Lichfields enjoys a reputation as one of the best consultants in the market, with a record of performance and service to a client base which includes some of the most successful and respected organisations in the UK.

 

In line with this position, (and against the current background of increasing concern about the ethics and propriety of business dealings), we have put in place a Code of Conduct which sets out clearly the standard of behaviour expected of all members of the company in their dealings with clients and colleagues in other organisations with whom they work. Strict adherence to this code significantly reduces the risk of accusations being levelled at clients and business colleagues.

 

 

All members of staff should exercise the highest level of integrity in actions and relationships which may affect the company. Actions must be such as to withstand scrutiny without causing embarrassment to the company, the member of staff or any other party. If a member of staff is in any doubt about whether a potential situation is in conflict with this Code, the matter should be brought to the attention of the Chairman, the Chief Executive, or one of the non-executive directors without delay.

 

Senior Directors should not seek to use their position to gain benefits from the company which would not be available to other members of the company, unless these are contractually granted or allowed through other agreed policies of the company.

 

No transactions are allowed which result in personal benefit to a member of staff as the result of a business relationship.

 

No personal gifts of any sort, including Wedding or Birthday gifts may be accepted. This includes payment for travel or accommodation, gift and theatre vouchers or any cash equivalents, but excludes low value items such as diaries, pens, and occasional boxes of chocolates or other confectionery given at Christmas or to a workgroup to reflect completion of a successful project.

 

Entertainment by clients and business colleagues may only be accepted when that client or third party is present and only if it is of an appropriate and not over lavish level within the bounds of accepted business hospitality.

 

Gifts to, or entertainment of, clients and business colleagues should follow the above guidelines and be of an appropriate nature, generally conveying a respect and a regard for the party or parties concerned, but not of a level which could imply any form of inducement to gain work or seek other influence or be interpreted as such by the scrutiny of any third party and as long as it is clearly understood that any such gift giving may not be reciprocated.

 

When working at a client’s site or visiting other premises you should comply with their rules regarding health and safety and other relevant matters as well as complying with your terms and conditions of employment at Lichfields.

 

When travelling on behalf of the company or its clients, staff must ensure that the trip has clear objectives and is properly planned. Costs must be reasonable and well controlled, commensurate with travel in a secure and comfortable manner. It is the company’s policy for staff to travel by standard class rail unless specific circumstances dictate otherwise.

 

The company’s property, goods, and cash must be used and maintained properly according to established procedures and regulations which may be changed from time to time.

 

Staff are reminded that individuals are prohibited from insider dealing by the Criminal Justice Act 1993. Under that Act it is a criminal offence for an individual who has information as an insider to deal on a regulated market (e.g. the London Stock Exchange), or through a professional intermediary, in securities (e.g. shares) whose price would be significantly affected if the inside information were made public. It is also an offence to encourage insider dealing and to disclose inside information with a view to others profiting from it.

 

In any situation where there may be a conflict or potential conflict of interest between a Senior Director’s personal situation and the interests of the company this conflict or potential conflict must be declared immediately to the Board either through the Chairman, the Chief Executive, the Finance and Operations Director or one of the non-executive directors and full details disclosed. The Senior Director should not then take any part in any decision-making process in relation to the matter which is the subject of the conflict of interest and should abide by any decision made. Possible conflicts of interest could include interests of partners or family members.

 

It is not permitted for Senior Directors, Planning Directors or Associate Directors of the company who have influence over or knowledge of the activities of any organisation providing or potentially providing property, equipment, goods or services to the company to acquire any form of interest in that organisation.

 

Senior Directors, Planning Directors and Associate Directors with existing share ownerships in organisations with which the company does business should register their interests with the Finance and Operations Director. Any changes in such interests should be notified to the Finance and Operations Director at the time of dealing. To ensure transparency in this sensitive area, the company reserves the right to make such a register of interests available for inspection by all staff. It is not permissible to use avoidance measures such as vesting ownership of shares in partners, other family members, or nominees.

 

Any infringement of this code of conduct will constitute a breach of company regulations. Such incidents will be handled under the company’s disciplinary procedure and may result in dismissal.