Suppliers and health and safety

Strategic report

Environment and community Suppliers and health and safety

Suppliers and contractors

As an important part of the Group’s stakeholder network, our suppliers and contractors help us deliver our development and refurbishment projects, health and safety requirements and the great level of service which we expect for our customers. This year, to strengthen our relationship with suppliers, improve contractual terms to benefit both parties and enhance our governance and value, we appointed a Procurement Manager.

We remain committed to ensuring that our refurbishment and redevelopment programme creates minimal disruption and look to appoint contractors who share this aspiration. The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) is used to assess the impact of large-scale projects. A CCS assessor scores construction projects across five categories: appearance, community, environment, safety and workforce. Due to the heritage constraints of the buildings in our portfolio and the Estate’s position in a conservation area in the heart of London, it is very difficult to obtain the highest scores for many of our projects. This year, the Group scored a minimum of 35 across all our projects, which we consider very good.

Health and safety

As part of a business re-organisation, we created a new Health and Safety team, independent from the property teams. The role of this team is to ensure that the business is compliant on all health and safety matters, whilst providing advice and a robust governance structure.

The Head of Health and Safety is the chair of the Health and Safety Committee. The committee, which is comprised of employees and Directors who have responsibility for health and safety management throughout the Group, meets regularly to discuss issues of health, safety and welfare of the Group’s employees and those affected by its activities. The committee reviews current and proposed health and safety legislation and makes sure that the Group can meet its obligations while achieving its long-term business objectives. It supports the Chief Financial Officer who is the Director responsible for reviewing the effective management of health and safety across the Estate.

During the year, there were three accidents involving members of staff or the public. These accidents were investigated, and measures put in place to prevent a reoccurrence. None of these accidents were reportable to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

Each of our directly managed buildings is formally inspected once a year by a fire and general health and safety risk assessor. Accident investigations following accidents or incidents are also undertaken through the health and safety manager. Findings are notified to departments to limit the risk of reoccurrence with any remedial actions undertaken as soon as reasonably practicable.

As part of our due diligence, where major projects are undertaken, these works are carried out by an approved contractor appointed by the Group. Monthly safety audits are carried out to make sure contractors continue to perform to the highest standards of health and safety. These safety audits for the last year have included inspections to ensure that contractors were working in a COVID-19 safe and secure environment.

We have operated a COVID-19 secure office in accordance with Government guidelines throughout the year and have undertaken a COVID-19 risk assessment to determine our specific controls. The COVID-19 Action Group meets every week and reviews, and sets any required amendments to this. We have also signed up to the NHS Workplace Collect COVID-19 testing initiative.

Modern Slavery Act

The introduction of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (‘the Act’) rightly seeks to encourage a robust and diligent approach among businesses to combatting slavery and human trafficking practices. The Group does not tolerate human trafficking, slavery or forced, bonded or other illicit forms of labour. We endorse the Act’s provisions in relation to supply chain transparency and we have, in accordance with Section 54 of the Act, published a detailed modern slavery and human trafficking statement, reflecting the series of measures the Group has put in place in order to prevent modern slavery or human trafficking occurring within its business or supply chain. The statement is updated annually and is available to view on The Howard de Walden Estate website (www.hdwe.co.uk). We make sure that our employment practices are compliant with the mandatory requirements of applicable employment legislation and best practice. All workers engaged have chosen their employment freely and are treated with dignity and respect.

Our heritage

Through our active refurbishment programme, we maintain the existing architecture of our buildings whilst developing them for the future.

COVID-19 secure office

In accordance with Government guidelines we have undertaken a COVID-19 risk assessment to determine our specific controls. These include regular thorough cleaning, social distancing, signs and notices, hand sanitising stations and limited office attendance where practical.

Health and safety

This year, to strengthen our relationship with suppliers, improve contractual terms to benefit both parties and enhance our governance and value, we appointed a Procurement Manager.

27-29 Harley Street

23 Queen Anne Street

Testing times

We have signed up to the NHS Workplace Collect COVID-19 testing initiative where colleagues can collect COVID-19 test kits and test themselves at home.

Governance Introduction

Maintaining the reputation of the Group as a responsible landlord and steward for the Marylebone area is seen as vital for the Board. It is what defines us, and enables us to deliver a successful, sustainable business. The Board recognises that it is not just our actions which will inform opinions, it is also how we conduct ourselves with our stakeholders. To ensure we continue to meet the expected high standards, a strong governance framework has been put in place which involves robust supporting processes across the Group alongside regular reporting.