Environmental, social & governance policy

Sharps Bedrooms takes a responsible approach to the integration of its environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) considerations into its management processes and practices on the premise that these factors can have a significant impact upon financial and business performance.

Responsible business policies can be presented in many forms and at Sharps includes key statements on the website, a range of policy documents covering different areas of policy, both statutory and non-statutory.

Sharps commits itself to:-

• Building a long term, sustainable business, which will grow, provide employment and generate economic benefit in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. 
• Responsible investment which requires proper analysis, judgement and mitigation of risk. 
• Conducting our business fairly, honestly and transparently;
• Taking a responsible approach to our business, our employees, suppliers and local communities, the environment and society.

The three main areas of focus for responsible investment and business behaviour relate to the environmental and social impact of any business’s activity, and the manner in which our business is managed. Together, these factors are known as Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (‘ESG’). ESG processes and procedures focus on non-financial performance indicators that address a company’s approach towards responsible investment, sustainability, its impact on society and the environment, as well as other ethical and corporate governance considerations.

The depletion of natural resources and the threat of climate change have raised concerns about the environment and the potential financial impact on businesses. Sustainable options are increasingly being considered as part of investment choices. The issues are diverse but the main areas are:

• Sustainability of resources 
• Factors contributing to climate change  
• Efficient energy consumption 
• Responsible disposal of hazardous waste 
• The impact of climate change on businesses

Inclusion, diversity and equality are becoming more important considerations in relation to the way in which businesses operate and can generate competitive advantage; with these areas attracting increasing scrutiny from a range of stakeholders. In particular, there are increasing commercial benefits for businesses which have inclusive and diverse work ethics and practices; and we look at the impact a company has on its employees, local communities and society. The main areas of consideration are: 

• Preservation of human rights, and avoidance of any complicity in human rights abuses 
• Equality and diversity amongst employees 
• Non-discriminatory employment practices 
• Ensuring there is no exploitation of child labour or indentured servitude 
• Health and safety 
• Animal welfare 
• Corporate donations

Corporate governance covers the rights and responsibilities of the management of a company – its structures, corporate values and accountability processes. This relates to the following areas: — 

• Management structure 
• power balance between the CEO and Board, appropriate checks and balances for members of the management team 
• Employee relations and workplace grievances 
• Executive remuneration 
• Corporate Codes of Conduct and Policies

Sharps Core ESG principles are set out below and are regularly reviewed. Sharps seeks to: — 

• Build and maintain a long-term, sustainable business, which will grow, provide employment and generate economic benefit in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
• Ensuring that we and our trading partners always respect human rights and ensure that there is no exploitation of child labour. Working with our trading partners/suppliers to ensure that they know and follow our supplier codes of conduct and work with us to continuously improve the sustainability of both our business and their own.
• Complying with all applicable environmental laws and tracking and reducing negative environmental impact. This includes acting responsibly with respect to the environment, aiming for a sustainable approach to the use of resources and energy, and tracking and reducing negative environmental impact. This includes the use and disposal of natural resources, energy, dust, hazardous waste, packaging, and others.
• Always comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law, wherever it applies.  
• Ensure that it takes a responsible approach to investing throughout its investment cycle and recognises the potential impact of businesses on the environment, workers, communities and society, as well as the potential impact of climate change on the Sharps business.
• Ensure there is no bribery or corruption in any of our dealings.
• Act with integrity at all times in all our dealings. 
• Always be non-discriminatory (whether on grounds of gender, race or disability), and adopt equality and diversity in our employment practices.
• Ensure that our management structures and policies reflect the need for transparency, accountability, equality and probity in the management of our businesses. 
• Comply with and inform industry standard ESG guidelines and best practices, and actively manage ESG considerations and risks effectively. 
• Be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.

We have incorporated these principles into our business processes and practices.