Compliance Conversations delves into the journey our suppliers are undertaking to ensure that they maintain compliance.
To maintain the compliance of our supply chain as we grow and evolve, we ask our partners to sign up to the EcoVadis programme. This programme assesses their compliance and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives/actions.
Berkeley Removals London has been a trusted K2 partner since 2011, providing K2 with specialist moving and storage services. In 2022, Berkeley signed up to the EcoVadis programme, becoming one of the 83 K2 partners who currently submit themselves to assessment by the business sustainability ratings provider.
Jay Connor, Director of Berkeley, says that the business joined the programme after recognising the increasing importance of compliance and sustainability both within the global mobility industry and throughout the wider world. In recent years, customers, investors, and regulators have intensified their demands for companies to adopt and enhance sustainable and ethical practices. To avoid falling behind, Berkley decided to take a proactive approach by signing up to the EcoVadis programme, helping to ensure they remain competitive in these highly scrutinised and valued areas.
Through their first assessment in 2022, Berkeley did not receive an EcoVadis medal – this is not uncommon for a company undergoing the rating process for the first time. However, in 2023, Berkeley earned an EcoVadis silver medal. How did they accomplish this? They worked hard to ensure that their labour and human rights policies are fully compliant, and that their environmental metrics are meticulously tracked. EcoVadis evaluates a business’ entire supply chain, providing guidance on how to track your compliance, advice on how to improve in order to meet regulations, and insights into any changes in laws and regulations within the countries where you operate. With all this information to hand, you are well positioned to take proactive action to maintain your compliance.
Now in their third assessment cycle, the processes implemented in the previous two years are making Berkeley’s submission for accreditation significantly smoother. The requirements and practices set out by EcoVadis quickly became part of normal business operations, making Berkeley optimistic about their pursuit of a gold medal this year.
The benefits of the EcoVadis programme, in Jay’s opinion, make the cost of signing up to it negligible. Ensuring compliance and high ESG standards cannot afford to be neglected in today’s world. The facts speak for themselves: 91% of companies take sustainability criteria into account in purchasing decisions, and 10/10 is the proportion of the last decade wherein a major new supply chain sustainability regulation was introduced. If you fear that cost may be a prohibitive factor for your business, you may be reassured by the fact that EcoVadis offers a tiered subscription model, tailored to different-sized companies, meaning there is an affordable option for a whole range of businesses.
If you are hesitant about signing up to the EcoVadis programme because of concerns about a lack of resource within your business, Jay offers some reassurance. He explains that whilst the initial period after signup does require an intensive time commitment, once the foundations are in place, your compliance and ESG practices soon become part of your day-to-day operations.
Berkeley had previously used other compliance and sustainability assessment companies. However, Jay believes that EcoVadis stands out as the industry leader due to their exceptional support provision, professionalism, and customer service. The comprehensive online support provided by EcoVadis has been crucial in helping Berkeley power ahead with their compliance journey. EcoVadis offers granular visibility of your supply chain, enabling them to provide you with detailed guidance and effective strategies for maintaining and future-proofing your compliance.
As a concluding comment, Jay reiterates that missing out on an EcoVadis medal through your first assessment is not a failure or a condemnation of your business. Signing up to the EcoVadis programme demonstrates your commitment to improvement: it shows that your business has undertaken a learning process in order to raise the bar on all things compliance and ESG. Jay asserts that Berkeley’s commitment to the EcoVadis programme has undoubtedly positively affected the overall running of the company.
