Corporate Social Responsibility
1.1 Introduction
PPB is a leading financial and strategic advisory firm that has built a strong reputation in the market by establishing and maintaining long term stakeholder relationships based on integrity, respect and loyalty. We recognise both the business case and the moral obligation to carry out all of our activities in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner. The following key principles are fundamental to our business strategy and we are committed to them:
- People and Culture
- Clients and Customers
- Government and Regulators
- Community and Pro Bono
- Environment
2.1 People and Culture Statement
As a professional services firm, we understand that our greatest assets are our people.
Our core values are known and respected by all of our employees. These values are central to our ‘collegiate style’ work environment where Respect, Ethics, Innovation and Professionalism form the foundation of our culture.
We maintain a challenging and rewarding workplace for all employees, accordingly, PPB is recognised as an employer of choice.
2.2 What are the underlying arguments (especially business arguments) that support our People and Culture?
We promote a positive environment in which to work by encouraging all employees to become forward thinkers and provide input into decisions which would have otherwise been ignored or overlooked. PPB has created values for all employees to follow so that the working environment is good and encouraging place to be.
PPB has documented and enforces those core values to ensure that the work place is a good place to work. These values are:
- To be respectful to all people no matter who they are,
- Be ethical in the way you conduct yourself at work, with clients and in the community,
- Be collegiate towards all your work colleagues, customers and future clients,
- Be innovative in your approach to work, and
- Be professional.
2.3 Ways in which PPB currently support People and Culture
PPB provide on going training and support opportunities for all employees through the continual support of programs such as the CPA and CA. More recently PPB has recognised the importance of building a strong team within the IT Forensics and Advisory field. Due to the required specialist training, we are putting in place a training matrix to ensure that the market needs are not only met but are exceeded.
In addition we recognise that as the firm grows, the need for more robust performance and reward management systems are required. This incorporates not only a structured formal appraisal process but also ensuring that we continue to promote an environment where timely 360 degree feedback can occur. This is evident and reflective of our firm values.
By contributing to the professional growth of its employees, PPB ensures that their employees are successful and have the necessary skills to perform their work at a high level.
In addition to professional development, PPB is committed to investing in partner and staff personal development. This is evidenced by the firm taking an active interest in the health and wellbeing of all employees. Further, PPB is actively perusing a holistic health and wellbeing policy incorporating; physical, mental, social, and psychological wellbeing.
2.4 People and Culture Policies
To ensure that we move with the times and the ever changing environment, the current policies surrounding the behavior and support of employees are constantly reviewed and where necessary updated or changed.
Relevant policies that are currently in place and/or being developed include:
- OHS
- Health and Wellbeing
- Recruitment
- Equal Opportunity Employment
- Sexual and Racial Harassment
- Bullying in the Workplace
- Employee Grievance
- Disciplinary and Termination
Other policies include:
- The ultimate potential of our organisation is defined by the collective aspirations of all of our people,
- We need to continue to build values based organisations where individuals have a clear understanding of the vision for the business,
- Employees must ‘belong’ within the organisation; feel that they make a real contribution; and be appropriately recognised,
- PPB must aim to become ‘employers of choice’,
- To recruit & retain high calibre employees with decent values and work ethics, we must accelerate CSR and clearly spell out what we stand for both externally and internally,
- The PPB values must be adopted and recognised by all employees,
- To provide employees with a vision to improve and grow both within themselves and business through encouragement, positive outcomes and other opportunities, and
- To include all staff when important decisions have been made by the Partnership,
2.5 Proposed ways in which PPB can support/promote People and Culture
On going support of all employees to ensure that the core values are not lost and that the vision of a successful business and team environment is maintained.
Some examples of how PPB can support/promote its people include:
- Value statement;
- Supported training and development;
- Health and wellbeing;
- Supported study;
- Pathways of formal and informal feedback; and
- Small teams overseen by experienced and capable management.
3.1 Clients and Customers Statement
Without clients, PPB has no business. Therefore, our focus is on providing an exceptional level of service that is relevant to our clients’ needs and expectations.
Together with our commercial and financial expertise, we capitalise on our diverse professional networks to provide innovative solutions that add fundamental value to our clients. We deliver these solutions while minimizing risk and maintaining a high level of transparency and integrity through:
- Honest and direct communications;
- Peer review of decisions and opinions; and
- Communications aligned to personal ethics.
3.2 What are the underlying arguments (especially business arguments) to demonstrate why PPB should support their Clients and Customers?
- Clients, such as banks, are a major referrer of work which generates income;
- Developing meaningful relationships with referrers of work should lead to an increase in work referred;
- By communicating effectively with clients we can better understand client needs and produce better outcomes for those clients; and
- By maintaining professional networks were are able to seek appropriate advice in areas outside our expertise to provide better solutions to clients.
3.3 Ways in which PPB currently support their Clients and Customers
- Several networking functions which work referrers and professional contacts are invited to;
- Increased focus on maintaining professional networks including a role within the firm dedicated to same;
- Dedication to meeting deadlines and expectations; and
- Preparation of a Corporate Social Responsibility Statement.
3.4 Client and Customer Policies (to be updated/drafted/already in place)
- Staff adopted values are already in place; and
- Internal publication of staff adopted values.
3.5 Proposed ways in which PPB can further support/recognise their Clients and Customers
- Ongoing monitoring of CSR to ensure relevance; and
- Introduction of a nationwide professional standards policy.
4.1 Government and Regulators Statement
As a responsible and progressive firm, we fully comply with all government legislation and industry standards by maintaining the highest business standards and behavior across every aspect of our business.
We act as both supporters and stewards for key industry groups and proactively contribute to strategic, regulatory and policy decisions for the long term benefit of all stakeholders.
Our approach to government and industry regulations and compliance is a reflection of the high demands we place on ourselves, our professional standards and the expectations of society at large.
4.2 Why should PPB proactively support/challenge the Government and Regulators?
- Sets the standard that is best for our firm and stakeholders;
- Non-compliance with legislation exposes the firm to the risk of losing licenses to operate;
- Mitigates our exposure to adverse legal action;
- Ties in with our core values;
- Help us maintain our reputation in the market place; and
- Gives us the ability to measure and assess our compliance with regulation.
4.3 Ways in which PPB currently support (or challenge) the Government and Regulators
Current initiatives
- Technical partner responsible for monitoring and reporting on regulatory change;
- Members of IPA Australia; and
- Maintain an accurate checklist system that complies with legislation and industry standards.
Sources of information used for monitoring change in regulation
- IPA Journal;
- Consult review forums;
- Discussion groups;
- Direct emails from regulators; and
- Solicitor monthly updates.
4.4 Government and Regulator Policies to be developed
- Policy regarding compliance and development of legislation and industry standards; and
- Professional code of conduct policy (practicing the highest professional standards).
4.5 Proposed ways in which PPB can further support (or challenge) Government and Regulators
Staff regulatory group – The group will enable us to analyse legislation and standards and determine their effect on our firm and its stakeholders.
5.1 Community and Pro bono Statement
We make a positive contribution to the community by utilising our knowledge, expertise and networks to help people and organisations which, through adversary or lack of resources are unable to help themselves.
Through our volunteer work and charitable giving, we support and assist a range of community organisations. We also encourage our staff to actively participate and become involved in projects that have special meaning or significance to them.
5.2 What are the underlying arguments (especially business arguments) that support Community and Pro bono work?
- It’s the right thing to do
- Positive brand reinforcement
- Broaden employee experiences (holistic employee development)
- Extends networks and relationships (may lead to future fee paying jobs)
- People enjoy helping others (good for morale)
- Opportunity for staff to show off their skills and gain recognition
- Demonstrates PPB is a mature, progressive company
5.3 Current Community and Pro bono Activities
Not for Profit Support
- Second Bite
Advisory boards
- Anglicare
Discussion Groups
Donations
- Firm’s yearly donation to chosen charity
- Firm and staff support for various charity drives
- Jeans for genes
- Shave for a cure
- Movember etc
We recognise that further work needs to be done (i.e. surveying all staff) to identify what other community and pro bono opportunities that our people are currently actively involved in. This will also be a fundamental cornerstone to establishing the direction of the PPB Foundation (if it is established).
5.4 Community and Pro bono Policies (to be updated/drafted/already in place)
PPB is currently in the process of considering setting up a Foundation to support the community in which it operates.
Through our pro bono work, we seek to provide assistance to:
- People who are disadvantaged
- Not for profit organisations and organisations that assist people who are disadvantaged
Whilst there many different ways that PPB can contribute, the key areas include:
- Volunteer and Charitable Donations
- Set out general guidelines and targets
Pro bono
- Set out general guidelines and targets
- Community projects designed to benefit the general public
Community involvement, which may take the form of “bank of hours” for all staff and partners to assist not for profit organisations that are identified as being aligned with PPB’s strategic CSR direction.
6.1 Environmental Statement
We recognise that every business, regardless of its size, industry or nature has some impact on the environment. PPB is committed to improving its environmental performance through a number of key initiatives, which include:
- Promoting environmental awareness in the workplace;
- Considering the environmental impacts of the materials we purchase;
- Reducing consumption, promoting the re-use and recycling of materials and encouraging the recycling of waste; and
- Encouraging our business partners to embrace similar environmental benchmarks.
What are the underlying arguments (especially business arguments) why PPB should support Environmental initiatives?
- Places business in line with growing community concerns and expectations;
- Provides long term efficiency of resources (cost effective); and
- Positive activity for staff participation.
6.3 Ways in which PPB currently cares for the Environment
- Waste paper recycling;
- Printer cartridge recycling; and
- Promoting energy conservation.
6.4 Environmental Policies
PPB is in the process of drafting its Environment Policy.
- Electronic File Policy
- Set out general guidelines and targets
- Green Office Policy
- Set out general guidelines and targets
6.5 Proposed ways in which PPB can further support (or care) for the Environment
- Energy audit;
- E-mail notification;
- Electronic File copy;
- Use of draft function; and
- Reminder on light switches to turn off lights if you are the last to leave.
