Good governance is about balancing the needs of stakeholders and helping to run the company well through efficient processes and decision making. It involves being satisfied that an effective internal framework of systems and controls is in place which clearly defines authority and accountability and promotes success whilst permitting the appropriate management of risk.
Keller ways of working
Our Code of Business Conduct sets out clear and common standards of behaviour for everyone who works in and with Keller, as well as a framework to guide decision-making when situations aren’t clear-cut. It also ensures a positive culture that keeps us successful, operating in a way we can all be proud of. It is a public statement of our commitment to high standards that tells others they can rely on our integrity.
The Code is supported by our Group policies, our modern slavery and human trafficking statement for 2022, our tax strategy and our Supply Chain Code of Business Conduct. Our ethics and compliance programme, which comprises training of our employees across the business, supports our employees to do the right thing – maintaining ethical and honest behaviour, respecting employees’ rights and diversity, and staying free from bribery and corruption.
Committee structures
To reflect the growing importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters and provide focus and oversight on these issues, we have two Board committees: the Environment Committee and the Social and Community Committee.These help provide a clear focus in driving forward our ESG agenda.
Our Board has agreed a reporting framework on ESG matters. ESG is the responsibility of the Board as a whole, with the Chairman as designated Director for ESG matters, reporting through the Group Company Secretary and Legal Advisor to the Board. The Board receives a quarterly report which summarises the activities, initiatives and challenges on ESG during the period and tracks progress. These assures a clear reporting line on all ESG matters to the Chairman.
Human rights
Keller expects all employees and suppliers to adhere to international standards on human rights, including with respect to child and forced labour, land rights and freedom of association, among other elements.
We take a zero-tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking and are strongly committed to ensuring that all employees, as well as the people who work on our behalf, are protected.
Our full expectations are included in our Supply Chain Code of Business Conduct and modern slavery and human trafficking statement.
We conduct appropriate due diligence on our partners, and all of our suppliers are obliged to adhere to the principles set out in the Code, including on human rights.
Anti-bribery and corruption
Our Anti-Bribery and Anti-Fraud Policy and whistleblowing procedures ensure that employees and other parties, including contractors and third parties, can report any poor practice safely through an independent organisation. All reports via this or any other reporting mechanism are investigated and reported to the Audit and Risk Committee, which reviews each case and its outcomes.
Governance and oversight
We recognise that assurance over our business activities and those of our partners and suppliers is essential. Our employees complete mandatory training on competition law compliance, data privacy and the Code of Business Conduct. We have also been collaborating with employers across different sectors since 2020 to develop a Governance Officer Apprenticeship Standard in the UK.