Ethics Policy

Overview

Eckersley’s Pty Limited’s (Eckersley’s) purpose for this ethics policy is to establish a culture of openness, trust and integrity in business practices. Effective ethics is a team effort involving the participation and support of every Eckersley’s employee. All employees should familiarise themselves with the ethics guidelines that follow this introduction.

Eckersley’s is committed to protecting employees, partners, vendors and the company from illegal or damaging actions by individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly. When Eckersley’s addresses issues proactively and uses correct judgement, it will help set us apart from competitors.

Eckersley’s will not tolerate any wrongdoing or impropriety at any time. Eckersley’s will take appropriate measures to act quickly in correcting any issue if the ethical code is broken. Any infractions of this code of ethics will not be tolerated.

Purpose

Our purpose for publishing this ethics policy is to emphasise the expectation that employees and consumers are treated fairly through ethical business practices. This policy serves as a guide to ethical conduct throughout our business.

Scope

This policy applies to employees, contractors, consultants, temporary staff and other workers at Eckersley’s, including all personnel affiliated with third parties and associated suppliers.

Executive Commitment to Ethics

Management within Eckersley’s must set a prime example. In all business practices, honesty and integrity must be a top priority.

Executives must maintain an open-door policy and welcome suggestions and concerns from employees. This approach encourages constructive discussion and helps identify workplace concerns.

Executives must disclose any conflicts of interest regarding their position within Eckersley’s.

Employee Commitment to Ethics

Eckersley’s employees will treat everyone fairly, show mutual respect, promote teamwork and avoid unethical or compromising practices.

Every employee must apply effort and intelligence in maintaining ethical values.

Employees must disclose any conflicts of interest regarding their position within Eckersley’s.

Employees will help increase customer and vendor satisfaction by providing quality products and timely responses to enquiries.

Company Awareness

Promotion of ethical conduct within interpersonal communications of employees will be encouraged and rewarded.

Eckersley’s will promote a trustworthy and honest atmosphere that reinforces ethical behaviour throughout the company.

Maintaining Ethical Practices

Eckersley’s will reinforce the importance of integrity throughout the organisation. Every employee is expected to maintain an ethical stance and support ethical behaviour.

Employees should encourage open dialogue, seek honest feedback and treat everyone fairly, honestly and objectively.

Unethical Behaviour

Eckersley’s will avoid the intent and appearance of unethical or compromising practices in relationships, actions and communications.

Eckersley’s will not tolerate harassment or discrimination.

Unauthorised use of company trade secrets, marketing information, operational data, personnel records, financial information, source code and technical information integral to the success of the company will not be tolerated.

Eckersley’s will not permit impropriety at any time and will act ethically and responsibly in accordance with applicable laws.

Employees will not use corporate assets or business relationships for personal use or gain.

Enforcement

Any breach of this code of ethics will not be tolerated and Eckersley’s will act promptly to correct issues when the code is breached.

Any employee found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Ethical Standards

Eckersley’s is committed to respecting core labour standards established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), protecting and respecting human rights as outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and promoting environmental sustainability.

1. Business Integrity

Eckersley’s is committed to conducting business with the highest standards of integrity, in accordance with local and international obligations and in compliance with all applicable laws.

Eckersley’s supports ethical and socially responsible business practices and is committed to integrating these principles into its operations.

Employees must not engage in bribery, corruption or falsification of documents or records during any audit process under this policy.

2. Modern Slavery

Eckersley’s actively supports practices that comply with human rights and social justice standards.

• Labour Rights: Forced, bonded (debt) or involuntary labour is prohibited.
• Bondage: Denying access to identity or immigration documents is prohibited.
• People Trafficking: Human trafficking is prohibited.
• Recruitment: Misleading recruitment practices and recruitment fees are prohibited.
• Debts: Employees will not be forced to repay debts through labour.

3. Freedom of Association

Eckersley’s respects the right of employees to join a union or worker organisation of their choice and to bargain collectively.

4. No Discrimination in Employment

Eckersley’s provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, age, marital status, religion, gender or national origin.

The objective is to improve business success by:

• Attracting and retaining the best possible employees.
• Providing a safe, respectful and flexible work environment.
• Delivering services in a safe, respectful and reasonably flexible manner.

Eckersley’s achieves this by:

• Ensuring recruitment, selection and promotion decisions are merit-based.
• Providing equal opportunity without discrimination or harassment.
• Maintaining a workplace free from bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

5. Child Labour

Eckersley’s has a zero-tolerance approach to child labour. Employees must meet all applicable minimum age requirements.

6. Wages and Benefits

Employees are paid at or above the applicable award rate.

All employees receive clear and understandable information regarding employment conditions and remuneration.

7. Working Hours

Normal working hours are 38 hours per week in accordance with the National Employment Standards.

Leave entitlements are provided in accordance with relevant legislation.

8. Harsh or Inhumane Treatment

All employees must be treated with dignity and respect. Physical abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment, verbal abuse or any other form of inappropriate treatment will not be tolerated.

9. Entitlement to Work and Immigration

Employees must demonstrate their eligibility to work in Australia through:

• Evidence of Australian citizenship.
• Evidence of permanent residency.
• A valid temporary visa permitting work in Australia.

If eligibility changes during employment, Eckersley’s must be informed immediately.

10. Environment

Eckersley’s is committed to balancing economic development with environmental responsibility and sustainability.

• Maintain environmental standards across operations.
• Integrate environmental considerations into planning and decision making.
• Monitor and assess environmental performance regularly.
• Promote recycling and efficient use of resources.
• Encourage environmental awareness among employees and contractors.