These policies are issued to all senior managers within the group, published on the global intranet and incorporated into new senior management employment contracts. Compliance with these policies is monitored as part of the group's overall internal audit programme. Group policies are reviewed annually.

Human Rights
Group 4 Securicor supports the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is committed to upholding them in its policies, procedures and practices. Respect for human rights is and will remain integral to the group's operations. The group treats its employees in accordance with accepted international human rights conventions.

We take measures to ensure that the work of our employees does not compromise internationally accepted human rights conventions, whilst recognising and respecting the diversity in values and cultures across the different continents in which we operate.

We endeavour to ensure that we work with business partners who conduct their business in a way which is compatible with our policies of respect for human rights and ethical conduct. We work with customers to ensure that contractual requirements do not infringe human rights.

Equal Opportunities & Diversity
Group 4 Securicor values all employees for their contribution to the business and opportunities for advancement are equal and not influenced by considerations other than performance, ability and aptitude. The group respects diversity and cultural differences and understands that these differences are a strength within the organisation. The group does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, colour, culture, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

Employee Relations
With such a large and diverse workforce, maintaining good employee relations is an extremely important part of the group's strategy.

Employers' obligations to employees under labour or social security laws and regulations are respected throughout the group. Business units and their employees work towards creating long-term relationships and a working environment in which team spirit and commitment to our goals is maintained. The group ensures that individual employees are treated fairly and with dignity and respect and are provided with the opportunity to develop to their full potential and to further their careers with the group.

In order to protect the interests of customers and employees, and because of the nature of our business, we apply rigorous pre-employment screening and selection techniques.

Our employment policies comply with relevant national regulatory requirements throughout our markets and we respect our obligations under labour and social security laws and regulations. Employment within the group is freely chosen with no use of forced, bonded or child labour.

Employee Participation & Representation
Group 4 Securicor and its subsidiaries respect freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining and representation in accordance with local legislation and practice.

The group and its business units work with employees and their representatives on various issues with the aim of continuously improving standards, developing operational practices and training initiatives and making representations on behalf of the industry and its workers to key influencing groups. We foster strong, long-term relationships with employees and their representatives.

Globally we have agreements with over 60 trades unions and over half of the global workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements – a number which grows annually.

Environmental Impact
The main business activity of the group involves the provision of skilled security personnel to our customers and therefore the organisation does not have a significant direct impact on the environment. However, there are a number of areas in which the group focuses on reducing its environmental impact.

Energy Usage – We aim to maximise our energy conservation through adoption of best practices. Where practicable, computerised heating, lighting and ventilation controls are installed in buildings.

Recycling & Waste Management – We are committed to recycling of materials where possible and where the means to recycle materials exist, for example:

Use of environmentally friendly products – We comply with the relevant standards on vehicle emissions and encourage business units to use diesel or unleaded petrol to fuel vehicles. Fuel conservation is achieved through enhanced vehicle design and regular maintenance to minimise any impact on the environment through inefficient fuel management and emissions.

Paper Products – Where possible, the group makes use of environmentally friendly products and services. At the group level, any major printing projects such as the annual report and accounts, interim reports and customer magazines are all printed on paper which is produced in accordance with ISO1400 environmental certification and is elementary chlorine free. Business units throughout the organisation are encouraged to consider the use of environmentally friendly products where possible.

Community Support
Employees are encouraged to get involved with their local community by offering their own time to projects and issues in the local area in which they work. Examples of this include becoming a governor of a local school and providing mentoring for children in the local community.

Sponsorship & Charitable Donations
Employee Trust Fund – The group operates an employee trust which makes awards, at the discretion of the trustees, to employees and former employees of the group who are in particular need of financial assistance, for example for urgent medical treatment.

Sponsorship Matching Programme – We have introduced a sponsorship matching programme for local projects in which business units are involved around the world. The programme allows any business unit providing funds (either corporately or raised by employees) for local community projects to seek matching funding from Group 4 Securicor plc. The scheme is subject to some simple criteria which ensure that the programme is focused on local community projects.

Recognising Community Spirit
A community award was launched during 2005 which recognises those businesses and individuals which have made a contribution to the community in which their company operates. This encourages further involvement from other employees and businesses and provides examples of best practice ideas for those businesses which have not yet developed a community programme.

Other Business Unit Initiatives
Business units throughout the organisation are encouraged to become involved in other local projects, which are not linked to the group schemes, in order to contribute to the communities in which they operate.