Statement of continued support by our CEO

April, 2014

To our stakeholders:

I am pleased to confirm and reaffirm ITG’s support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption.

Integrity and good business ethics is what ITG has committed to since its first days of operation. And as we grow further, our commitment towards such positive values remains stronger than ever, as we strive to maintain good conduct at all times, and in all markets and countries in which we operate.

We believe in doing the right thing. We believe that it is a responsibility we hold towards ourselves and towards others, and thus we aim to ensure that this is reflected in everything we do, among ourselves, with our partners, suppliers, clients, competition, and our community.

In this annual Communication on Progress, we describe our actions to continually improve the integration of the Global Compact and its principles into our business strategy, culture and daily operations. We also commit to share this information with our stakeholders using our primary channels of communication.

Sincerely yours,

Walid Tahabsem
President & CEO

Assessment, Policy and Goals

ITG supports the UNGC on Human Rights. The company has clear policies supporting human rights under its “Code of Conduct” communicated to all employees and published on the ITG employee portal. Our company is highly committed to providing an equal opportunity work environment. ITG encourages openness and honesty, and aims to provide an environment that is supportive, and where everyone is treated fairly, and with courtesy and respect. ITG believes in its responsibility towards the various communities in the countries it operates, and continues to demonstrate its strong commitment towards helping in building sustainable development. The company provides a safe and healthy environment, and is committed to the privacy of its staff.

Implementation

Reporting of any violations of human rights is done to the employee’s management and/or to HR, and proper investigation is conducted accordingly. ITG does not allow for any retaliation against an employee for reporting misconduct in good faith. A grievance policy is in place for employees to use for reporting cases. A suggestions box is also available for all staff to use as needed. A steering committee, of which HR is part of, is responsible for follow up and monitoring of the various cases and developing procedures as needed to ensure compliance.

On another aspect related to community development, ITG carries out various CSR programs. Such programs focus on the areas of education and empowering of youth and women in underprivileged communities. As an example of one of ITG’s CSR programs is the “Knowledge Stations” (community centers) that ITG sponsors in various communities. ITG has established this initiative in partnership with local NGOs and CSOs. These Knowledge stations are developed with the aim to provide the women, men and children of these communities with access to technologies to help develop their skills and improve their job opportunities.

ITG has also participated in the UN Millennium Development Goals activities, providing input and feedback within the areas of its expertise (Education Pillar). As such, the company has participated in related sessions as part of the “Consultation Meeting on Post 2015 Development” organized by the Jordan Local office.

Measurement of Outcomes

During last year, three grievances were filed. Actions were taken accordingly, and all issues were resolved. We will continue to monitor all incompliances and develop procedures as needed.

Assessment, Policy and Goals

ITG supports the UNGC principles on Labor. The company’s employment contracts and bi-laws along with ITG’s Code of Conduct include a clear position on labor rights and principles and in accordance to the various employment laws in the countries in which we operate.

ITG is also an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions at ITG are made based solely on job requirements and qualifications of applicants. ITG does not permit any discrimination or harassment of any sort based on age, race, color, gender, religion, beliefs, origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis as protected and applicable by law in the countries in which ITG operates. ITG believes in the significance of women’s participation in the workforce and as such is highly committed to gender equity. ITG was awarded the UN Women Gender Equity Seal in 2013 (ranked first in Jordan), thus ensuring that all activities and operations in the company are aligned with such policies, and that its women employment rate is increased year by year. Our current rate is 40% where the country average is 14%.

Implementation

Reporting of any violations, discrimination or inappropriate conduct is done to the employee’s management and/or to HR, and proper investigation is conducted accordingly. ITG does not allow for any retaliation against an employee for reporting misconduct in good faith. ITG employees must cooperate in internal investigations of potential or alleged misconduct. A grievance policy is in place for employees to use for reporting cases. A suggestions box is also available for all staff to use as needed.

A team (a steering committee of which HR is part of) monitoring such discrimination cases is responsible for follow up and monitoring of the various cases and developing procedures and recommendations as needed to ensure compliance.

Measurement of Outcomes

During last year, six grievances were filed on various topics. Actions were taken accordingly, and all issues were resolved.
We will continue to monitor all incompliances and develop procedures as needed accordingly.

Assessment, Policy and Goals

ITG supports the UNGC principles on Environment. The company has clear policies, messaging and positions supporting environmental principles under its “Code of Conduct” communicated to all employees and published on the ITG employee portal. The company encourages all its employees to be responsible individuals, and act accordingly internally and externally, towards the community and the environment.

ITG is committed to promoting and encouraging environmentally responsible actions. This goes beyond government laws and regulations. Our employees are encouraged to help protect the environment and act to the best of their ability to demonstrate such a responsibility through conservation of energy and water, recycling, minimizing waste, maintaining a clean environment, equipment re-use or refurbishment programs, etc.

Implementation

Decisions on equipment purchase are made with various aspects in mind, along with performance, energy conservation is also considered. The design of our data centers (and those we design for our clients) also take into consideration such aspects. Moving towards virtual computing is another aspect of decreasing our energy footprint as well. From another aspect, ITG encourages recycling activities. A number of recycling bins are in distributed throughout our premises and material (paper mostly) are periodically sent to recycling sites in the country. This is still unfortunately not usual in the country but is a growing concern and we are advocating such environment protection related activities within the company and at homes through our staff.

ITG also works on refurbishing some of its equipment as applicable, and distributes such refurbished devices to underprivileged communities through its CSR programs including the knowledge stations (community centers) that ITG sponsors for these communities.

As part of its efforts to promote environmental protection activities, ITG annually observes “Earth Day –Lights Out” March of each year, as a symbolic gesture to drive awareness, and encourages its staff to participate at homes as well.

Measurement of Outcomes

Recycling activities have increased twofold during the past year. ITG will work on further developing environmental programs within the company, encourage staff to implement, and build related procedures to ensure implementation as applicable, especially related to recycling and energy conservation.

Assessment, Policy and Goals

ITG supports the UNGC principles on anti-corruption. ITG’s staff is requested to abide at all times by applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which they work and visit. The company has clear policies on anti-corruption that are presented and communicated to its staff through ITG’s Code of Conduct. These policies include areas of business courtesies, bribery, as well as fair and clean competition, as the company is committed to following anti-trust laws and competition laws in the countries in which we operate.

Implementation

ITG’s Code of Conduct is posted on the company’s portal and is introduced to new staff when they join. Within its policies, issues related to anti-corruption of any sort are escalated to line managers and HR for proper actions.

Measurement of Outcomes

ITG has not been involved in any corruption related cases.