To our stakeholders,

In my role as VSC’s Chairman I can wholeheartedly confirm that VSC Security reaffirms its support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global compact. The focus of this support has been and will continue to be in the areas of Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti Corruption.

In this Communication on Progress we will describe and highlight how VSC seeks to include the Global Compact and its principles into all parts of the operation. This includes business strategy, daily operations and interactions with all stakeholders. To support the above and ensure transparency in all our efforts we commit to effectively communicate this information as regularly as possible to all stakeholders.

Your Sincerely

Keith Schuette
Chairman

VSC seeks to support and respect Human’s Rights in every thing that we do. Not only do we ensure that we are not complicit in any type of abuse but we also work to ensure that where possible our operations and strategy supports the goal of promoting the internationally proclaimed Human Rights to all.

VSC is cognisant of and committed to supporting the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. In order that this committed is part of our day-to-day operations we operate with the guidelines of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and is a signatory member of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Companies.

We communicate these commitments through an internal training program and adherence to VSC’s own Code of Conduct. Human Rights and the Voluntary Principles are part of the initial training package for all VSC’s staff and refresher sessions are undertaken on a regular basis.

In regard to business partners and subcontractors we require them to adhere to the same stringent standards that VSC imposes on itself. To ensure adherence we work closely with all of our providers to ensure they carry out threat assessments in relation to Human Rights and are aware of any risks that may be applicable.

In the coming year VSC is committed to the continued training of all its personnel in the importance of human rights and how this should impact on their dealings with all stakeholders. This will take the form of ongoing formal instruction and regular briefings on an adhoc basis.

VSC has a suggestion box at all locations and staff are encouraged to provide feedback on a range of subjects. VSC also meets with local community members and other stakeholders to ensure that our personnel are not in danger of infringing rights.

The VSC HR department works with all personnel to encourage them to make any issues none. Additionally all managerial personnel are aware of the important of human rights and seek to support VSC’s commitment at all times.

We also engage with clients and local communities to provide support where possible. In the last year this has included community outreach clinics supported by our paramedics and the delivery of improvements to a local school.

In the previous period the specific program has focused on improved feedback channels for all personnel. The suggestion boxes have proved useful and a number of grievances have been aired. These have not been related to Human Rights abuses but have highlighted that it is an effective route for possible complaints.

For relationships outside VSC we continue to discuss the requirements of local communities and where possible provide support.

VSC regards its personnel as its most important asset. We strive at all times to treat them with respect, give them clear opportunities to communicate issues and provide training and development wherever possible. We are an equal opportunities employer and actively seek to provide opportunities to all members of the communities that we work within.

VSC has a comprehensive employee handbook that clearly lays out all staff rights. It contains details on procedures for dealing with grievances and information on development. Additionally we seek to actively recruit the less able. This is a rewarding undertaking in a society where opportunities can be limited for those that may be physically impaired.

VSC also insists that all providers and partners take a similar approach with their labour force management and guidelines.

As part of its support for the labour principles VSC also has an active approach to safety policy and the importance of protecting personnel’s and other stakeholders wellbeing.

In the reporting period we have expanded our HR capacity and implemented a number of performance related reward schemes that show VSC’s commitment to its staff. We have also increased the quality of our staff communications whilst driving forward a safety policy that actively seeks to promote wellbeing for employees and other stakeholders alike.

VSC also has an employee support fund, which is available to make loans or grants for personnel who may need to provide urgent support for family members.

As a security company VSC has a requirement to primarily recruit male personnel. It is also important that they are physically fit. However, throughout our support functions we have a high ratio of female staff and provide opportunities for physically impaired personnel. This support role diversity sends a clear message of commitment to our providers and clients alike.

This positive trend will be continued and will be measured via the HR function. The provision of a safe working environment will be measures through comprehensive tracking tools that aim to highlight risks and seek to reduce all and any type of injury.

VSC is committed to the protection of the environment and the limiting of any impact our operations may have on it. We have introduced and continue to improve company environmental guidelines. These include detailed requirements for spill prevention, energy efficiency and recycling.

VSC’s services require the transportation of personnel and clients throughout the areas that we work within. However, we seek to minimize vehicle idling where possible and have fitted IVMS systems in order that we look to reduce consumption where possible. This has already had an impact and has allowed us to reduce our fuel consumption figures.

As stated above VSC has implemented improved measures for spill prevention, fuel consumption and recycling. This is supported by a number of initiatives that are being put in place across all VSC locations. An additional planned phase for the coming period is engagement of recycling partners at local community level.

In the coming period VSC will implement a number of initiatives to improve our environmental performance. This will include additional efforts to reduce fuel use and an audit of our used engine oil-recycling partner. VSC has also partnered with recycling providers to encourage this within the communities we are involved with. All of the above will be tracked and reported moving forward.

VSC is committed to working with providers and clients to stop bribery and corruption in all its forms. It is clearly stated in VSC’s Code of Conduct that there is no place for receiving or giving any type of gift or incentive. Whether this be through a 3rd party or direct. We are rightly proud of our commitment to doing business entirely free of all corruption.

VSC recognizes that given our primary area of operations the risk of being asked to participate in corrupt practices is present. However, we have been operating in the region since 2006 and have been and remain committed to corruption free business.

VSC’s Code of Conduct clearly lays out our approach to corruption. This is zero tolerance. It also clearly states our commitment to the UN Convention Against Corruption and adherence to the anti corruption elements of the Voluntary Principles and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Companies.

VSCs goal in relation to this element of the Global compact is continued zero involvement on any type of corruption.

VSC carries out regular training on anti corruption guidelines. Although this is focused particularly on employees involved in tender processes, local procurement and government agencies the general tenets are discussed and made clear to all members of staff.

Auditing processes include measurement of the efficacy of this training and the continued goal is that all employees are able to outline VSC’s zero tolerance to corruption.