1.0 Introduction
Essential Bullion is committed to the highest standards of business and ethical behaviour including compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as company policies, practices and procedures. Essential Bullion respects internationally recognised Human Rights as established in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Labour Organisation’s Core Conventions.
In line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Essential Bullion recognises the corporate responsibility to respect these principles and commit to ‘know and show’ this through on-going human rights due diligence. Furthermore, our efforts include ongoing robust engagement with our business and major supply chain partners to mitigate potential human rights impacts beyond our direct control.
Our support of internationally recognised Human Rights is consistent with our dedication to enriching our workplace, partnering with our supply chain, preserving the environment and supporting the communities where we operate.
1.1 Responsible Sourcing
We have a large and diverse extended supply chain and we recognise the critical role our suppliers play in helping us to source responsibly and sustainably. Our Responsible Sourcing Policy sets out our expectations with regards to the respect for the human rights, including labour rights, of the workers in our extended supply chain.
We will only work with suppliers who implement our Responsible Sourcing Policy. They must agree to ensure transparency, to remedy any shortcomings, and to drive continuous improvement. Our Responsible Sourcing Policy contains clear requirements and guidance on grievance mechanisms.
2.0 Policy Objectives
The objective of Essential Bullion’s documented policies (as set out in Essential Bullion’s Code of Conduct for Employees and Essential Bullion’s Code of Conduct for Suppliers) is to provide an overview of expectations for employees and business partners.
In addition, the Human Rights policy exists to:
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Inform employees, business partners and customers of Essential Bullion’s commitment to human rights.
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Establish Essential Bullion’s commitment to ‘know and show’ its respect for human rights through on-going human rights due diligence.
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Maintain Essential Bullion’s high ethical standards.
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Contribute to the realisation of human rights globally.
3.0 Policy Scope
Essential Bullion’s Human Rights Policy applies to all Essential Bullion employees worldwide, anyone doing business for or with Essential Bullion and others acting on Essential Bullion’s behalf. This applies to all locations where Essential Bullion conducts business and to all company-sponsored events.
4.0 Definitions
Human rights are basic rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, place of residence, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, ormany other status.
5.0 Guidelines
Essential Bullion conducts its business in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of all people, complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Our policies reflect our commitment to respecting the protection of internationally recognised Human Rights.
5.1 All employment with Essential Bullion is voluntary. We do not believe in the use of child or forced labour in any of our operations or facilities. We do not tolerate any form of unacceptable treatment of workers, including but not limited to the exploitation of children, physical punishment or abuse, or involuntary servitude. We fully respect all applicable laws establishing a minimum age for employment, in order to support the effective abolition of child labour worldwide.
5.2 Essential Bullion abides by all laws and regulations regarding pay practices and the classification of employment according to job level and status.
5.3 We respect our employees’ right to choose to join or not join a trade union, or to have recognised employee representation in accordance with local law.
5.4 Diversity is embraced at Essential Bullion. We recognise that a diverse mix of backgrounds, skills and experiences drives new ideas, products, and services and provides us with a sustained competitive advantage.:
5.5 We believe everyone should be treated with respect regardless of their background. We are committed to the elimination of discrimination based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected class.
5.6 The Group Supply Chain Management System includes the requirement for all suppliers, vendors, contractors, consultants and agents to adhere to Essential Bullion’s Labour standards and Code of Conduct policies.
Codes of Conduct and principles.
In addition to this, Essential Bullion is committed to the following principles:
5.7 Essential Bullion respects all human rights.
5.8 Essential Bullion commits to conducting on-going human rights due diligence to assess and mitigate potential human rights infringements.
5.9 Essential Bullion expects those with whom it does business to respect all human rights.
6.0 Responsibility
The Human Rights policy is owned and maintained by Essential Bullion’s Human Resources function. Human Resources is responsible for the creation, administration, updating and communication of the policy.
7.0 Compliance
Employees and suppliers are expected to comply with this and all applicable Essential Bullion policies. Violation of this policy or the refusal to cooperate will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination and referral to the appropriate authorities, where we have sound reason to believe that our partner organisations infringe Human Rights we reserve the right to cease those relationships as warranted. Specific to this policy, employees and suppliers are expected to:
7.1 Never infringe on human rights.
7.2 Be alert to any evidence of human rights infringements in our direct operations or in the operations of our business partners and report any situation in which a human rights infringement is suspected.
8.0 References
This policy reinforces other relevant policies including the No Child or Forced Labour policy, Diversity policy, Freedom of Association policy and Wage and Hour Practices policy. For further information regarding human rights, please refer to:
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights: http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
• International Labour Organisation’s Core Conventions: