This policy sets out ICILA Ltd’s commitment to strong environmental, social, and governance
(ESG) practices across our operations and services. It explains how we consider our
impacts and embed ESG considerations into decision-making.
● This policy applies to employees and contractors, both full time and part time
● This policy will be shared publicly online where it is freely viewable by potential
partners and suppliers
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Sections
- Environmental Responsibility
We are committed to accelerating a just transition to net zero by reducing the environmental
impact of our operations and services. This includes minimising our contribution to climate
change, conserving natural resources, and complying with environmental regulations. - Social Responsibility
We are committed to ensuring fair, safe, and respectful working conditions for all and
upholding ethical standards throughout our operations. We aim to be a socially responsible
employer, creating an inclusive workplace that empowers women and minorities, supports
local communities, and partners with suppliers who share our ethical standards. - Governance Responsibility
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical business conduct,
accountability and responsible corporate behaviour across our governance structures and in
all company decisions, including in our investments and business dealings.
Reporting, Disclosure and Communications
The Board has strategic oversight of ESG matters and will annually review and report on
ESG. A statement in the annual report will summarise ESG discussions, actions taken, and
priorities for the coming year.
ICILA Ltd is committed to communicating and embedding ESG responsibility across its
operations. The Senior Management Team is responsible for communicating clear
expectations and integrating ESG into day-to-day activities. Employees are expected to
understand relevant requirements and share good practice. They will be supported with
opportunities to discuss issues and adopt positive behaviours in their work.
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Environmental Responsibility
Our Commitments
● Maintain an investment policy that excludes fossil fuels, tobacco, and polluting
industries and move towards ethical funds wherever possible
● Monitor energy and utilities use across office premises and home working
● Minimise business travel impacts where possible by encouraging low-carbon
transport and remote participation
● Ensure legislative requirements are complied with
● Promote, recognise and encourage greener travel choices by employees
● Review waste management practices, applying the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
approach. Educate staff on recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics
● Support employees to switch their pension to ethical funds by signposting to clear
information and guidance
● Regularly assess and communicate how climate breakdown affects the people and
communities we work with
● Integrate climate considerations into risk management and strategic planning, with
the Board annually reviewing:
- the climate impact of our activities
- opportunities to collaborate and support wider climate action
- climate-related risks to finances, reputation, business continuity, and service
delivery, and mitigating actions - risks to staff recruitment and retention and opportunities for improvement
Suppliers and Procurement
Our engagement with suppliers is designed to identify suppliers with values which align with
our own. Suppliers are expected to have environmental policies in place, or to outline
planned actions where a formal policy does not yet exist as part of our due diligence
process. We also seek to work collaboratively with suppliers to reduce the environmental
impact of the goods and services they provide to us wherever possible.
We will always make clear our preference for working with organisations that minimise their
environmental impact, but we recognise that we may not be able to reject suppliers based
solely on their sustainability credentials. However, engaging suppliers on environmental
questions helps elevate these issues and may positively influence behaviours.
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Social Responsibility
While ICILA Ltd is not currently a large enough organisation to have Trade Union
representation, we support and aim to reflect the fundamental principles of trade unionism
and take our lead from TUC principles and core values.
Our Commitments
● Pay all employees fairly and transparently, ensuring wages meet or exceed legal
minimums and reflect the work undertaken
● Promote a workplace free from discrimination that values diversity and inclusion
regardless of age, race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other
protected characteristics, and ensures the protection of vulnerable persons,
supported by enforced standards
● Uphold a strong commitment to preventing human trafficking in all its forms and
recognize and adhere to the provisions set forth in the Modern Slavery Act 2015
● Maintain a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment in
the workplace and support this by staff training and enforcement among suppliers
● Maintain a safe and healthy work environment, complying with all relevant health,
safety, and employment laws
● Encourage open communication and provide safe channels for employees to raise
concerns without fear of reprisal
● Support employee growth and upskilling through training programmes and
development opportunities
● Support the communities we work with, locally and abroad, through active
engagement and responsible practices
● Recognize that employee well-being is essential for a healthy, productive and
sustainable workplace. Therefore, we aim to integrate well-being considerations into
our operations, including flexible working arrangements and additional resources to
support overall well-being.
Suppliers and Procurement
We engage with suppliers to identify those whose values and ethical behaviour align with our
own. All potential suppliers undergo due diligence before becoming preferred partners,
including checks to ensure the organisation has no history of legal convictions.
ICILA Ltd is committed to ethical trade and responsible sourcing and seeks to work with
suppliers and partners who share our commitment to fair, safe, and respectful employment
practices
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Governance Responsibility
Our commitments
● The Board will conduct annual reviews to ensure the organisation’s mission, vision,
and values align with ethical considerations and ESG is actively monitored
● Risks (including financial, operational, reputational, and ESG risks) are systematically
assessed and managed at Board meetings
● Roles, responsibilities, and delegation of authority are clearly defined across the
organisation
● The organisation complies fully with relevant employment, environmental and
corporate laws, standards, and professional rules
● The organisation ensures effective financial management and compliance with tax
related matters, supported by professional advice from accountants
● Comprehensive professional indemnity and public liability insurance policies are in
place that safeguard our operations.
Ethical Governance
● A strict zero-tolerance policy against corruption is upheld that prohibits bribery, fraud,
and any form of unethical behavior in alignment with the Bribery Act 2010
● Client and employee data are safeguarded in accordance with GDPR and best
practices, with robust data security measures implemented to prevent unauthorized
access to confidential information and adherence to the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to
1989
● Whistleblowing to report unethical behavior and ensure transparency is encouraged
across the organisation
● All directors and staff are required to declare and appropriately manage potential,
perceived or actual conflict of interest should they exist or arise
● The organisation seeks to actively listen to and act upon the views of employees,
clients, and partners in its decision-making processes
Investment and Pensions
● Our investment policy avoids investments in fossil fuels, tobacco, and other polluting
industries.
● We will review our investment strategy regularly to prioritise ethical funds, in line with
sector guidance on balancing ethical impact and financial returns.
● Pension funds will be reviewed, and employees will be signposted to guidance on
how to transfer their pensions to ethical funds if desired
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You can access our Environmental, Social and Governance Policy in pdf format here