Our commitment
At St Eval, we believe that doing business responsibly starts with respecting people. As a values -led, B Corp certified business, we are committed to upholding human rights across our operations and supply chains, and to acting with integrity, fairness, and care in everything we do.
This policy reflects our commitment to operating in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the Human Rights Act 1998, the UK Modern Slavery Act, and other relevant international and national human rights standards. We recognise our responsibility to prevent harm, promote dignity at work, and contribute positively to the communities and environments in which we operate.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- All St Eval employees and workers
- Contractors, agency workers, and consultants
- Suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders connected to our business activities
We expect everyone connected with St Eval to share our commitment to respecting human rights.
Policy statement
St Eval is committed to:
- Respecting human rights: We will avoid causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts through our activities and will take appropriate action to address any impacts should they arise.
- Fairness, dignity, and inclusion: We are committed to equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the basis of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or social origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or belief, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.
- Freedom of association: We respect the right of all workers to form and join trade unions of their choice and to engage in collective bargaining, in line with applicable laws and regulations.
- Safe and healthy working conditions: We are committed to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive working environment, taking proactive steps to protect the physical and mental wellbeing of our workforce.
- Zero tolerance of forced or child labour: We do not use or tolerate forced, bonded, compulsory, or child labour in any part of our operations or supply chain. We expect the same standards from our suppliers and partners.
Governance and accountability
Overall accountability for this policy sits with the Leadership Team, supported by the People Team, who are responsible for implementation, oversight, monitoring, and review. Leaders at all levels are expected to role model ethical behaviour and embed respect for human rights into day-to-day decision-making.
Raising concerns and access to remedy
We are committed to ensuring that concerns relating to human rights can be raised safely, confidentially, and without fear of retaliation.
Concerns may be raised through:
- Line managers
- The People Team
- The grievance procedure
- The whistleblowing policy (particularly for serious or sensitive matters)
Where adverse human rights impacts occur, St Eval is committed to providing or cooperating in appropriate, fair, and timely remediation, in line with the UNGPs and applicable law.
Related policies and frameworks
This policy is supported by a suite of policies and procedures that reinforce our human rights commitments, including:
- Whistleblowing Policy: Enables employees, suppliers, and business partners to raise concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
- Anti -Bribery and Corruption Policy: Sets out our zero-tolerance approach to bribery, corruption, and improper influence in all business dealings.
- Grievance Policy: Provides a clear mechanism for employees to raise concerns in good faith, without fear of detriment. External parties may raise concerns via their own procedures or St Eval’s whistleblowing process.
- Forced, Bonded and Child Labour Policy: Aligned with the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, reinforcing our commitment to ethical labour practices.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Policy: Supports a workplace culture that is safe, respectful, inclusive, and compliant with relevant legislation.
- Learning, Training and Development Policy: Ensures employees have the skills, knowledge, and awareness needed to work safely, ethically, and effectively.
- Supplier Code of Conduct: Sets clear expectations for ethical behaviour, lawful employment practices, and respect for workers throughout our supply chain.
- Health, Safety and Environmental Policy: Establishes standards and procedures to protect people, property, and the environment.
Implementation
We embed our human rights commitments into the way we operate by:
- Understanding risks and impacts: Regularly assessing actual and potential human rights risks across our operations and supply chains.
- Educating and empowering our people: Ensuring employees have access to relevant policies, guidance, and learning opportunities to strengthen ethical awareness and decision-making.
- Embedding good practice: Integrating human rights considerations into business processes, policies, and leadership expectations.
- Transparency and accountability: Being open about our practices, progress, and areas for improvement.
- Preventing harm and providing remedy: Focusing on prevention first, while maintaining appropriate mechanisms to address concerns and remedy issues where needed.
Monitoring and reporting
We monitor and review our performance through:
- Use of the B Corp framework to assess and improve our impact on workers, communities, customers, suppliers, and the environment
- Annual assessments of ethical and human rights related- risks
- Strategic planning sessions that consider internal and external risks and opportunities
- Ongoing engagement with stakeholders to understand expectations and improve communication
- Alignment with the Living Wage and Mindful Employer frameworks
Awareness and continuous improvement
We continue to raise awareness of human rights by:
- Keeping policies and procedures up to date and accessible
- Introducing new frameworks and initiatives to strengthen ethical practice
- Sharing regular updates and discussions on ethical matters, including through the Friday morning meeting.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required, to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with best practice, legislation, and St Eval’s purpose and values.