PM Business Support Services Ltd Social Responsibility Policy

The Purpose of This Policy
As a HR consultancy we are committed to fostering socially responsible practices not only in our own operations but also by guiding our clients toward ethical, sustainable, and inclusive approaches.

This policy outlines the principles we follow to ensure that our business contributes positively to society, the environment, and the well-being of those we work with.

This is not a one and done approach, this something that is work in progress and a constant reference point for us in all of the business activities and decisions we make.

Key Focus Areas
1. Environmental Sustainability
2. Ethical Business Practices
3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
4. Community Engagement
5. Professional Development and Well-being

1. Environmental Sustainability

Our Commitments
We are committed to minimising our environmental footprint by incorporating sustainability into all aspects of out business operations.

Actions we are taking
- Paperless operations: We use digital tools and processes to minimise paper use in day-to-day business, including e-contracts, cloud storage, and digital note-taking.
- Green Meetings: As much as possible we conduct virtual meetings to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel, and are moving over to energy-efficient devices for remote work.
- Offset Carbon: We are working with Play It Green to calculate and offset our carbon emissions from any necessary travel.
- Sustainable Materials: For any in-person workshops or client meetings, we use eco-friendly materials, such as reusable name tags and digital handouts.

2. Ethical Business Practices

Our Commitments
We are committed to running our business with the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, integrity, and respect in all our interactions.

Actions We Are Taking
- Transparent Pricing: We clearly outline our fees, deliverables, and timelines for clients in contracts to ensure transparent and ethical business dealings.
- Fair Employment Practices: When hiring associates or partnering with other businesses, we ensure they are compensated fairly and equitably.
- Ethical Client Relationships: We avoid working with clients whose practices are in conflict with socially responsible or ethical business standards.
- Data Privacy: We adhere to GDPR and other data protection laws to ensure client confidentiality and ethical data management.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Our Commitments
We are committed to promoting DEI both within our consultancy and in the guidance we provide to clients.

Actions We Are Taking
- DEI in Hiring: When hiring associates or assistants, we prioritise diversity and inclusive hiring practices.
- Inclusive Client Support: We encourage and advise clients to create diverse and inclusive workplaces by developing DEI initiatives, providing relevant training, and offering inclusive policy guidance.
- Continuous Learning: We regularly attend webinars, courses, and workshops focused on DEI to remain informed and bring new, inclusive practices into our consultancy.
- Inclusive Language: We ensure all client-facing documents, reports, and communications use inclusive language and avoid unconscious bias.

4. Community Engagement

Our Commitments
We pledge to contribute positively to the community by supporting local initiatives and encouraging our clients to do the same.

Actions We Are Taking
- Pro Bono Consulting: We offer a portion of my services pro bono to small non-profits, social enterprises, or local businesses that may benefit from HR consulting but have limited resources.
- Local Sponsorship: We support local community initiatives and participate in community service activities. We are currently a Guardian for Backup, a Friend with The Bereavement Cafe CIC, and sponsor LaVolta Dance Events, Bolton and Blackburn
- Volunteering: we dedicate a certain number of hours each quarter to volunteer for causes aligned with our vision and core values. Our chosen causes are volunteering as an Enterprise Adviser and are currently placed with Bolton Impact Trust and CIPD which is aligned to giving back to the very industry we work in.
- Client Engagement: We encourage clients to integrate community engagement into their HR strategies, such as through volunteer programs or charity partnerships.

5. Professional Development and Well-being

Our Commitments
We commit to ongoing personal development and promoting well-being, ensuring we are the best version of ourselves to serve our clients and communities effectively.

Actions We Are Taking
- Continuous Education: we regularly update our HR knowledge by taking courses on emerging trends such as CSR, employee well-being, and mental health support.
- Personal Well-being: We maintain work-life balance by setting boundaries with clients and taking time for rest and self-care, ensuring we bring the best self to each project.
- Mindfulness in Business: We incorporate mindfulness practices into our daily work routine, promoting mental clarity and focus.
- Mentorship: We offer mentorship to aspiring HR professionals, sharing our experience and insights to help them grow in the field.
- Spreading the word: We regularly share our learnings and journey to ensure others benefit.

6. Measurement and Accountability

Our Commitments
We commit to regularly reviewing our social responsibility practices and making improvements based on the outcomes.

Actions We Are Taking
- Track Impact: We keep a record of our environmental impacts, community service hours, and DEI-related actions to measure progress.
- Annual Review: We conduct an annual review of our CSR efforts, assessing what worked and where we can improve. We share this with clients or peers as a way to demonstrate accountability. Our next review is due in March 2025.
- Client Feedback: We regularly ask clients for feedback on our approach to social responsibility to understand how we can better support their CSR goals.

7. Staying Updated and Agile

Our Commitments
We stay informed on social responsibility trends and remain flexible in adopting new practices that enhance our CSR commitment.

Actions We Are Taking
- Subscribe to CSR Resources: We stay informed by subscribing to newsletters, blogs, and journals that focus on CSR trends and best practices.
- Professional Networks: We participate in HR and CSR networks that promote socially responsible business practices.
- Agile Adaptation: As social responsibility trends evolve, we remain open to revising policies, offering new services related to CSR, and suggesting new tools or strategies to clients.