Our Code of Conduct
SKILLSET possesses a unique culture
based on several solid values and
principles with special emphases on
honesty, integrity and obligations
Fulfillment.
Following this perspective,
SKILLSET development an
Ethical Code of conduct that
is adopted by our staff,
partners and any collaborating
firms and staff to ensure the
provision of professional and
ethical services.
Our Code brings together all that makes skillset unique. Building on our purpose, which explains why we’re here, Our Code provides a stronger, more trusting relationships with our clients.
Our Code of conduct consolidates our commitment to do what is right and building an ethical culture throughout skillset.
It sets out our standards and expectations on the issues that matter to us, it is a guide for making good choices and living.
Creating a Respectful Work Environment
Together, we create a nurturing environment where each of us can be ourselves, feel valued and safe, and enabled to perform at our best.
We celebrate our differences and treat everyone fairly and with respect, including those we interact with outside our organization.
Bullying
Bullying can take many forms including threatening or distressing language or behavior, physical or verbal intimidation or discrimination, .
These may be associated with an abuse or misuse of power. None are acceptable.
We value and respect each other.
We are committed to providing a work environment where all can contribute, free from the fear.
All colleagues are expected to be role models, aware of their own behavior and how this may affect others.
Anyone who observes bullying must report and take steps to prevent it.
We treat any allegations of bullying seriously and ensure we implement our policies and procedures impartially, swiftly and fairly.
Acting Inclusively & Embracing Equality & Diversity
Ensuring that we have a diverse workforce, whose talents are harnessed through inclusive cultures and behaviors, is one of the ways we live and breathe our purpose every day.
We commit to creating equitable, accessible and inclusive working environments where trust, respect and psychological safety are the norm.
We do not tolerate any form of discrimination, including where characteristics are protected by law, which may include: age, caring responsibilities, caste, class/social mobility, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, neurodiversity, nationality, parental status, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.
Everyone has a role to play in making our work environments more inclusive, so that all colleagues feel able to be themselves and perform at their best. This includes our shared responsibility for being allies and respectfully challenging and reporting behavior that is not acceptable.
Operating Safely
We are committed to behaving and operating safely. Everyone has a right to go home without harm to their physical or mental health.
If we can’t perform a task safely, we won’t do it.
Through application of safe systems of work and strong leadership, supported by a comprehensive training programs, we aim for zero harm – part of our duty of care to all we work with.
We commit to complying with all local legal and regulatory requirements and to fulfilling the requirements and processes relevant to our contracted and professional roles, working to our standards where they are higher.
We all have a role to play in identifying, assessing and mitigating risks, and speaking up and intervening if we observe or suspect unsafe practices. We will stop work when necessary to prevent an unsafe situation developing.
We all have a personal responsibility to come to work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs – including prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Performance and judgement must never be impaired.
All safety incidents, no matter how minor, must be reported, so that action can be taken to prevent recurrence and promote learning.
Valuing Health and Wellbeing
Our goals as an organization depend on each of us being able to thrive and achieve our full potential.
We know that good health and wellbeing support a good business.
So we are committed to creating an open and honest culture where everyone is able to be happy, healthy and safe.
We encourage all colleagues to develop a broad understanding of wellbeing and to take ownership and responsibility by applying the five ways to wellbeing: to keep learning, which boosts self-esteem, to connect with family, friends, colleagues and community, to take notice of and engage with what is going on around us; to give attention, time and energy to something worthwhile outside work, and to be active, because any and all forms of exercise are mentally as well as physically beneficial.
We promote agile working, which enables flexibility in managing the demands of work and home life, while remaining productive and connected.
Respect, inclusion, equality and safety are all fundamental to our wellbeing culture.
Conducting Our Business With Integrity
We commit to business practices that are responsible, fair and promote the highest standards of integrity.
We comply with all legal and regulatory requirements and respect the customs and culture of the countries we operate in.
Preventing Bribery and Corruption
Simply, we do not tolerate any form of bribery or corruption. They can cause harm to SKILLSET, cause clients and business partners to lose trust in us and damage the communities in which we work.
We are committed to countering all forms of bribery and corruption.
We support initiatives to eliminate them, and work to continually improve our anti-bribery and corruption systems and practices.
We comply with all anti-bribery and corruption laws and will never offer or accept bribes, kickbacks or other improper payments.
We prohibit improper payments including to secure permits or approvals, and small payments to speed up a routine government process (often known as ‘facilitation payments’).
We conduct due diligence to mitigate the risk that colleagues or those working on our behalf will be exposed to bribery or corruption when working on projects or providing services.
Anyone who suspects bribery or corruption is taking place must report it.
All allegations of bribery are investigated. Appropriate follow-up steps are taken, with breaches reported to the police and other relevant authorities when necessary.
Fraud
Any fraudulent and dishonest conduct is unacceptable, within our organization or in those we do business with. Fraud can take many forms, including false representation, failing to disclose information and abuse of position.
It is important we are all vigilant to identify and report fraudulent or dishonest conduct.
Exchanging Gifts and Hospitality
Exchanging gifts and hospitality can generate goodwill and be part of building and strengthening business relationships.
However, we do not offer or accept gifts or hospitality that could appear to create an improper advantage for SKILLSET, or improperly influence us or any third party.
Everyone working for or with us must use good judgement and ensure their actions cannot be viewed as inappropriate or constitute a bribe.
Before offering or accepting any gift or hospitality, we consider if it is part of a regular pattern, or if it places an obligation to deliver something in return.
Close attention is paid to the timing of any gifts or hospitality, which must never be offered or accepted during a tender process.
Particular care is taken when dealing with government or public officials or making charitable donations to ensure that such transactions do not breach anti-bribery or corruption laws.
All gifts and hospitality above set limits must be discussed with line management and included within the skillset’s gifts and hospitality register.
Competing Fairly
We support open and transparent markets where businesses can compete fairly.
This builds trust and provides the best value and outcomes for our clients, their customers and society.
In our dealings, we respect competition and anti-trust laws as well as the ethical practices of the jurisdictions in which we work, adhering to Our Code where that provides the higher standard.
We do not engage in anti-competitive agreements or behavior, such as dividing or sharing markets, price fixing, limiting production or output, bid-rigging, collusive tendering or other cartel behavior.
When exchanging information with a third party, we respect confidentiality.
We do not exchange commercially sensitive information with competitors.
If unilateral disclosures of commercially sensitive information or other anti-competitive behavior are identified, we will cease the communication and take clear and immediate steps to remove ourselves.
Any anti-competitive practices must be reported.
All allegations of anti-competitive behavior are investigated. We take appropriate follow-up steps and inform relevant authorities when appropriate.
Treating Our Clients, Suppliers and Partners Fairly
The support of our clients, suppliers and partners is essential to the long-term success, resilience and sustainability of our business.
Mutual respect and good governance underpin all our business relationships.
We seek to work only with those who share our values and operate in a manner consistent with Our Code – in their dealings with us and within their own supply chains. We conduct due diligence checks on our clients, suppliers and partners.
We communicate our expectations, monitor performance and address any issues. This includes withdrawing from contracts if our standards are not being met.
We work innovatively with suppliers and partners to procure goods and services sustainably and ethically and to deliver services to our clients at the optimum value and required quality.
We endeavor to treat our supply chain fairly and consistently, and to pay them in line with contractual obligations.
We aim to always provide open and honest feedback on performance, and to be open to feedback on our own performance from others.
