Corporate Social Responsibility Policy

Hydram recognises its corporate and social responsibilities to its customers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders and is committed to conducting its business in a manner which achieves sustainable growth whilst fulfilling legal and moral obligations.

We aim to achieve our business objectives in a caring and responsible manner whilst recognising the economic, social and environmental impacts of our activities. There are four principles that formulate our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy:

Excellent Customer Service

We strive to trade with integrity within the marketplace, from our customers to our suppliers. In making choices around our suppliers, we integrate social and environmental criteria into the vetting process.

We do not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, inducements or other improper advantages for personal or financial gain. No employee may offer, give, seek or receive any gift or payment which is, or could be construed as such. For further information, please see our Bribery and Corruption Policy.

We seek to be honest and fair in our relationships with our customers, and will provide the standards of products and services that have been agreed; whilst taking all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and quality of the products we produce. Hydram is certified to the Quality Management Standard ISO 9001.

Environment and Sustainability

We recognise and understand the importance of protecting the environment in which we operate. We are fully committed to minimising the impact that running our business has on the environment and we encourage our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to do the same.

Hydram is aware that its business activities could result in various environmental impacts and will comply with all relevant legislative, regulatory and other environmental requirements in order to act in a socially responsible manner. We will strive to continuously improve our environmental performance.

Hydram will prevent pollution and protect its employees and surrounding communities in which it operates by employing safe technologies and operating procedures as well as being prepared for emergencies.

Hydram will strive to prevent releases into the atmosphere, land or water. We will minimise the amount of waste generated and will ensure the safe treatment and disposal of waste. We will monitor and minimise our carbon footprint by the implementation and ongoing energy and fuel-efficient measures. For further information please see our Environmental Policy. Hydram is certified to the Environmental Management System Standard ISO14001. This helps the company make day to day operations more sustainable.

Workplace

Hydram recognises that its people are our greatest asset. We encourage open and honest communication between staff and management. We achieve this through twice yearly business plan presentations, regular bulletins, daily production meetings between production managers and supervisors, weekly team briefings between supervisors and their respective teams and monthly meetings with the Works Council Representatives.

Developing future talent is fundamental to Hydram. Apprenticeship and graduate schemes have been running successfully within the business for a number of years. We are committed to high standards of health and safety, recognizing our duty and the benefits of providing safe working conditions for all our employees and contractors. Hydram is certified to the Occupational Health and Safety Standard ISO 45001. For further details please see our Health & Safety Policy.

We provide equal opportunities to all existing and prospective employees recognizing that our reputation is dependent on the quality, effectiveness and skill base of our employees. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination, bullying or harassment. The company’s policies and procedures are contained within the company handbook, which is available to all employees.

Community Engagement

As a responsible organisation Hydram strives to have a positive impact in the community by giving something back. Our relationship with our local community is very important to us and is an essential part in the growth of our business.

We are committed to in the first instance supplying local employment and creating educational partnerships with our local schools and colleges. We provide information, advice and guidance to young people from across the region, in the form of site tours, school talks and extended work placement opportunities, allowing young people from year primary to university ages the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their future with the STEM industries.

Hydram are also keen to support local causes. Each year we support local charities such as Butterwick Hospice and St Teresa’s, through the donation of money or sponsoring one of their organised events, such as the Butterwick Colour Run. We sponsor local community events for example the Chilton Gala Day. We also sponsor local sporting events such as the Aycliffe 10km run.