At FiveAndCo, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainability in all aspects of our operations. This policy outlines our approach to waste management, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting our dedication to preserving the environment.

Remote Work and Meeting Practices

As a fully remote company, we recognize the significance of minimizing in-person meetings and maximising the impact when meetings are in-person. We limit physical meetups to four times a year at designated hotels to reduce travel-related emissions and encourage virtual meetings whenever possible to decrease our carbon footprint.

During quarterly offsite meetings, employees are encouraged to carpool or use ride-sharing services to minimize individual carbon footprints and reduce the overall environmental impact of travel to the meeting venue.

Waste Management

FiveAndCo. employees are encouraged to minimize waste generation by opting for digital documentation, utilising electronic communication, and reducing unnecessary printing.

Employees are expected to use recycling schemes at their respective home working locations. Electronic devices that reach the end of their lives are recycled centrally.

We strive to minimize waste by opting for eco-friendly products, reusable materials, and avoiding single-use items in company-sponsored events or materials. The only materials we will provide clients are paper based products designed to bring lasting value to the teams we work with.

Energy Consumption

Employees are encouraged to be mindful of their energy consumption at home, including regulating heating usage and adopting energy-efficient practices.

We aim to minimize server energy consumption by using efficient cloud services and optimizing energy-efficient hardware.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

We promote responsible travel by requiring employees to combine multiple client visits during long-haul flights to reduce the frequency of air travel.

We are exploring options for carbon offset programs to compensate for unavoidable emissions generated by business travel. As a fully remote business we produce no Scope 1 or 2 emissions. We are dedicated to maintaining this record. We aim to reduce our Scope 3 emissions per person year on year and we are working on offsetting all our emissions completely by 2030.

Continuous Improvement and Accountability

Regular assessments of our environmental practices and impact will be conducted to identify areas for improvement. Each year we report on our carbon footprint using the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and the Scope 2 Guidance and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard.

All employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and suggestions to further enhance our sustainability efforts.

FiveAndCo. is committed to making a positive social and environmental impact through our philanthropic efforts. As a leadership consultancy operating within the life sciences industry, we recognise the importance of investing in initiatives that foster innovation, education, and sustainability.

Financial Donations and Partnerships

We donate a proportion of our profit annually to charitable organisations and social enterprises, that align with our core values and mission.

We believe in the transformative power of education and we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the pharmaceutical sector. By supporting initiatives like Curiosity Box, we are supporting a company who play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and encouraging underrepresented groups, including girls and minorities, to pursue careers in STEM. By supporting such initiatives, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all alongside inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators in the pharmaceutical and related industries.

Community Service Leave

Our philanthropic efforts extend beyond financial contributions. We actively engage with the communities we serve, leveraging our expertise and resources to drive positive change at the local level.

Our employees can take up to a week of paid Community Service Leave, which can be used for volunteering activities that benefit the community, such as participating in charity events, serving on nonprofit boards, mentoring programs, or engaging in environmental conservation efforts.

Pro Bono Work and Discounted Rates

FiveAndCo. are proud to dedicate a portion of our resources to pro bono work, providing our expertise and services to charitable organisations, non-profits, and community initiatives. Whether it's offering leadership training, strategic consulting, or mentorship support, our pro bono work reflects our commitment to social responsibility and empowering organisations that are working to address pressing social, environmental, and humanitarian challenges. By leveraging our skills and knowledge for the greater good, we aim to contribute to positive change and help build a brighter future for all.

We aim to increase our pro bono work three fold in 2024/25.

In addition to our pro bono work, we also extend our support to other charitable organisations through discounted rates for our services. We understand the financial constraints that many non-profits and charitable groups face, and we believe that by offering discounted rates, we can amplify the impact of their important work. By partnering with these charities at reduced rates, we aim to strengthen their capacity, enhance their effectiveness, and ultimately contribute to the advancement of their missions. This commitment reflects our belief in the power of collaboration and solidarity to drive positive change in our communities and beyond.

At FiveAndCo, we recognise that embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace is not only fundamental to our success but also an integral part of our values. We are committed to cultivating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, and cultural background.

We provide equal opportunities for all employees in recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and career development. Decisions regarding employment are based on skills, qualifications, and performance, irrespective of individual differences.

We promote a culture of respect, openness, and collaboration. Every member of our team is encouraged to contribute ideas, share experiences, and engage in constructive dialogue in a safe and welcoming environment.

We are committed to providing regular training and educational programs to increase awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of diversity-related issues among our employees.

Flexible Working

Flexible working hours consider the needs of diverse employees, such as those from different cultures and life stages. We acknowledge that employees with certain faiths may need time away from their desks for prayer during the day, and time off when observing religious holidays. Parents may need hours that match their child’s school or childcare schedule. We believe encouraging employees to discuss these requirements is an excellent inclusive practice.

We focus more on the goals our employees achieve than the time they spend at their desks.

Goals for 2024/25

Promote Inclusive Policies: Review and update company policies to ensure they are inclusive and do not discriminate against any individual or group based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or other characteristics.

Supplier Diversity Initiatives: Establish connections with diverse suppliers and allocate 20% of procurement spending to support businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

Performance Metrics and Feedback: Continue regular assessments and surveys to measure employee satisfaction, gather feedback on inclusivity efforts, and identify areas for improvement.

Leadership Commitment: Ensure leadership demonstrates visible support for diversity and inclusion efforts by participating in training, advocating for inclusive practices, and actively engaging in initiatives that promote diversity within the organisation. Every member of staff will have undertaken diversity and inclusion training in 2024.

Community Engagement: Engage with local community organisations, support diversity-focused events, and participate in activities that contribute to the promotion of diversity and inclusion beyond the workplace. We aim to support charities and social initiatives by giving our employees paid leave to volunteer.

Continuous Improvement: Establish a feedback loop to regularly assess and adapt diversity and inclusion strategies based on employee input, industry best practices, and evolving societal norms.

At FiveAndCo. we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all aspects of our business operations. Our commitment to ethical practices is fundamental to our reputation, success, and the trust placed in us by our clients, partners, employees, and the communities we serve.

Integrity and Honesty

We conduct ourselves with honesty, transparency, and integrity in all our dealings. We do not engage in deceptive, fraudulent, or misleading practices. We uphold the highest standards of accuracy and truthfulness in our communications and representations.

Corruption

FiveAndCo. strictly prohibits the offering, solicitation, or acceptance of bribes, kickbacks, or improper inducements in any business dealings. Employees are expected to uphold integrity and transparency in all interactions.

Employees are required to disclose any personal, financial, or professional interests that may conflict, or appear to conflict, with the interests of FiveAndCo. or its clients. Conflicts must be addressed transparently to ensure impartiality in decision-making.

FiveAndCo. complies with all applicable laws and regulations related to anti-money laundering and fraud prevention. Employees are expected to report any suspicious activities or concerns promptly.

FiveAndCo. provides regular training sessions to educate employees about corruption risks, responsible information management, and the importance of compliance with policies and regulations.

Human Rights

We respect the inherent dignity, rights, and diversity of all individuals, both within our organisation and in the broader community. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment free from discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. We support and uphold internationally recognised human rights principles in our business operations and supply chain.

We recognise that modern slavery is a grave violation of human rights and a global issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide. As part of our ethical practices, we have implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chain. We conduct rigorous due diligence to ensure that our suppliers adhere to ethical standards consistent with our own, including the prohibition of forced labour, child labour, and other forms of exploitation.

Supplier and Partner Relationships

We expect our suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners to adhere to ethical standards consistent with our own. We conduct due diligence to ensure that our suppliers and partners share our commitment to ethical practices, human rights, and sustainability. We strive to build collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships based on trust, fairness, and respect.

Reporting and Compliance

All employees are encouraged to report any suspected violations of this Ethical Practices Policy promptly and without fear of retaliation. Reports of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken. We are committed to continuously reviewing and updating our ethical practices to reflect changes in laws, regulations, and societal expectations.

At FiveAndCo. ethical behaviour is not just a requirement but a core value that guides everything we do. By adhering to the principles outlined in this policy, we demonstrate our commitment to integrity, responsibility, and ethical leadership in the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.