Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that every person in the world is entitled to. Here at Russell Group, we take our responsibility of protecting the human rights of our employees very seriously and have a number of measures in place to ensure these rights are not violated.

These include:

• A modern slavery and human trafficking policy
• An anti-bribery and corruption policy
• A whistleblowing policy
• Health and safety policies
• Road safety policies
• Equal opportunities policy
• A commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040.

Our Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy

We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in Russell Group or in any of our supply chains.

The policy applies to all persons working for or on behalf of Russell Group in any capacity, including employees at all levels, directors, officers, agency workers, contractors, external consultants, third-party representatives, and business partners.

Our Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

Russell Group condemns any form of bribery or corruption. Engaging in corrupt behaviour is not compatible with how our organisation conducts business and it is against our business compliance. This policy defines the framework and provides guidance on how to act accordingly.

Our Whistleblowing Policy

We encourage all colleagues, workers, customers, and other business partners to report any concerns related to the activities of the business or supply chain. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to a risk of modern slavery or human trafficking.

Our whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for disclosures to be made, without fear of retaliation. Employees, customers, or others can use the crime stoppers helpline to report their concerns as well as escalating to a company Director.

Our Health and Safety Policies

Everyone has a right to life, health, and safety. As an employer, we are committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our employees and other people who might be affected by our business activities. Our health and safety policies and procedures clearly state our overall safety objectives and commitment to a positive health and safety culture and performance.

These policies and procedures are communicated to all employees and interested parties. In addition to safety policies and procedures, our employees have access to wellbeing services through our employee benefit scheme.

Our Road Safety Policies

Promoting road safety within our business is important in protecting the right to life, health, and safety. We have several road safety policies for our sites and promote road safety in training courses and health and safety campaigns.

Our Equal Opportunities Policy

We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all current and prospective employees regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership (collectively referred to as Protected Characteristics).

This policy sets out our approach to equal treatment and the avoidance of discrimination at work. It applies to all aspects of employment with us, including recruitment, pay and conditions, training, performance reviews, promotion, conduct at work, formal procedures (e.g., disciplinary and grievance) and termination of employment.

Our Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions by 2040

Climate change is impacting more than the environment, it is impacting mass migration, food and water restrictions, and potentially triggering political upheaval – all of which hold severe human rights implications. It is therefore vital that we work to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and be Net-Zero by 2040.

Russell Group is committed to protecting human rights in all our activities. We believe that human rights are essential for a just and equitable society, and we will continue to work to uphold these rights and ensure that everyone who interacts with our business is treated with dignity and respect.