Key principles AAT recognises that its operations inevitably have an impact on wider environmental, economic and social issues. These issues are an integral part of our quality management process and we believe that placing emphasis on them gives the right message to our employees, members, suppliers and other key stakeholders and demonstrates our awareness of, and concern for, the wider community.

We are committed to continuous improvements in environmental, economic and social sustainability.

We will comply with all European law applicable to environmental legislation, regulations, approved codes of practice and other external requirements applicable to our business.

We will continuously develop our CSR policy by:

• measuring and reporting our performance

• identifying opportunities and taking action where practical to meet legal obligations and improve sustainability

• identifying adverse impacts and risks, and where possible mitigate these

• promoting our CSR policy and gain buy in from all our employees and other key stakeholders

• embedding our CSR policy and practice into all our management systems, standards, processes and procedures.

ScopeThis policy applies to all employees of AAT.

Social responsibility

‘Responsibility of an organisation for the impacts of its decisions and activities on society and the environment, through transparent and ethical behaviour that:

• contributes to sustainable development, including health and the welfare of society

• takes into account the expectations of stakeholders

• is in compliance with applicable law and consistent with international norms of behaviour

• is integrated throughout the organisation and practised in its relationships.’

ISO 26000 2010

Corporate social responsibility for AAT

Goal Strategy

To reduce the environmental impact of AAT operations and protect natural resources wherever possible.

We will:

• reduce, reuse and recycle wherever practical

• increase the use of sustainable materials

• ensure that all decisions regarding working practices and purchasing take relevant environmental considerations into account for the medium and long term and not only the short term

• train and encourage all employees to work in an environmentally responsible manner and ensure our communications raise awareness and keep all employees and interested parties informed

• ensure that members, suppliers and contractors with whom we have dealings are likewise environmentally minded in their approach to business

• monitor energy utility use.

Environmental sustainability for AAT is about using resources in the most efficient way and reducing our carbon footprint.

Environmentalsustainability

Goal Strategy

To improve the economic value to society from our services through growth and diversification.

We will:

• regularly review our procedures and practices and identify opportunities and actions for improvements to economic security

• adhere with AAT’s pricing policy to ensure all products and services are priced at a sustainable level

• earn and maintain the trust and respect of our stakeholders

• apply environmental, social and ethical criteria to the procurement of goods and services, and ensure wherever possible that all products purchased that are derived from natural resources are from sustainable sources

• make funds available for investment in diversification - increase income generated from commercial activities - reduce costs through effective procurement of goods and services

• manage risks appropriately and continuously monitor them, taking actions where appropriate

• pursue the opportunities that additional non-regulated courses and/or other resources on sustainability topics could provide to our members and other relevant audiences.

Economic sustainability for AAT is about exceeding the expectations of our members, suppliers and stakeholders while providing highly valued services and products.

Economicsustainability

Goal Strategy

To have highly engaged and diverse employees.

We will:

• measure employee engagement annually and take action to improve it

• recruit and retain high potential and high performing individuals through appropriate reward policies

• train and develop our employees as a way of shaping the culture and behaviour in the organisation

• implement effective and appropriate diversity policies

• maintain high standards of health and safety.

To continuously improve the standards and quality of our products and services, and our reputation in the marketplace.

We will:

• develop a sound understanding of the roles within the society in which we operate

• be open to new ideas, practices and ways of thinking, and challenge our existing methods

• continue to build solid stakeholder relations – identifying key stakeholders, engaging in consultation and balancing demands

• value and harness diversity and adjust our approach as appropriate

• aim to enable more disadvantaged members to have access to our qualifications and services

• consider how we can have a positive impact on our local social and business community

• work with overseas partners on sustainability initiatives

• investigate the feasibility of making changes to the content of regulated AAT courses to include sustainability-related elements

• explore opportunities for training providers to improve their impacts.

Social sustainability for AAT is about both our employees and our stakeholders. We believe we need to lead, inspire and excite our employees, while providing a safe and fair working environment and a commitment to equal opportunities for all. We believe this will help us to deliver the best possible services and products for our members and all other stakeholders.

Socialsustainability

Commitmentimplementationmonitoring and review

Commitment to our CSR activities Our actions are by no means limited to those mentioned in this policy. Each AAT team is expected to discuss and review its own actions and include them in their AAT Way promises.

Implementation, monitoring and review This revised policy will take effect from 10 March 2011. The Head of HR has overall responsibility for implementing and monitoring this policy, which will be reviewed on a regular basis (at least annually) and additionally whenever there are relevant changes in legislation or to our working practices.

Any employee who feels this policy is being breached should raise this with the Head of HR. Any general queries or comments about this policy should also be addressed to the Head of HR.

Association of Accounting Technicians 140 Aldersgate Street London EC1A 4HY

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