Key policies and training
We have a wide range of policies and procedures in place related to our conduct and ethics. These policies help ensure that we act with integrity and accountability in all our business dealings and relationships, in compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Anti-slavery and human trafficking
We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery in our organisation and our supply chains. The prevention, detection, and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our organisation or supply chain is the responsibility of all those working for us or on our behalf.
In support of this, we are committed to gaining a clearer understanding of how modern slavery operates in different contexts, of who is affected and how, and of the risks of modern slavery existing within our industry and supply chain. Mandatory training is provided to all our employees in relation to modern slavery, how to identify it in practice and how to respond.
We have a modern slavery risk assessment tool which enables us to risk-assess suppliers for modern slavery at onboarding, and thereafter undertake appropriate due diligence and subsequent monitoring. As part of our contracting processes with suppliers, we have standard contractual clauses for inclusion in our contracts which include a specific prohibition against the use of modern slavery and trafficked labour and a requirement to comply with our Code of Conduct, which sets out the minimum standards required to combat modern slavery and trafficking. We also offer training on modern slavery to our suppliers free of charge.
Ethical Code of Conduct This year, we launched a new global Ethical Code of Conduct. This Code will sit alongside our legal and regulatory requirements and will help bring to life how we conduct ourselves with our clients, our communities and each other in support of that commitment.
The Code is grounded in our belief that our people will instinctively act with integrity and honesty, always seeking to do the right thing, and acting in accord with any applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
All of our people are expected to adhere to the Code, know who to talk to if they have questions, and speak up if they become aware of behaviour that is inconsistent with it. We also encourage our clients and other third parties to let us know if they witness behaviour by our people that they believe is inconsistent with the Code. The Code is publicly available on our website.
WATCH:
Our global Ethical Code of Conduct - Keith Froud, International Managing Partner
Cyber security and data protection Cyber security and confidentiality are of fundamental importance for the firm and its clients.
A Data Governance Team within the Governance and Compliance in-house legal and compliance function is responsible for putting in place controls for ensuring that the firm complies with its legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations in relation to client and personal data. The Data Governance Team works closely with the IT Security team and in-house contract team to risk assess new suppliers and technology and any new use cases for existing personal data processed by the firm.
Bribery and corruption Our approach to bribery and corruption is one of zero tolerance. All people within Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP are required to act honestly and with integrity at all times and must not offer or receive gifts and hospitality that could improperly influence, or be perceived to influence, business decision making. We will not directly or indirectly engage in bribery or corruption in any form.
Everyone in our firm is required to comply with applicable anti-bribery laws and regulations, together with our own Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy (which includes guidance around the provision and receipt of gifts and hospitality and dealing with third parties).
They contain clear guidelines and strict procedures for the prevention of bribery and corruption. We expect all our business partners to have similar policies which apply to all matters involving Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP or its clients.
Whistleblowing
At Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, we are committed to ensuring that our purpose and values are reflected in how we work and behave. This includes our commitment to conduct our business with the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times.
However, all organisations face the risk of things going wrong. When that happens, it is important that people feel comfortable speaking up about it so that we can thoroughly investigate the issues and take appropriate steps.
We are fully committed to an open and accountable culture and encourage colleagues, ex-colleagues, contractors, suppliers and other third parties to raise any concerns they have with confidence that their concerns will be dealt with seriously and professionally, and that they will not suffer any consequences, retaliation or less favourable treatment as a result of speaking up in good faith. Our Whistleblowing Policy sets out our policy and process on how any concerns can be raised with us (including anonymously) and how these concerns will be investigated.
Key policies and training
We have a wide range of policies and procedures in place related to our conduct and ethics. These policies help ensure that we act with integrity and accountability in all our business dealings and relationships, in compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Anti-slavery and human trafficking
We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery in our organisation and our supply chains. The prevention, detection, and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our organisation or supply chain is the responsibility of all those working for us or on our behalf.
In support of this, we are committed to gaining a clearer understanding of how modern slavery operates in different contexts, of who is affected and how, and of the risks of modern slavery existing within our industry and supply chain. Mandatory training is provided to all our employees in relation to modern slavery, how to identify it in practice and how to respond.
We have a modern slavery risk assessment tool which enables us to risk-assess suppliers for modern slavery at onboarding, and thereafter undertake appropriate due diligence and subsequent monitoring. As part of our contracting processes with suppliers, we have standard contractual clauses for inclusion in our contracts which include a specific prohibition against the use of modern slavery and trafficked labour and a requirement to comply with our Code of Conduct, which sets out the minimum standards required to combat modern slavery and trafficking. We also offer training on modern slavery to our suppliers free of charge.
Ethical Code of Conduct This year, we launched a new global Ethical Code of Conduct. This Code will sit alongside our legal and regulatory requirements and will help bring to life how we conduct ourselves with our clients, our communities and each other in support of that commitment.
The Code is grounded in our belief that our people will instinctively act with integrity and honesty, always seeking to do the right thing, and acting in accord with any applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
All of our people are expected to adhere to the Code, know who to talk to if they have questions, and speak up if they become aware of behaviour that is inconsistent with it. We also encourage our clients and other third parties to let us know if they witness behaviour by our people that they believe is inconsistent with the Code. The Code is publicly available on our website.
WATCH:
Our global Ethical Code of Conduct - Keith Froud, International Managing Partner
Cyber security and data protection Cyber security and confidentiality are of fundamental importance for the firm and its clients.
A Data Governance Team within the Governance and Compliance in-house legal and compliance function is responsible for putting in place controls for ensuring that the firm complies with its legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations in relation to client and personal data. The Data Governance Team works closely with the IT Security team and in-house contract team to risk assess new suppliers and technology and any new use cases for existing personal data processed by the firm.
Bribery and corruption Our approach to bribery and corruption is one of zero tolerance. All people within Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP are required to act honestly and with integrity at all times and must not offer or receive gifts and hospitality that could improperly influence, or be perceived to influence, business decision making. We will not directly or indirectly engage in bribery or corruption in any form.
Everyone in our firm is required to comply with applicable anti-bribery laws and regulations, together with our own Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy (which includes guidance around the provision and receipt of gifts and hospitality and dealing with third parties).
They contain clear guidelines and strict procedures for the prevention of bribery and corruption. We expect all our business partners to have similar policies which apply to all matters involving Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP or its clients.
Whistleblowing
At Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, we are committed to ensuring that our purpose and values are reflected in how we work and behave. This includes our commitment to conduct our business with the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times.
However, all organisations face the risk of things going wrong. When that happens, it is important that people feel comfortable speaking up about it so that we can thoroughly investigate the issues and take appropriate steps.
We are fully committed to an open and accountable culture and encourage colleagues, ex-colleagues, contractors, suppliers and other third parties to raise any concerns they have with confidence that their concerns will be dealt with seriously and professionally, and that they will not suffer any consequences, retaliation or less favourable treatment as a result of speaking up in good faith. Our Whistleblowing Policy sets out our policy and process on how any concerns can be raised with us (including anonymously) and how these concerns will be investigated.