Ethical and Operational Policy - Creative Spread Ltd (CSL)

Background and Purpose -

Why have an ethical and operational policy?

To maintain standards and quality in a rapidly changing business arena. 

We believe in doing business differently from the old models and paradigms of capitalist based ventures.  These are our core values such as trust, honesty, openness and respect, dignity.

It could be considered that in the rapidly changing world so many businesses are rushing to cope with keeping their heads above water.  We believe we need to take time to reflect, review and consider our business practices on a frequent basis to ensure that our core values are met.

Within our business we encourage a culture of enquiry to listen to our team members whatever their position and job role, to motivate ourselves and others to enable a creative, innovative and energetic team. 

What this means for CSL and Creative Breads Kitchen (CBK)

In our team that we challenge each other constructively to drive each others performance.

Who is it for?

We follow the standards as set out by: Notes from Institute of Business Ethics.  'Business Ethics for SMEs', Date: December 2007 (updated Jan 2010) Issue 6.

• We will provide products and services giving good value and consistent quality, reliability and safety.
• We will not knowingly sell products which harm our customers.
• We will treat all employees with equal respect and dignity and will provide them with equality of opportunity to develop themselves and their careers.
• We undertake to pay our suppliers and contractors in accordance with agreed terms.
• We seek to compete fairly. We do not solicit or offer bribes or other improper advantages for business or financial gain.
• We will protect the interests of shareholders and other investors and will not do anything which will advantage one class of investor at the expense of another.
• We are committed to developing and maintaining good relationships with our local community, and to regularly supporting community activities.

'Business Ethics for SMEs', Date: December 2007 (updated Jan 2010) Issue 6.

What we believe to be important internally and externally are:

• We treat our customers as we would our friends.
• We look to develop positive and healthy relationships with each other, our customers and the wider local community.  Examples include working closely with two local charities HIVE and NEET.
• We at all times seek to do no harm to others or the environment.
• Wherever possible we seek to source products and services which enable the most positive benefit(S) and the least harm to our environment.
• We regard our environment as our team space, the local community and the earth as a whole.
• We believe in a culture of open discussion and sharing of ideas and mutual trust so that when there is an issue or a difficulty we can converse to ensure splitting doesn't happen within the team.  Consequently this enables a real sense of belonging, involving and safety.
• We think that our work should be fun and that we engage positively to challenge each other rather than seeing situations as problems.
• We believe honestly in our statement 'Looking after you,' in that we look after each other and want to provide the best outcome for you rather than for just  financial gain.
• We are eager to help and source products and services of the best quality and at an affordable price.
• We have an informal check in and check out system to support each other and give team members the opportunity to give each other feedback on how they are feeling.
• We believe that positive attitudes and attributes of our team are as important as qualifications and that everyone has the capacity to learn and develop.

What we believe are our ethical responsibilities and commitments to be:

• To provide products when possible that are organic, locally sourced and affordable and of high quality to our customers.
• None of our products are tested on animals.
• Wherever possible we source our products as close to our shop as possible and encourage others to the same.
• We recycle all of our packaging, wood, plaster board etc.
• We are a polite, professional and approachable team and continue to strive for this in all of our business transactions. 

How we will we implement and review our ethical and policy?

• Everyone in the team has had input into the development of this policy and has personal responsibility to understand, contribute and review.
• The review of this policy will be yearly.