SPECIALIST insurer Hiscox is the first business to be awarded a new certification by York-based venture Bright Ethics for its outstanding commitment to ethical and responsible business practice in its York office.

Delivered in partnership with The Centre for Assessment – specialists in certification, accreditation and training services – the Bright Ethics Certification explores how far organisations have demonstrated a real and tangible commitment to reducing their impact on the planet, while also increasing their positive impact on people and communities.

Hiscox scored well across Bright Ethics’ four key certification areas of values and leadership, environmental sustainability, positive workplaces and sourcing with integrity.

Specific initiatives mentioned included Hiscox’s production of a 2016 carbon footprint report and commitment to carbon neutrality; ensuring sustainability in its supplier chain; workplace policies such as active welfare monitoring, a flexible working policy, commitment to employee diversity, as well as paid internships and work experience.

Its impact on the wider York community was also noted through its investment in an award-winning office building in the city – designed to foster better collaboration and communication – as well as the launch of its York Business Club, which provides free office space to start-ups and small businesses in the area.

Assessor Mick Lynch said in his report: “Hiscox should be congratulated on their structured approach to areas such as its environmental policy and employee welfare, as well as the commitment of all staff in their York office.”

Bright Ethics director Bethan Vincent said “We are very proud to have worked with Hiscox as part of our York pilot. They were able to evidence clear ethical practices in all areas of assessment and must be applauded for their ongoing commitment to creating real positive change.”

Phil Thorn, head of direct home insurance at Hiscox, said: “Doing the right thing, whether it concerns the environment, how we treat our employees and suppliers, servicing our clients or how we impact the community around us, is an intrinsic part of our business DNA.

"We’re very pleased that this certification from Bright Ethics recognises the efforts of all our staff in making the office a welcoming, inspiring and ethical place to work.”

Bright Ethics said consumer demand was growing for companies to demonstrate their social credentials above and beyond paper policies. A business did not have to be a non-profit or social venture to make a positive contribution to society and also develop an environment where employees feel like their work matters.

It said Hiscox was ahead of the curve as an early adopter of the York-based standard, as Bright Ethics had just signed a partnership with Manchester-based The Centre for Assessment to bring the certification to the rest of the UK.