Thorns Group is committed to providing the safest possible environment and work practices for its employees, customers and all other people likely to be affected by the company’s business activities.

In addition to preserving personal safety and preventing damage to property, the company recognises the commercial benefits of effective safety management. Therefore, the aims of this policy shall be assigned a priority at least equal in importance to all other business objectives.

It is essential that everybody works for the safety of all employees, customers and visitors are reminded of their legal duty, whilst at work, to care for their own safety and the safety of others. Detailed risk assessments are carried out and the findings communicated to employees who are required to maintain their awareness of these assessments and contribute to their on-going development.

All employees, regardless of their role, must contribute to safety by reporting all hazards and dangerous situations; only by working together will we create a safe place to work.

This Sustainability Policy applies to all of Thorns Group activities, products and services.  All staff in Thorns Group will follow the principles of this policy and supporting guidance to assist Thorns meet its sustainability objectives.

Thorns Group will develop, implement and maintain an action plan. It will cover a range of issues including procurement; travel; management of the Thorns Group workspace and Thorns Group Impact on Society.

Thorns Group is committed to seeking continuous improvement in its performance on sustainability that is consistent with the need to provide value for money by:

1. Ensuring all its customer-facing products and services are developed to facilitate the Thorns Group sustainable development strategy wherever appropriate.

2. Reducing the levels of both direct and indirect pollution associated with Thorns Group activities, including adapting its domestic Travel and Procurement practices to ensure sustainability targets are met in Thorns Group operations.

3. Establishing sustainable development as a clear feature of Thorns Group decision-making.

4. Setting and monitoring relevant, measurable sustainability objectives and targets, and report progress regularly.

5. Set-up and maintain an Environmental Management System to:

• ¨ Monitor and review progress in reducing consumption of resources.
• ¨ Meet all relevant environmental legislation and statutory regulations.
• ¨ Specify that contractors do the same when working on Thorns Group premises or projects.

7. Educating, training and motivating staff to work in an environmentally responsible manner and to play a full part in developing new ideas and initiatives.

8. Communicating openly and proactively with staff about environmental policies and best practice, and co-operating with others in the public and private sectors at home and abroad to develop and promote environmentally sound practices.

9. Encouraging manufacturers, suppliers and contractors, through appropriate specifications, to develop and supply environmentally preferable goods and services.

This policy is supported by the Thorns Group Board.