Policies

CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS

The Code of Business Ethics plays a crucial role in guiding organisations towards ethical practices and ensuring that they operate with integrity and accountability. This is particularly relevant for companies like Reed International Logistics and Security operating in Somalia, where the dynamic business environment and unique challenges demand a strong ethical foundation. By implementing a comprehensive Code of Business Ethics, Reed International Logistics and Security can establish a framework that promotes transparency, upholds ethical principles, and fosters trust among stakeholders. This not only helps mitigate risks and avoid legal consequences but also enables the company to build a reputable brand, attract clients, and retain talented employees. In a complex context like Somalia, adherence to a Code of Business Ethics becomes even more important as it promotes responsible and sustainable business practices, contributes to the local communities’ well-being, and contributes to the overall development and stability of the region.

Our business ethics code includes the following principles:

  1. Integrity and Honesty: Acting honestly and upholding high moral standards in all business dealings.
  2. Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Ensuring strict adherence to applicable laws and regulations in all aspects of our operations.
  3. Respect and Fairness: Treating all individuals with respect and fairness, irrespective of their backgrounds, identities, or positions.
  4. Security and Confidentiality: Safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring its confidentiality and prioritising the security of our facilities and systems.
  5. Responsible Use of Resources: Using resources efficiently, minimising waste, and striving for sustainable practices.
  6. Conflict Resolution: Resolving conflicts in a constructive and fair manner, encouraging open communication and collaboration.
  7. Social Responsibility: Taking proactive steps to contribute positively to society and the well-being of communities.
  8. Health and Safety: Prioritizing the health and safety of employees, customers, and anyone affected by our operations.

Integrity and Honesty

  1. Conduct all business activities with the highest standards of integrity and honesty: This means that all employees, at every level, are expected to act honestly and truthfully in all aspects of their work. They should adhere to legal and ethical standards, ensuring transparency and fairness in their actions.
  2. Uphold ethical principles in all interactions: Reed International Logistics and Security expects its employees to demonstrate ethical conduct in their interactions with clients, employees, suppliers, and stakeholders. This involves treating others respectfully, fairly, and honestly while avoiding discriminatory actions or practices.
  3. Avoid conflicts of interest: Employees must identify and manage potential conflicts of interest that may arise during their work. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s personal or financial interests interfere with their ability to act in the company’s or its clients’ best interests. Employees must disclose any potential conflicts to the appropriate parties promptly and take necessary actions to avoid compromising the company’s reputation or the trust of its clients.
  4. Promptly disclose any potential conflicts: It is essential for employees to promptly disclose any conflicts of interest they become aware of. This ensures transparency and allows the company to address the situation appropriately. Employees demonstrate their commitment to ethical conduct by disclosing conflicts and acting in the company’s best interests.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

The following points highlight the key aspects of compliance outlined in the code:

  1. Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and international standards: The code requires all employees and stakeholders to adhere to local laws, regulations, and international standards relevant to the company’s operations in Somalia. This ensures that the company operates within the legal framework and maintains ethical business practices.
  2. Promote a culture of compliance: Reed International Logistics and Security aims to foster a culture of compliance throughout the organisation. This involves creating an environment where all employees recognise the importance of following laws and regulations and understand the consequences of non-compliance. A culture of compliance encourages employees to act ethically and responsibly in their business dealings.
  3. Provide necessary training and resources: The code highlights the company’s commitment to providing employees with the required training and resources to effectively comply with laws and regulations. This includes educating employees about their legal obligations, providing guidance on ethical decision-making, and offering resources to help them stay updated on changes to applicable laws and regulations. By equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and tools, the company ensures they can effectively fulfil their compliance responsibilities.

Effective compliance with laws and regulations is crucial for businesses operating in any country, including Somalia. By adhering to the principles outlined in their Code of Business Ethics, Reed International Logistics and Security aims to maintain high ethical standards, promote transparency, and foster a responsible business environment in Somalia.

Respect and Fairness

Respect and fairness are important principles in any business ethics code, including Reed International Logistics and Security. These principles emphasise treating all individuals with respect, equality, and dignity and promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Here is a detailed explanation of these principles:

  1. Treating all individuals with respect, equality, and dignity: This means acknowledging the inherent worth and value of every person, regardless of their position, background, or personal characteristics. It involves maintaining a professional and courteous attitude when dealing with colleagues, clients, suppliers, and any other individuals associated with the business. This principle encourages open and honest communication, active listening, and empathy towards others.
  2. Promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace: This principle highlights the importance of embracing diversity and creating an inclusive work environment. It involves recognising and appreciating individual differences, such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or socio-economic status. Reed International Logistics and Security Code of Business Ethics in Somalia emphasise the inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. By doing so, the company fosters an environment free from discrimination or harassment and promotes equal opportunities for all employees.

By adhering to the principles of respect and fairness, Reed International Logistics and Security aims to create a positive work culture that values every individual, promotes collaboration, and encourages a sense of belonging among its employees. These principles contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of the workforce, enhancing productivity and fostering a more harmonious and inclusive work environment in Somalia.

Security and Confidentiality

Reed International Logistics emphasises the importance of security and confidentiality in its Code of Business Ethics in Somalia. The company expects its employees and stakeholders to adhere to the following principles:

  1. Safeguard sensitive company information: Employees are required to take appropriate measures to protect any sensitive company information they come across. This includes trade secrets, proprietary data, financial records, or any other classified information. By safeguarding such information, employees ensure the company’s continued success and competitive advantage.
  2. Protect client data: Clients trust Reed International Logistics with their valuable information, including personal details, business strategies, or any other sensitive data. It is crucial for employees to handle client data with utmost care and respect. This involves secure storage, proper encryption where necessary, and strict access controls to ensure the confidentiality of client information.
  3. Respect stakeholders’ confidential information: Reed International Logistics acknowledges that stakeholders, such as partners, suppliers, or investors, may share confidential information as part of their relationship with the company. Employees must honour their duty to maintain the confidentiality of such information and refrain from disclosing it without appropriate authorisation.
  4. Adhere to strict security protocols: Employees are responsible for following designated security protocols to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorised access. This may include implementing password protections, utilising secure networks and servers, periodic data backups, regular software updates, and physical security measures (such as locked file cabinets or restricted access areas).
  5. Prevent unauthorised access to information: It is crucial to ensure that only authorised individuals have access to confidential information. Employees should not share their login credentials or grant access to company systems and databases unless it is part of their job responsibilities and authorised by their superiors. Unauthorised access may compromise the security and integrity of the company’s information.

Adhering to these security and confidentiality guidelines helps Reed International Logistics maintain trust with clients, stakeholders, and the market overall. By prioritising the protection of sensitive information, the company demonstrates professionalism and integrity in its business practices.

Responsible Use of Resources

The responsible use of resources is an important aspect of Reed International Logistics and Security’s Code of Business Ethics in Somalia. It entails promoting sustainable practices, responsible resource management, and environmental preservation. The company emphasises the efficient utilisation of its resources while ensuring their prevention from being misused or misappropriated. Here are some key points related to this principle:

  1. Sustainable Practices: Reed International Logistics and Security encourages employees to adopt sustainable practices throughout their operations. This may include reducing energy consumption, minimising waste generation, promoting recycling initiatives, and adopting eco-friendly technologies wherever possible. By prioritising sustainability, the company aims to minimise its ecological footprint and contribute positively to the environment.
  2. Responsible Resource Management: The Code of Business Ethics emphasises the responsible management of company resources. This involves efficiently allocating and utilising resources such as finances, equipment, and materials. Employees are expected to exercise diligence in their resource usage, ensuring they are used effectively and in a manner that aligns with business goals and objectives.
  3. Environmental Preservation: Reed International Logistics and Security acknowledges the importance of environmental preservation. The company commits to mitigating any negative environmental impacts arising from its activities. This includes compliance with relevant environmental laws and regulations, active participation in environmental conservation efforts, and continuous improvement of environmental performance.
  4. Misuse or Misappropriation Prevention: The Code of Business Ethics explicitly prohibits the misuse or misappropriation of company resources. Employees are expected to use company resources solely for legitimate business purposes. This involves refraining from personal use, unauthorised appropriation, theft, or wasteful practices that could compromise the company’s resources or reputation.

By incorporating the principle of responsible resource use, Reed International Logistics and Security aims to operate sustainably, minimise waste, conserve resources, and contribute to the overall well-being of the environment while ensuring the efficient utilisation of company assets.

Conflict Resolution

Reed International Logistics and Security’s Code of Business Ethics in Somalia emphasises conflict resolution through peaceful and constructive means. It is essential to handle disagreements or conflicts in a manner that promotes mutual understanding and preserves positive working relationships. The following are two specific guidelines within the Code that address conflict resolution:

  1. Resolve conflicts through peaceful and constructive means: This guideline encourages employees to approach conflicts in a non-confrontational manner. It promotes peaceful and constructive methods of conflict resolution, such as open dialogue, negotiation, mediation, and compromise. By seeking peaceful resolutions, the aim is to maintain a harmonious work environment and minimise disruption to operations.
  2. Encourage open communication and provide channels for employees to report concerns or ethical violations without fear of retaliation: This guideline highlights the importance of fostering a culture of open communication within the organisation. It encourages employees to discuss their concerns or ethical violations without fear of retaliation or negative consequences. It is crucial to create channels such as anonymous reporting mechanisms, whistle-blower protections, and accessible grievance procedures to ensure that employees feel safe and supported when reporting conflicts or ethical concerns.

By incorporating these guidelines into their Code of Business Ethics, Reed International Logistics and Security aims to promote conflict resolution practices that prioritise dialogue, mutual understanding, and fairness. Such an approach contributes to a positive work environment and ensures that ethical standards are upheld within the organisation.

Social Responsibility

Reed International Logistics and Security’s Code of Business Ethics in Somalia emphasises the importance of social responsibility. Here are the key points with elaborations:
  1. Contribute to the betterment of the local community by promoting education, healthcare, and other vital needs within our capabilities:
    • Reed International Logistics and Security acknowledges the significance of actively participating in the betterment of the local community in Somalia.
    • They strive to support and promote education by potentially partnering with local schools, universities, or educational programs to provide resources, scholarships, or vocational training opportunities.
    • In terms of healthcare, Reed International Logistics and Security may consider supporting local healthcare centres or hospitals by contributing resources, equipment, or funding to improve access to healthcare services.
    • “Other vital needs within our capabilities” implies that the company may identify specific areas of improvement within the community, such as infrastructure development, clean water initiatives, or support for marginalised groups, and work towards addressing those needs.
  2. Engage in ethical business practices that promote human rights, fair labour, and environmental sustainability:
    • Reed International Logistics and Security is committed to conducting its business activities in an ethical manner.
    • Human rights are respected and upheld throughout the company’s operations. This includes ensuring fair treatment, non-discrimination, and adherence to international labour standards.
    • The company promotes fair labour practices, which may involve providing fair wages, decent working conditions, and following local labour laws and regulations.
    • Environmental sustainability is a priority for Reed International Logistics and Security. They aim to reduce their ecological footprint by implementing environmentally friendly practices, such as responsible waste management, energy conservation, or exploring renewable energy options.
    • Additionally, the company may encourage its employees to adopt sustainable practices within the workplace and in their personal lives.
These principles reflect Reed International Logistics and Security’s commitment to being a socially responsible business in Somalia, showing their dedication to the local community’s well-being, respect for human rights, fair labour practices, and environmental sustainability.

Health and Safety

Reed International Logistics and Security Code of Business Ethics in Somalia emphasises the importance of health and safety in the workplace. Here are the provided points and their elaboration:

  1. Provide a safe and healthy working environment for all employees: This means that Reed International Logistics and Security is committed to creating a workspace that is free from hazards and risks to the health and well-being of its employees. Steps may include ensuring proper ventilation, lighting, ergonomic workstations, and adequate restrooms and break areas. Additionally, they may prioritise regular equipment, machinery, and infrastructure maintenance to prevent accidents and injuries.
  2. Comply with occupational health and safety regulations and promote practices that minimise risks and accidents: Reed International Logistics and Security is committed to adhering to all relevant occupational health and safety regulations established by local authorities and international standards, if applicable. The company aims to prevent accidents, injuries, illnesses, and any adverse health effects by complying with these regulations. This commitment may involve regular training and awareness programs for employees to educate them about potential hazards and methods to mitigate risks. Employees might be encouraged to report unsafe conditions or practices and be provided with clear procedures for addressing safety concerns.

Reed International Logistics and Security recognises the importance of providing its employees with a safe and healthy working environment. They comply with health and safety regulations and promote practices that minimise risks and accidents. This demonstrates their dedication to the well-being and welfare of their workforce in Somalia.

This Code of Business Ethics reflects our commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in all aspects of our business operations. All employees are expected to embrace and adhere to these principles, fostering a culture of trust, integrity, and responsibility within Reed International Logistics and Security.