CIS ESG STRATEGY DOCUMENT 2022
CIS is fully committed to operating fair, honest and ethical processes and policies, considering the impact we have on the planet and how we do business.
CIS core ESG and sustainability documents comprise of a Policy and a Strategy. These are supported by a range of reporting tools and guidance notes.
• These will be reported upon monthly as part of Senior Management Team Meetings;
• Quarterly to the CIS Board of Directors,
• To Shareholders as part of an annual ESG review, performance data, benchmarking and progress towards our commitments.
Demonstrating sustainable businesses with good investment models, integrating ESG components as core business factors.
We will set these ESG components as a key focus on our Enterprise Risk Management (ERM.)
A key factor in our success will be the consideration that our customers can confidently depend on CIS to meet their needs within their own ESG strategy.
As ESG becomes further embedded, the demands on our business will impact our short-mid and long-term plans.
While our strategy will grow and develop it is important that we demonstrate and report upon our ESG outcomes to not only, customers but also current and potential employees.
02. ESG VISION
At CIS we believe ESG and sustainability is key to a robust framework which aligns with our goal to supply operational excellence within in the security industry.
The aims of the strategy are simple. CIS focus on deliverable ESG goals.
The nature of the business in sourcing, deploying, and managing personnel as the core function, our objectives are:
1. Working with like-minded customers & service partners, those that share our core values.
2. Ensuring our business remains resilient to supporting its path to carbon zero
3. To influence our supply chain, clients, and other partners by leading in best-in-class initiatives and following others within our business that set these standards
4. Identifying opportunities and innovative solutions
5. Implementing a 360° approach to ESG monitoring and reporting for continual improvement
03.ESG COMMITMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL
• Minimise the impact of our own activities
• Influence our supply chain through Exclusionary and Positive Screening
• Focus on our own NET Zero target by 2030
• Reporting on environmental targets as part of ESG
• Drive Contract based initiatives to assist clients in their environmental aims
• Sustainable Delivery Goals (SDG), incorporate these as part of our ESG Strategy
SOCIAL
• Support the physical, mental health and wellbeing of our staff and associates
• Continue the SCR initiatives through CIS chosen charities, CIS Charitable Trust and community partnering projects
• Promote and develop professional opportunities for CIS staff, through training, apprenticeships and CPD initiatives
• Sustainable Delivery Goals (SDG), incorporate these as part of our ESG Strategy
GOVERNANCE
• Dedicated ESG Strategy Group led from the senior management team
• Robust compliance through ISO 14001, 9001, 27001, 23001, 50001, 26000 and dedicated ESG and SHEQ leadership
• Application of accepted and recognised allignement through accounting matrices (SASB).
• Incorporating ESG as part of the Enterprise Risk Management
04. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)
As a company we have looked at the SDGs and aligned ourselves to nine, where we feel we could make the largest impact.
At CIS we are advocates for responsible, sustainable working practices. We are focused on climate-related risks and working together with customers, suppliers, and the local communities on which our operations impact, striving to deliver a more sustainable future.
The 2030 agenda for sustainable development, adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015, provides a shared blueprint, recognised globally.
At its heart are 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries.
The CIS ESG strategy aims to achieve a positive impact on the environment and society, whilst maintaining robust governance measures.
The SDGs have been chosen as the framework for the CIS ESG Strategy as they give a common language for sustainability reporting to our key stakeholders.
As a company we have looked at the SDGs and aligned ourselves to nine, where we feel we could make the largest impact.
Each goal has an associated objective, which in turn has corporate targets, driven by our ESG Strategy Group.
05. ESG FRAMEWORKKEY AREAS OF OPERATION
ESG is a complex topic area. To rationalise our approach across our business operations this document is structured to cover our key areas of operations within the ESG framework. Description
CORPORATE
Our Head Office,
Staff and CIS core divisions
DEVELOPMENT Company projects
both internal and Customers & Service Partners
Carbon Footprint, waste, office energy consumption
Staff wellbeing and health, continuous professional development, contributing to society and ethical operating practices
Our corporate policies, disclosure, and corporate governance structure
Ensuring these meet set standards, minimising environmental impact and maximising service across the projects
Local area social health and wellbeing, ongoing investment for both CIS, client, and surrounding areas
Policies and guidance we apply to projects, how we report on these and manage performance
06. ENVIRONMENTAL CORE OBJECTIVES
Carbon footprint has become vital when mentioning the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions. Which is why the Paris climate change agreement, the discussion of COP26 and various UK legislation such as ‘the greening financing: a road to sustainable finance’ has been initiated to accelerate the journey towards carbon neutral by 2050.
CIS’ objectives is bespoke to our role at the prevention of pollution and the preservation of resources by reducing the generation of waste material, recycling waste that is generated through business operations and processes and disposing of waste that cannot be recycled.
The encouragement of conserving energy, water and natural resources through increased business efficiencies and employee awareness. The objectives are monitored on a regular basis as part of the SMT monthly meeting. The objectives will be formally reviewed on an annual basis at the Management Review to ensure they remain relevant to the Environmental Management System.
Towards Carbon Neutral
As our level and influence varies from supply chain to projects, we will ensure through our Integrated Management System that our environmental aspects are clearly identified and our environment impacts are minimised with regard to the prevention of pollution within the supply and delivery of our security services to our customers and consumers.
As part of our journey towards net-zero CIS has set a commitment of Net Zero by 2030. To achieve this, we have Supply Chain Targets, Sponsorship of environmental projects. Measuring our environmental data, including essential energy usage and waste as part of our sustainability reporting. CIS will measure and report Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHGs) to comply with the SECR requirements. Our annual Scope 1 and 2 emissions will be verified independently.
CIS ESG Framework Table
Below we have illustrated our scope 1 and 2 emissions for the year of August 2020-July 2021
Accreditation and Standards
By aligning to recognised and accepted practices, CIS will utilise reporting and measuring tools. CIS will also contribute towards the offsetting of emissions by obtaining recognised environmental certifications consisting of:
• EV100 (no fee, something CIS has already implemented which we could utilise) - global initiative bringing together forward-looking companies committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
• Ecovadis: ESG Rating Platform: CIS is committed to registering this to attain the highest standards, the opportunity to reach Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum recognition. The aims are to have the score completed and registered as a standard to measure from 2023-24 reporting period. This will then be amended and reviewed annually.
• Carbon neutral certification (fee to purchase standard)-Certify organisation or product to PAS 2060 - the only recognised international standard for carbon neutrality. It sets out requirements for quantification, reduction and offsetting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for organisations, products and events
• Planet mark- Planet Mark certified businesses make a 24% cut in absolute carbon emissions per year, 17% carbon saving per employee per year through reductions in energy, waste, water, travel and procurement.98% of their members achieve their targets in order to renew their certification year-on-year. Every business that becomes certified through the programme protects an acre of rainforest through their partnership with Cool Earth. (I have been in contact, fees associated depending on what we want to cover and our operational size)
• Resilience First, Race to Resilience Campaign provides us with a framework to advance our climate resilience, comply with regulatory requirements, and deliver on our ESG commitments, joining with the UNFCCC to create a more resilient and equitable world for all.
Five elements that the RF includes:
PROTECT your business
ENGAGE your stakeholders
LEARN from experts and from collaboration
JOIN the biggest global movement to tackle the impacts of climate change
BE RECOGNISED as a climate leader
External Approach
Scope 3: For indirect emissions towards CIS which relates to the emissions of our clients, CIS will and has implemented regular schemes and processes that are in alignment with clients to have an impact in reducing these environmental impacts.
The Security Teams will carry out these audits as part of their patrols or required service delivery expectations or as initiatives across CIS contracts. Managing and collating any statistics and sharing
this with our clients and stakeholders allows us to assist and raise awareness.
Road Towards Science Based Targets
These will be championed through the Sustainability representatives across applicable contracts.
In line with the upcoming expected reporting standards, we are working closely with CarbonEx Gen as part of our annual reporting figures. We are ensuring that we record and review the external impacts of all suppliers across the comprehensive reporting metrics. These include our upstream and downstream recorded categories. There are 15 categories in total and we will apply 13 of these relevant to our operations:
CIS believes it is essential to commit towards a science-based initiative. We are in the process of registering online using the SBTi commitment process by starting our standard commitment letter to commit towards net-zero and align with the 1.5 °C target.
Development Objectives Submission, Communication and Disclosure
As we have set our clear development objectives, we have begun to select the relevant form to submit our validation which fits under our organisation. Once this is finalised our commitment will be published on companies taking action page and partner websites for SBI’s. CIS will disclose these emissions annually and continue to monitor them.
EDI Commitments
CIS are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
1. Improve awareness of diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace
2. Promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace
3. Ensure learning environments and opportunities are inclusive for everyone to best achieve their potential
4. Recruiting and managing based on competence and performance regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or cultural background
5. Fostering a culture of Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity
6. Providing training and career development opportunities which is inclusive and based on merit
7. Build an inclusive community, creating a safe and open environment for everyone to talk, share ideas and have a sense of belonging
8. Promote inclusive behaviour
9. CIS Citizenship Forum, creating an inclusive environment for all staff to be part of business developments. Focusing on EDI strategies, culture & healthy working environment practices
Social Value Metrics
To ensure a robust social value initiative we have constructed a social value metrics incorporating CIS’ Charitable Trust, training development opportunities for all staff, employability on the community, local initiatives, work experience, apprenticeship targets and diversity in the workforce at all levels.
Equality in recruitment, promotion, and investment in staff.
Having an attractive business culture will help maintain low staff turnover and will also attract the right talent to secure continued growth and maintaining operational cost savings.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Staff Health and Safety, HSF Medical Cover Health and Safety KPIs
WELLBEING Wellbeing and social events
TRAINING & EDUCATION Staff training, work placements
A high standard of site welfare including health and counselling services
School and college visits, Apprenticeships
COMMUNITY Staff involvement in community projects Recruitment Days, Security Awareness Days
JOBS Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy Total jobs on site and new starts
CHARITY DONATIONS
VOLUNTEERING
CIS Charitable Foundation LAA Monies contributed by projects and raised by project teams
07. SOCIAL CORE OBJECTIVES
In order to illustrate the positive contribution CIS makes towards the society, CIS has constructed this in a manner which considers internal and external approaches.
Internal Recruitment
With rising statutory requirements of the social value act (2012), CIS will report the social value created within our business operations.
CIS’ recruitment considers recruitment locally when bidding for contracts, where possible, to support local people into work and the local economy.
We are committed to our staff’s wellbeing and quality of life, as a result of this ethos we benchmark all costing and price negotiations against London Living Wage and National Living Wage depending on location. Including apprenticeship schemes, local return to work avenues, support via the Armed Forces Covenant, Graduate Schemes as some examples in how we support this element of our business.
Diversity and Gender Inclusion
CIS recognises that our employees are essential to the successful delivery of our business strategy and to sustain our long-term performance and so we continue to invest in them in various approaches.
The Company is committed to ensure that both men and women that are doing equal work and work related of equal value are entitled to equal pay in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We are absolutely committed to preventing unethical corporate activities, and to ensuring that our supply chains adhere to our stringent policies.
Beyond having clearly articulated policies on ESG, we look to make a difference. Diversity is important to the firm, and we are proud of the fact that a significant proportion of the company is diverse which is why we have begun a process of incorporating a collection of diverse representatives within the CIS citizen forum.
The forum is essentially a group that incorporates different segmented groups such as BAME, Latin American, LGBT, Female Rep, Male Rep etc. to arise and solve specific issues relating to the designated segments within the company and local community.
Health and Safety
CIS aims to support the health and wellbeing for all employees and other persons who may be affected by their undertakings by implementing good Health and Safety management practices. Through the OHSAS 18001:2007 Health and Safety Management System adherence to these practices is closely monitored at all management levels, including The Board of Directors for the Company.
Our extensive health and safety procedure has ensured safe standard throughout the years which has improved yearly due to constant reviews and implantations of better safety measures. Our robust health standards have been exceptional which is represented within our stats below, it also makes a substantial presence of security within the local community.
External Charity
CIS believes that charity support is crucial to giving back to the community as this is a fundamental aspect towards the social pillar within ESG. As a result, CIS is committed to our corporate charity, The London’s Air Ambulance, which is a registered charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London.
CIS donates a fixed charity amount plus monies raised from various charity events and fund-raising projects. We like to encourage our employees, clients and suppliers to participate in raising monies to such a commendable crucial cause, CIS Charitable Foundation
Site and Client-Based Initiatives
Community engagement is at the core of CIS’ social initiative, enhancing our market presence and positive contribution within the community. CIS provides expertise in security and safety within the wider community, CIS holds regular awareness events at clients or local establishments providing information on safe travel, personal safety, property protection, travel advice and safety and security equipment.
08. GOVERNANCE AND CORE OBJECTIVES
CIS believes it is essential to have a governance structure which understand governance risks and opportunities which is vital when considering the decision-making process of the company, which is why here at CIS we have placed ESG matters at the core of our business operations and ethical behaviour. Having a robust governance structure ensures all elements within ESG are covered.
Compliance is at the core of our governance which is why CIS has begun to incorporate where possible accounting metrics such as SASB. We have also initiated a plan to upskill key members with relevant qualifications.
In addition, and in order to ensure a robust, integrated collaborative approach, CIS has formed a ESG committee which meets quarterly to coordinate efforts across all our departments. Our ESG committee consist of the following:
It is fundamentally important that governance is represented within all departments across CIS, which is why our initiatives consist of attaining the highest standards across ISO 14001, 9001, 27001, 23001, 50001, 26000.
Ensuring board membership representing 50% female, Staff trustees at peer level, supply chain governance and compliance, consistent staff company meetings and engagements.
Focusing on the governance of our business – and in particular, devoting focus on risk management, will not only appeal to clients but also our supply chain.
Good risk management practices could also bring costs savings in terms of insurance coverage and premium pricing.
09. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
10. ESG Framework
At CIS our robust structure aids our approach towards ESG alignment and bespoke operational excellence. ESG drives the cultural behaviour at CIS, while placing all ESG aspects at the core of business and the decisions we implement. This is crucial for us as a business to maintain best practice, report accurately and track from bottom up across the business.
Director Neill Catton
11. FRAMEWORK OBJECTIVES
CIS ESG strategy will address the below framework to allow for the best decision making across the following areas:
1. Screening
Exclusionary Screening: Excludes, from CIS supply chain/investment, companies and or sectors involved in activities that do not align with the moral values of CIS or with standards around human rights, labour practices, the environment and anticorruption. Common Objectives; Align client and supplier partnerships with our moral and ethical values. Mitigate ESG risks and Influence partners where we can, to change practices to meet ours.
Positive Screening: CIS actively works with the following:
Best in class: companies outperforming peers in ESG measures.
ESG momentum: companies improving ESG measures more quickly than peers.
Active partnerships: companies solving specific ESG challenges (climate change, gender diversity, etc.)
Common Objectives: Mitigate ESG risks, Achieve higher performance levels, Support a business model that aims to solve an environmental or social problem and Improve or maximize potential partnerships ESG performance.
2. ESG Integration
Incorporates ESG data, alongside other related data analysis, into the selection of CIS suppliers. Common Objectives: Mitigate ESG risks, Achieve higher performance.
3. Impact
Targets a measurable positive social and/or environmental impact. These will be project specific. Common Objectives: Generate and measure specific social and/or environmental benefits that align with our ESG strategy.
4. Active Ownership
Entails engaging with suppliers and partners whose behaviour on ESG issues leads initiatives to changes company policies and practices. Common Objectives: Influence company strategy for long-term value creation, Help company management capture value by mitigating risk or seeking opportunities and Advance ESG disclosure and practice.
12. REPORTING CYCLE & RELATED POLICIES
Enviornmental Management Policy
HR Recruitment
EDI
Training and Development
POLICIES
Supply Chain
Code of Conduct
CIS Sustainability Policy
CIS CSR Policy
Health and Safety Policy
CIS Sustainability Report
REPORTS
ESG Carbon Net Zero Strategy
Sustainability Champion - Monthly Reports
ESG Strategy
STRATEGIES
ERM Strategy
CIS’ reporting cycle is illustrated below, it incorporates our policies, reports and strategies.
The cycle is intended for internal reviews and guidance towards our quarterly and annual reports across our financial year.
13. EXTERNAL GUIDANCE
Paris Agreement & COP 26:
Restrict warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Entered into force on November 4, 2016
UK Gov regulation:
Climate change Act
Environmental Act 2021
COP 26 - 12 Nov 2021
Social Value Act:
Requirement for public sector commissioning people who commission public services to think about how they can also secure wider social, economic and environmental benefits.
SECR:
Regulations are designed to increase awareness of energy costs within organisations. Policy was implemented on 1 April 2019.
