Overview
Cultivating an ethical business environment is fundamental at Videndum. All employees must understand our expectations of their conduct and follow our workforce policies.
Our values, integrity and purpose drive our business values and decisions, ensuring that the impact on all our stakeholders is considered. Integrity is central to Videndum’s identity.
Labour and human rights
We fully support the principles set out in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our policies and procedures reflect the principles contained within the Declaration.
We support the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and have adopted a slavery and human trafficking statement, setting out our processes to ensure that this issue is not in existence in our operations or supply chain.
Download Modern Slavery Statement
Supply chain
We expect our business partners to have similar values to our own, to ensure that we are not associated with slavery or human trafficking.
Through screening our supply chain using third-party software and physically inspecting our supply chain, we are confident that this is not an issue within our operations. In addition, as part of internal audit reviews, the risk assurance team periodically verifies the supply chain management processes to ensure that these include supplier vetting procedures in respect of risk purchases in accordance with the Group’s sourcing policy. For example, we verify that suppliers located in the Far East have been subject to inspection of working conditions.
We train our employees on this issue through web-based training modules and our Code of Conduct. We have developed a Group-wide methodology for evaluating our suppliers on all dimensions of ESG. This approach is being gradually rolled out across the entire supply chain. We have recently formalised our Responsible Sourcing Policy and recommunicated this to suppliers.
Download Responsible Sourcing Policy
Policies, procedures and trainingplus
Videndum places great emphasis on maintaining a responsible and ethical workplace. The Board and Executive Committee are closely involved in reviewing and approving key policies that shape the conduct and behaviour of our workforce. To ensure these policies are effectively understood and embedded, regular training sessions are organised for employees and key compliance policies are published on Divisional intranets and the Group’s website, with some included in the employee handbook.
Code of Conductplus
Our Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for employee behaviour, emphasising integrity in anti-bribery and ethical decision-making. The Code of Conduct is translated into multiple languages to ensure global accessibility and is supported by training for all employees. Senior management is required to complete an online training module covering topics such as conflicts of interest, share dealing, legal duties, and reputational risks. To reinforce our commitment, Videndum relaunched the Code and its associated training modules in early 2024 for all employees. Videndum holds our business partners to the same high standards, expecting them to adhere to the principles outlined in our Code of Conduct.
Anti-bribery and corruptionplus
Videndum operates with zero tolerance towards bribery and corruption. The Group understands that bribery and corruption is illegal and negatively impacts the Company, community, and environment. Our antibribery and corruption policy is available on our website. This policy clearly states this commitment, with annual employee training reinforcing this culture. To safeguard against bribery and corruption, Videndum screens all major third parties using third-party software, NAVEX RiskRate. This screening process covers over 1,100 entities and evaluates factors such as reputational risk, sanctions, politically exposed persons and adverse media reports. Employees involved in partner selection are trained to use this system before engaging with any new third party. At least annually, updates on anti-bribery measures are provided to both the Board and the Audit Committee to ensure compliance.
Sustainable procurementplus
Videndum takes ethical procurement seriously and uses NAVEX RiskRate to screen new suppliers and conduct ongoing audits of existing partners. Our procurement process integrates environmental and ethical considerations at every stage. Standard questionnaires have been developed to assess suppliers, and a detailed site inspection is mandatory for critical partners. These audits review both operational efficiency and responsible supply chain practices. Any failure to meet our vetting criteria results in the termination of the partnership.
Whistleblowing serviceplus
In pursuit of high standards of transparency and integrity, Videndum provides an independent whistleblowing service, in collaboration with NAVEX, that allows employees and third parties to report any suspected misconduct confidentially. To achieve this, all reports are forwarded directly to the Chairman, the Group Company Secretary, the HR Director, and the Chair of the Audit Committee. Each investigation is carried out independently by senior management uninvolved with the reported matter, ensuring a fair and impartial process. Videndum protects anyone who raises concerns in good faith from retaliation.
Conflicts of interestplus
The Group take conflicts of interest seriously, and our Conflicts of Interest Policy outlines the processes for reporting and managing any potential conflicts. Central to this policy is our register, which documents all declared conflicts of interest. Each Director is required to disclose any conflict of interest that arises in connection with their duties. The Company’s Articles of Association provide a framework for managing these conflicts, permitting the Board to authorise a conflicted Director to participate in discussions and decisions on the matter once it has been declared. Videndum confirms that no conflicts were reported throughout 2024, reflecting our commitment to transparency and ethical governance.
Workforce remuneration policiesplus
Our remuneration policy ensures that Videndum attracts, retains and motivates top talent. Approved by shareholders and overseen by the Remuneration Committee, this policy aligns employee rewards with strategic objectives and corporate values.
Political donationsplus
Videndum made no political donations in the year ended 31 December 2024. The Company’s policy is not to make political donations. Whilst we make no political donations, we are seeking to renew an enabling resolution to cover political donations at our 2025 AGM. This is to protect the Company and Directors in the case of an inadvertent political donation. Refer to the 2025 AGM Notice of Meeting for further details.
Information systems and technology plus
At Videndum, our IT systems are critical in supporting operational objectives while safeguarding against cyber threats and data breaches. To maintain these high standards, our Interim Chief Financial Officer oversees the governance of all IT functions, ensuring they are aligned with both business needs and security protocols. Our IT policy outlines employee, contractor and third-party expectations when accessing and using the Group’s systems. It provides essential guidelines on data confidentiality, General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) compliance, cyber security, and the appropriate use of technology. Videndum conducts regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests with specialist providers, implementing key controls such as patch management, multi-factor authentication, and user access controls to mitigate risks. The Board and Audit Committee are also regularly updated on emerging cyber threats and protective measures. The Group has moved to standard certification.