Sustainability Charter
Sustainability is integrated into IISLA’s strategy, decision-making and governance. IISLA aims to create and enhance sustainable systems. The company will endeavour to balance environmental, social and economic sustainability and food security needs. IISLA defines sustainability as improving the quality of human life, the environment and the economy.
IISLA will seek to:
- Pursue net positive environmental, social and economic impact through the projects in which we support
- Be a responsible local partner
- Apply best practice in our operations and business processes
- Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, treaties, conventions and agreements
- Be transparent about our approach, measure our performance and report our progress regularly
- Engage with stakeholders on environmental and social issues at the local, national and international level
IISLA will aim to:
- Embed sustainable agricultural management practices
- Respect local peoples’ rights of ownership and use of land and resources
- Adapt and build resilience to climate change
- Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions
- Add socio-economic value at the national level
- Enhance local capabilities
- Provide fair and safe working conditions
- Engage with local communities and other stakeholders
- Minimise negative environmental impacts including those from energy, chemical usage and waste
In addition priorities for IISLA are to:
- Improve the social and economic well-being of local communities
- Improve productivity sustainably
- Enhance biodiversity
- Manage water, soil and energy sustainably
Anti-corruption and bribery policy
1. About this policy
1.1 It is our policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.
1.2 Any employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for gross misconduct. Any non-employee who breaches this policy may have their contract terminated with immediate effect.
1.3 This policy does not form part of any employee or consultant’s contract of employment and we may amend it at any time. It will be reviewed regularly.
2. Who must comply with this policy?
This policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf in any capacity, including but not limited to employees at all levels, consultants, directors, officers, committee members, agency workers, seconded workers, volunteers, interns, agents, contractors, external consultants, third-party representatives and business partners.
3. What is bribery?
3.1 Bribe means a financial or other inducement or reward for action which is illegal, unethical, a breach of trust or improper in any way. Bribes can take the form of money, gifts, loans, fees, hospitality, services, discounts, the award of a contract or any other advantage or benefit.
3.2 Bribery includes offering, promising, giving, accepting or seeking a bribe.
3.3 All forms of bribery are strictly prohibited. If you are unsure about whether a particular act constitutes bribery, raise it with your manager, the managing director or a member of our legal department.
3.4 Specifically, you must not:
- (a) give or offer any payment, gift, hospitality or other benefit in the expectation that a business advantage will be received in return, or to reward any business received;
- (b) accept any offer from a third party that you know or suspect is made with the expectation that we will provide a business advantage for them or anyone else;
- (c) give or offer any payment (sometimes called a facilitation payment) to a government official in any country to facilitate or speed up a routine or necessary procedure;
3.5 You must not threaten or retaliate against another person who has refused to offer or accept a bribe or who has raised concerns about possible bribery or corruption.
4. Gifts and hospitality
4.1 This policy does not prohibit the giving or accepting of reasonable and appropriate hospitality for legitimate purposes such as building relationships, maintaining our image or reputation, or marketing our products and services.
4.2 A gift or hospitality will not be appropriate if it is unduly lavish or extravagant, or could be seen as an inducement or reward for any preferential treatment (for example, during contractual negotiations or a tender process).
4.3 Gifts must be of an appropriate type and value depending on the circumstances and taking the reason for the gift into account. Gifts must not include cash or cash equivalent (such as vouchers), or be given in secret. Gifts must be given in our company’s name, and not yours or any other individual’s name.
4.4 Promotional gifts of low value such as branded stationery may be given to or accepted from existing customers, suppliers and business partners.
5. Record-keeping
5.1 You must declare and keep a written record of all hospitality or gifts given or received. You must also submit all expenses claims relating to hospitality, gifts or payments to third parties in accordance with our expenses policy and record the reason for expenditure.
5.2 All accounts, invoices, and other records relating to dealings with third parties including suppliers and customers should be prepared with strict accuracy and completeness. Accounts must not be kept “off-book” to facilitate or conceal improper payments or for any other reason.
6. How to raise a concern
If you are offered a bribe, or are asked to make one, or if you suspect that any bribery, corruption or other breach of this policy has occurred or may occur, you must notify your manager, chair of your committee or a member of our legal department as soon as possible.