ESG Policy

ESG POLICY: ENVIRONMENTAL PILLAR

At YTC, our commitment to an ESG policy is an extension of our ‘We Care‘ ethos. We recognise the environmental impact of corporate operations and are dedicated to reducing our footprint through more responsible business practices. Our approach focuses on sustainability in our office environment, procurement, transportation, and partnerships.

1. Waste Reduction & Recycling

We prioritise recycling and responsible waste disposal across our office. From paper and packaging to obsolete equipment and furniture, we ensure all materials are either recycled or disposed of responsibly. Our employees are encouraged to follow best practices in recycling, and we continue to explore ways to minimise waste at every level.

2. Eliminating Single-Use Plastics

As part of our sustainability efforts, we have adopted a zero-tolerance policy on single-use plastics that we purchase for the office. We have removed plastic cups and bottles from our drinking water stations and encourage the use of reusable alternatives.

3. Energy Efficiency

To reduce energy consumption, YTC commits to using energy-efficient lighting throughout the office. We encourage employees to be mindful of energy use and continue to seek ways to improve our overall efficiency. Additionally, we have installed dual flush system toilets to more efficiently manage water consumption, further reducing our environmental impact.

4. Sustainable Procurement

We carefully consider the sustainability of the products we use in our office. This includes:

• Eco-friendly paper products such as 100% recycled toilet paper.
• Sustainable office merchandise including kraft notebooks and pens made from recycled fibres.
• Sourcing from sustainable suppliers, such as our partnership (commencing May 2025) with a local refillable company for essential office supplies such as hand wash, kitchen and cleaning products.

5. Office Wellbeing & Air Quality

To promote a greener and healthier workplace, we have introduced air-purifying plants into our office space. These plants not only improve air quality but also contribute to a more positive and calming work environment.

6. Sustainable Commuting & Travel

We support low-carbon commuting options for our employees through:

• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Walking and cycling initiatives, with the first event set for May 2025.
• An Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, encouraging employees to opt for cleaner transportation.

7. Environmental Giving & Rewilding Efforts

Beyond internal operations, we believe in making a positive environmental impact through charitable giving. YTC wish to pledge support to:

• Local community projects focused on sustainability.
• Environmental conservation initiatives that protect, conserve, or rewild areas affected by climate change. More details can be found in our ‘YTC Charitable Strategy‘ document.

8. Compliance & Continuous Improvement

As part of our ESG Policy, YTC commits to abiding by all relevant environmental laws and regulations within our operational locations. We continuously assess our environmental impact and seek opportunities to improve our sustainability efforts. We recognise that sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we remain dedicated to embedding environmentally responsible practices into our culture and operations.

ESG POLICY: SOCIAL PILLAR

At YTC, our ‘We Care’ ethos extends beyond delivering exceptional service to our clients, it encompasses the wellbeing of our employees, the inclusivity of our workplace, and our role within the wider community. We are working hard to consider social responsibility in every aspect of our operations, ensuring that our people, partners, and society benefit from our ethical and sustainable practices.

1. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is recognised, valued, and actively encouraged. No employee, job applicant, client, or supplier will be treated less favourably based on personal characteristics. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we:

• Regularly review policies, pay structures, and recruitment processes to prevent pay gaps and ensure fairness.
• Provide mandatory diversity training for employees at all levels.
• Hold all staff accountable for upholding our commitment to equality, with any breaches taken seriously and subject to disciplinary action.
• Fully comply with the Equality Act 2010 to ensure a fair and non-discriminatory working environment.

2. Employee Development and Wellbeing

We invest in our people by offering continuous career development where possible and prioritising their wellbeing. Our approach includes:

• Regular one-to-one reviews to track goals, identify training opportunities, and support and encourage professional development and personal growth.
• An enhanced employee benefits package designed to promote a healthy work-life balance, including:
  • Life insurance and pension contributions for all employees.
  • Enhanced paternity pay – Fathers receive enhanced paternity pay during their two-week paternity leave.
  • Increased annual leave allowance plus an annual leave length of service scheme.
  • Two additional paid days per year for employees to engage in volunteering, fundraising, or charitable activities in-line with our charitable strategy.
• A robust wellbeing package, including:
  • EAP – Employee Assistance programme offering all employees professional support during difficult times or unexpected circumstances. 
  • A greener, healthier office environment with increased greenery and weekly fresh fruit deliveries via an eco-delivery service.
  • On-site bi-monthly mini therapeutic treatments from a partnered masseuse.
  • Access to a Cycle to Work scheme to support healthier activities and travel.

3. Community Engagement and Ethical Sourcing

Beyond our internal operations, we are committed to supporting our local and national communities. This is reflected in our approach to:

• Prioritising local suppliers for office operations to support small businesses and strengthen community ties.
• Actively contributing to social causes through our charitable strategy, which outlines our initiatives and community support efforts.

ESG POLICY: GOVERNANCE PILLAR

At YTC, we recognise that strong corporate governance is fundamental to achieving our mission and ensuring long-term sustainability. Our ESG Policy governance framework is built on principles of transparency, ethical decision-making, and accountability. We are working hard to uphold high standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, and fostering a culture of trust and integrity.

1. Ethical Business Practices

We operate with integrity and uphold a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, bribery, and unethical business practices. Our Code of Conduct applies to all employees and outlines expectations regarding ethical decision-making, conflicts of interest, and responsible business behaviour. We provide regular training to ensure all staff understand their responsibilities and adhere to these principles.

2. Data Protection and Cybersecurity

Protecting the privacy of our clients, employees, and partners is a top priority. We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and all applicable data protection laws. Our IT infrastructure is continuously monitored and updated to safeguard against cyber threats, and we conduct regular audits and training to ensure data security best practices are upheld.

We’ve achieved the Cyber Essentials certification, a government-backed scheme that helps organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats. This means that we have met the standards for implementing essential security controls and best practices in our IT systems and processes.

But that’s not all. We’re also aiming for the Cyber Essentials Plus certification, which involves a more rigorous and independent assessment of our cyber security posture. This will provide us with an even higher level of assurance and confidence in our ability to prevent and respond to cyber attacks.

We have robust data protection policies, strict access controls, and regular security assessments to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our clients’ information.

3. Responsible Supply Chain Management

YTC prioritises working with suppliers who share our values of sustainability, ethical labour practices, and transparency. We conduct due diligence when selecting partners, ensuring they adhere to fair labour policies, environmental best practices, and responsible business conduct.

4. Board Oversight and Accountability

Our leadership team plays a crucial role in embedding ESG principles into our decision-making processes and so all management level employees are familiar with our ESG policy, to ensure oversight of sustainability initiatives, ethical considerations, and corporate risk management. We foster an open culture where employees are encouraged to report concerns or potential violations through secure and confidential channels.

5. Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive leadership team that reflects the values of our organisation. Our hiring and promotion practices are designed to ensure equal opportunities at all levels to support a workplace where talent is recognised and nurtured, regardless of background.