Governance

Strategic report

Environment and community Suppliers, Health and safety and Modern Slavery Act

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 level of service which we expect for our customers. This year, led by our Procurement Manager, we have introduced standard terms and conditions that suppliers are required to adhere to. These have been introduced alongside a more robust supplier ‘on-boarding’ process. Both changes have been used to strengthen our relationship with suppliers, improve contractual terms to benefit both parties, and enhance our governance and values whilst reducing our risks.

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 three categories: community, environment and workforce. Due to the heritage constraints of the buildings in our portfolio and the estate’s location 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 34 across all our projects, which we consider very good.

Health and safety

Health and safety is coordinated and managed by a central 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 Executive Director responsible for reviewing the effective management of health and safety throughout our business and its activities. 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. Monthly safety audits are carried out to make sure contractors continue to perform to the highest standards of health and safety. These safety audits included inspections to ensure that contractors were working in a COVID-19 safe and secure environment whilst lockdown restrictions were in place.

We operated a COVID-19 secure office in accordance with Government guidelines when required during the year.

Modern Slavery Act

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (‘the Act’) rightly seeks to encourage a robust and diligent approach by commercial organisations in tackling modern slavery, which includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. The Group does not tolerate any form of modern slavery, within its own business or within its supply chain. We comply with all mandatory requirements of employment legislation and best practice. All workers engaged have chosen their employment freely and are treated with dignity and respect. In accordance with section 54 of the Act, the Group publishes an annual statement detailing the steps taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking from taking place in any part of its business or supply chain. The statement is available to be viewed on the Howard de Walden Estate website (www.hdwe.co.uk).

Our heritage This year, the Group scored a minimum of 34 across all our projects, which we consider very good.

23 Queen Anne Street

Commitment

We remain committed to ensuring that our refurbishment and redevelopment programme creates minimal disruption and look to appoint contractors who share this aspiration.

23 Queen Anne Street

COVID-19 secure office We operated a COVID-19 secure office in accordance with Government guidelines when required during the year.

Stone House, 9 Weymouth Street

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.