My Sourcing Policy
UK’s highest standards gem supplier
CORE SUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY POLICIES
Henig Diamonds understands that our business policies and practices have the potential to affect people and the environment in and around the facility we operate, as well as in the countries and communities from where our diamonds originate, and the towns and factories where they are cut and polished. Henig Diamonds is conscientious in carrying out due diligence in the selection of our diamond suppliers and sources.
We appreciate that training employees in practical health and safety measures can reduce accidents and risks in the workplace. Health and safety is a priority and we ensure our office and workforce are properly prepared and equipped to carry out our business activities safely and securely. We are committed to minimising any negative environmental impact and to ensure that our activities do not cause lasting or significant harm to the environment.
These core sustainability and corporate accountability policies (Core Policies) include a code of business ethics and conduct and our commitments to industry best practices and standards, to the health and safety of our employees, to protect the environment, to respect and uphold human rights, and to support local causes.
Our Core Policies have been developed under a mandate of our senior management, with the participation of our employees and were adopted by our Directors and General Manager in January 2018. The Core Policies are the basis for our way of doing business and of our ethical and legal behaviour. Senior management reviews our systems for managing environmental, social and human rights risks and our operating practices at least once a year, to ensure they are adequate and appropriate. During this review, any changes to the Core Policies deemed necessary will be made and approved by the management team. It is a requirement for all Henig Diamonds personnel to read and formally acknowledge the importance of the Core Policies and respect their application as part of their contracts.
CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT
Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (the Code) is intended to affirm our commitment to fundamental responsible practices in business and to guide our employees, managers and directors on how to conduct the company's activities. Respecting the law and avoiding legal violations are essential tenets of the Code. Providing a baseline for behaviour and legal compliance, covering at least the minimum that is required.
However, in most circumstances our standards go beyond legal requirements. The Code includes our stand on legal compliance, how we treat each other in the workplace, corruption, transparency and disclosure, and the integrity of our products.
LEGAL COMPLIANCE
We conduct all our activities in strict compliance with the national laws of the countries where we operate and with all relevant international conventions where those are applicable in the country of operation. It is the responsibility of our directors, financial officers and managers to know and keep abreast of changes to laws and regulations that affect our business. We are also members of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), the London Diamond Bourse and Houlden
OUR PEOPLE
We forbid child and forced labour and all forms of discrimination in the work place. We aim to ensure equal treatment of all our employees, based on merit and performance. We value our employees and the commitment they have made to Henig Diamonds, and we take seriously the investment the company has made in them. We ensure employees are informed and trained in order that they may carry out their duties effectively, safely and securely. We endeavour to have an enjoyable workplace and as such expect our staff members to treat each other with respect.
ANTI-SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
A zero-tolerance approach to Human Trafficking and acts of Slavery from occurring both within our business and in our supply chain. We operate a strict procurement process and conduct due diligence to ensure suppliers conform to all applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Our recruitment and procurement due diligence procedures detail the steps we take to identify and to mitigate the risks of slavery occurring in our business.
WHISTLEBLOWING AND GRIEVANCES
Committed to ensuring no employee should be dismissed or penalised by for disclosing serious concerns related to my supplier or their employment within the organisation. We provide training to staff on anonymous whistleblowing and our grievance procedures. In the event of disciplinary action against an employee or a grievance raised by an employee, of my gem supplier follows the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitrations Service (ACAS) Code of Practice for Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.
BRIBERY, FACILITATION PAYMENTS AND MONEY LAUNDERING
We are fully aware that corruption is a persistent issue in many countries. We do not tolerate bribery or facilitation payments of any kind. In all our business dealings we conduct thorough due diligence and follow the principles of “Know Your Customer” and maintain records of all our transactions to avoid working with organisations or individuals who are involved in the illicit movement of money. It is the policy of the company to prohibit and actively prevent money laundering and any activity that facilitates money laundering or the funding of terrorist or criminal activities by complying with all applicable requirements under the UK Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and its implementing regulations.
CONFLICT-FREE STATUS
We only purchase diamonds in accordance with the Kimberley Process and we apply the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties. We check the Kimberley Process website for updates (e.g. Fake certificate alerts).
PRODUCT INTEGRITY AND TRANSPARENCY
We supply natural and treated diamonds and use rigorous testing to ensure our supply chains remain free of synthetics. We practice complete honesty and transparency in our business and follow the RJC Product Disclosure guidance and monitor CIBJO Diamond Commission and WDCs announcements about claims on synthetic-free diamonds. We follow the Guidance issued on supply chains under section 54(9) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS & RESPONSIBLE JEWELLERY COUNCIL
I am extremely proud to use the sole diamond wholesaler in the United Kingdom who has achieved full Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) compliance and certification, as we have been successfully audited by the Responsible Jewellery Council as being compliant with the RJC’s 2013 Code of Practices (COP).
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) is an international, not-for-profit organisation established over a decade ago to strengthen consumer confidence in the jewellery industry by advancing responsible business practices throughout the diamond, gold and platinum group metals jewellery supply chain. The Council aims to build ‘a community of confidence’ across every step of the diamond, gold and platinum group metals jewellery supply chain in all regions, and among businesses of all sizes. To achieve this goal, it developed two internationally recognised certification standards; the RJC Code of Practices and the RJC Chain of Custody Standard.
The Code of Practices, defines a scope of responsible ethical, social and environmental standards for the gemstone and jewellery industries. Building on international standards for responsible business practices, it prescribes a set of due diligence procedures that members must establish, implement and maintain in their own business, all of which will be independently audited. The Code of Practices covers a full range of the certified member’s operation, including human rights, community development, anti-corruption efforts along the entire chain of supply, working conditions, health, safety and the environment, as well as accurate methods of full disclosure of all the products it sells.
Prior to being able to invite an auditor into our business, we first were required to carry out a self-assessment of our conformance with the Code of Practices. We were then audited by a qualified third-party auditor who is specially trained in auditing on behalf of the RJC. During the audit process, the auditor verified that the company had in place all due diligence systems that enable it to conform to the RJC Code of Practices, and that these systems were actively followed by all members of staff.
The current certification will be valid for a period of three years, which is the highest certification period an organisation can obtain. At the end of our certificated period we will undergo yet another audit to ensure continued high standards are met across the business.
We strive to distinguish itself as an industry leader through conforming to the highest standards and management systems across its business functions and activities. My gem supplier is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). RJC is a standards-setting organisation that was established to increase consumers’ confidence in the jewellery industry by promoting responsible, ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices throughout the jewellery supply chain. The RJC has developed a comprehensive system of standards (which are available at www.responsiblejewellery.com) applicable to all businesses in the jewellery supply chain, and a credible mechanism for verifying compliance to its standards through third party auditors.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
We are committed to a safe and healthy workplace and incorporating health and safety into organisational culture for our employees by working to the highest international standards. We provide in-depth health and safety information for our employees. My gem supplier has two members of personnel trained in Adult First Aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillators. It is the responsibility of all employees and contractors to co-operate to enable all statutory duties to be complied with and employees must ensure their own health and safety at work and the health and safety of anyone else who might be affected by their behaviour.
ENVIRONMENT
My gem supplier is committed to the continual improvement of our environmental performance. We recognise the imperative to manage the risks of our activities in relation to energy and waste management. We operate a strict energy saving policy for all our electronic equipment and lighting, and a comprehensive recycling program. Is compliant with all national legal environmental requirements.
HUMAN RIGHTS
We do not discriminate employees on the basis of race, caste, origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union or political affiliation or age. My gem supplier is committed to ensure all human rights are upheld in line with the United Kingdom Equality and Human Rights Commission https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en; the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights regarding all employees and any other people who interact with my supplier. We recognise and respect the rights of employees to freely associate, organise and bargain collectively in accordance with the UK Government Working, Jobs and Pensions department guidelines. https://www.gov.uk/browse/working we comply with the UK Government’s Working, Jobs and Pensions guidelines regarding minimum wages, standard working hours and employee benefits.We have developed internal management systems to ensure respect for international standards of human rights. We ensure any incidents of non-compliance with international standards of human rights are investigated and addressed in an appropriate manner without compromising confidentiality or placing at risk any individuals or groups involved. Employees found to be in breach of any of our policies could face disciplinary proceedings.
January 2018
Fairtrade Gold
Fairtrade Gold is the world's first independent ethical certification system for gold. The Fairtrade Gold Standards include strict requirements on working conditions, health and safety, handling chemicals, women’s rights, child labour and protection of the environment.
Fairtrade Gold makes a real difference to the lives of miners, their families and communities. Buying Fairtrade Gold means you know the small-scale and artisanal miners were paid a fair price, giving them financial security. They also receive an extra amount of money to invest in building the future of their families and their communities, through education, clean water and healthcare.
BECAUSE IT’S TRACEABLE
Fairtrade Gold is a simple, flexible and cost-effective way to source the gold you need responsibly and with traceability – all through an international network that’s recognised and trusted by shoppers. We are audited on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are met in-line with Fairtrade guidelines.
Because consumer support for Fairtrade is increasing year on year
New independent sales figures reveal that retail sales for Fairtrade Gold and Fairtrade Silver grew by 14% globally and 21% in the UK in 2018, alongside increased business engagement. The figures back up the findings of the Fairtrade Foundation, which show public support for Fairtrade at an all-time high.
Reports also show that a third of consumers would choose to shop at stores that were concerned about how their gold is produced, while a quarter said they would buy Fairtrade Gold even if it meant paying more.
Because it shows your customers that you’re committed
Fairtrade Gold shows your customers your commitment to supporting artisanal and small-scale miners to build a brighter future for themselves, their families and communities. More mines are coming on stream with more planned for 2019. The main areas for mining are Peru and Bolivia with Uganda and Tanzania planned for 2020