Introduction
We believe that good business conduct – behaving responsibly – is important.
Our values are based on two goals:
- Doing the right thing – making the right choices about what we choose to do, and not do. We are well-informed, fair, objective, innovative and consider the wider consequences for every stakeholder.
- Doing things right – making the right choices about how we do things. We take personal responsibility, act with integrity, empathise, challenge ourselves and others, consult and listen.
We will continue to prioritise ‘doing the right thing’ over maximising profit. This approach enables us to develop our employees, focus on wellbeing, build sustainable client relationships and provide opportunities for our people to grow.
Corporate Responsibility
Our programmes and initiatives promote corporate responsibility and support the communities in which we live and work. We are an accredited Living Wage Employer and a signatory to the Prompt Payment Code. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and work with innovative social change charity Making the Leap to provide apprenticeship opportunities in our company.
As a business we endorse and support the UN Global Compact and its Ten Principles relating to human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Our business activities are consistent with the Global Compact principles and we will support and promote the principles as we work.
Wellbeing
We operate a fully flexible working model, where our employees can work from home or from our shared office space. The wellbeing of our employees is paramount and they are encouraged to be active and healthy through options such as:
- Subsidising or funding an activity club membership they attend regularly
- Contributing to exercise class fees
- Subsidising or funding competition and participation fees (e.g. walking, running, cycling, swimming, biathlon and triathlon race fees)
- Sponsorship donations to recognised charities linked to employee activities
- Free walking and running shoes scheme
Protecting our Environment
We consider the environmental impact of everything we do. We operate a paperless office, recycle our waste, drink sustainable tea and coffee and work in offices committed to reducing their carbon footprint. We offer a cycle to work scheme and lease low-impact cars (fully electric or hydrogen fuel cell) to help negate the environmental impact of commuting.
Modern Slavery (Policy Extract – last updated 1 April 2024)
Our Business
Pathlight is a UK-based specialist professional services firm providing consultancy and assurance (including “Skilled Person” reporting) services, particularly to the Financial Services sector. We operate primarily within the UK and our supply chains are relatively simple. Our services mainly consist of governance, risk, regulatory and compliance consulting and advisory services. We do not directly engage in manufacturing or the trade of physical goods.
While we are a small consulting firm with a turnover under £36 million and therefore not legally required to produce a Modern Slavery Act statement, we recognise the importance of transparency and our responsibility to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. Hence, while our direct risk of modern slavery and human trafficking is generally low, this Policy reflects our commitment and determination to eliminate these abuses.
We are a ICAEW registered firm subject to the ICAEW supervision and quality assurance. We operate a fully flexible working model, where our employees can work from home or from our offices.
Risk Assessment
Our Firm-Wide Risk Assessment includes modern slavery and human trafficking risks and related mitigating controls.
Employment and Contracting Terms and Conditions
We ensure that our team has freely chosen to work for Pathlight and are not subject to unduly onerous working conditions. Measures include reasonable full time working hours, generous holiday entitlement together with fully paid sickness and compassionate leave, reasonable notice periods. We are a Living Wage employer, and all staff receive more than the relevant adult living wage, including interns.
Training
We ensure that our employees are aware of the risks and indicators of modern slavery and human trafficking, and know how to report any concerns they may have.
Our Supply Chain
The professional services industry is generally regarded as low risk for modern slavery and human trafficking. At Pathlight, we procure services from third parties such as technology firms, shared office space providers, managed service providers and contractors for specific client engagements. We expect our suppliers to comply with relevant regulations and legislation on modern slavery and trafficking and urge them to take steps to reduce the potential risks within their businesses.
We conduct due diligence on our suppliers which includes modern slavery and human trafficking due diligence. This includes the following steps to minimise the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain:
- Supplier Selection: We work with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to ethical business practices. In the UK, we ensure our suppliers comply with the Modern Slavery Act requirement to issue an appropriate statement on their responsibility and commitment to combat modern slavery and human trafficking
- Communication: We maintain open lines of communication with our suppliers and will address any concerns that arise regarding their labour practices, either through our direct knowledge or arising from adverse media coverage