Although BlockMark Technologies Ltd is still only a small company, we take our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibilities seriously.
BlockMark Technologies Ltd strives to earn the trust of its customers, suppliers, and stakeholders by offering a reliable, secure and innovative certificate management platform. We conduct our business with integrity, fairness, and respect. We obey the law and always try to act responsibly and honestly.
BlockMark Technologies Ltd takes cyber security seriously and has signed the UK Government's Cyber Resilience Pledge. One of our primary considerations is ensuring that our software-as-a-service platform, BlockMark Registry, is secure by design. All our employees receive cyber security training and continuously work to make our organisation more secure and resilient. We have also started to audit our supply chain, expecting them to have at least Cyber Essentials so as to demonstrate that they too have basic cyber security controls in place.
BlockMark Technologies Ltd is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. Our long-term aim is for our operations to have a net-positive impact on the environment and to educate others about what can be done to improve environmental sustainability along the way.
We also encourage our BlockMark Registry platform to be used to promote improvements to the environment and sustainability, through for example certification schemes that recognise measures being put in place and award those reducing carbon emissions and waste.
Our approach to date:
- based at the Wyche Innovation Centre in the Malvern Hills National Landscape, we already use electricity generated from the property's photovoltaic solar cells.
- our offices are equipped with energy efficient LED lighting and thermostatic radiator valves.
- we use our office's recycling and food waste bins.
- we encourage cycling or walking to work whenever possible.
- we support working from home to reduce the environmental impact of regular commuting.
- we encourage transport by electric vehicle and train whenever possible, and have an on-site EV charger available for staff and visitors.
- we encourage on-line and virtual meetings where possible to reduce the impact of travelling.
- where we take necessary flights for business trips, we aim to offset the carbon emissions.
Our organisation commits to:
- continue to act responsibly to reduce waste and use energy efficiently.
- monitor business activities with a view to making improvements that further reduce our carbon footprint.
- monitor our supply chain and make changes that could further reduce our impact on the environment. For example, we use the Google Cloud Platform in London to host BlockmMark Registry. You can read Google's 2024 Environmental report here, and in particular see p.36 for the Carbon Free Energy map and the measure for Great Britain.
As our organisation continues to grow, we are mindful we will need to introduce a more formal carbon reduction plan (CRP) in the future.
BlockMark Technologies Ltd is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. In providing our services, we are also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public.
The policy’s purpose is to:
- provide equality, fairness and respect for all our employees, whether temporary, part-time or full-time.
- not unlawfully discriminate because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
- oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities.
Our organisation commits to:
- Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense.
- Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
- Training employees about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.
- Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities. Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.
- Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.
- Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.
- Monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
¶ Human rights, fair labour and modern slavery policy
BlockMark Technologies Ltd believes that everybody deserves to be treated equally, with respect, and with dignity.
Our organisation commits to:
- not use child labour, but support legitimate workplace apprenticeships and work experience placements complying with the applicable laws and regulations with appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
- not use forced, bonded or involuntary labour. We have a zero-tolerance approach towards human trafficking.
- provide a safe and heathy environment for our employees to work in.
- not tolerate actual, or the threat of, verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment or other forms of intimidation.
- provide clear, written contracts of employment that are lawful, ensure working hours are reasonable, and provides wages and benefits that meet or exceed the National Living Wage.
- provide training and support to improve the welfare and skills of our employees.
¶ Anti-bribery and corruption policy
BlockMark Technologies Ltd does not tolerate any form of bribery or corruption. We comply with the UK's Bribery Act 2010.
Our organisation commits to:
- never accept or offer a bribe.
- never accept hospitality from a third party that is unduly lavish or extravagant.
- never offer or accept a gift to or from government officials or representatives, politicians or political parties.
- conduct our business lawfully and without corrupt behaviour.
- avoid, or otherwise state, any conflicts of interest.
- keep detailed and accurate financial records / accounts.
- ensure all employees understand that bribery and corruption is illegal.
- provide means for any suspicious activity to be reported and acted upon.