’s legal and ethical obligations, and that individuals comply with it.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees at least every three years, when there is a change in UK law and/or best practice or when an incident occurs that highlights a need for change – whichever occurs first.