Code of Ethics

Basic standards of conduct:

1. We will endeavour to conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers and third parties;
2. We will respect the legitimate interests of third parties with whom we have dealings in the course of our business;
3. We will maintain the highest standards of integrity – for example, we will not promise more than we can reasonably deliver or make commitments we cannot or do not intend to keep.

Employees:

1. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees;
2. We will strive to create a workplace in which there is mutual trust and respect and where every person feels responsible for the performance and reputation of IC;
3. We will work towards achieving a diverse workplace, recruiting, employing and promoting employees only on the basis of objective criteria and the qualifications and abilities needed for the job to be performed;
4. We will maintain good communications with employees through our information and consultation procedures;
5. We will assist employees in realising their potential.
6. We have signed a pledge to help and support staff who are victims of domestic abuse. (Lead by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Staffordshire)

Customers:

We are committed to providing safe, value for money, high quality, consistent, accessible and reliable products and services to our customers

Shareholders:

1. We will conduct our operations in accordance with the principles of good corporate governance;
2. We will provide timely, regular and reliable information on the business to all our shareholders

Stakeholders

1. We aim to develop strong relationships with our suppliers, stakeholders and others with whom we have dealings, based on mutual trust, understanding and respect;
2. In those dealings, we expect our partners to adhere to business principles consistent with our own;
3. We will conduct our business operations in accordance with the principles of fair competition and applicable regulations.

Compliance with Law:

• All IC staff will make best endeavours to comply with the laws and regulations applicable wherever they do business. Appropriate training will be provided for employees as perceived necessary.

Business Integrity:

1. We will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, inducements or other improper advantages for business or financial gain and no employee may offer, give, seek or receive any gift or payment which is, or could be construed as, such. If an employee is in any doubt as to whether he or she may accept an offer, that employee should discuss the issue with his or her manager and refer to our Bribery and Corruption Policy;
2. Our accounting and other records and supporting documents must accurately describe and reflect the nature of the underlying transactions;
3. We will not facilitate, support, tolerate or condone any form of money laundering.

Environment:

1. We are committed to making continuous improvement in the management of its environmental impact;
2. We will work with our partners to promote environmental care, increase understanding of environmental issues and disseminate good practice.

Community:

• IC strives to be a good corporate citizen and to fulfil its responsibilities to the societies and communities in which it operates.

Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality:

1. Whilst we respect the privacy of our employees, all IC employees are expected to avoid personal activities and financial interests, which could conflict with their responsibilities to IC;
2. Group employees and consultants must not seek gain for themselves or others through misuse of their positions or our property;
3. All actual and potential conflicts (including those arising from the activities or interests of close relatives or partners) should be disclosed to and discussed with an employee’s line manager;
4. Information received by anyone in the course of his or her employment must not be used for personal gain or for any purpose other than that for which it was given;
5. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be respected.