July 18, 2022 Why doing the right thing helps us go beyond expectations

Construction giant Balfour Beatty has replaced its code of conduct with a code of ethics, which it is asking all its employees and suppliers to follow. Fabweld Steel Products managing director Wayne Carter explains why he is more than happy to sign up.

“Balfour Beatty’s new Doing the Right Thing Code is straightforward and based on the basic principles of honesty, integrity and fairness, and I am very happy that FSP is one of the first businesses to commit to it.

“Going beyond expectations is the principle that underlies everything we do at FSP, so our way of working is already well aligned with the new code. The principles in the code match our own core values and I have no hesitation in signing up to it and endorsing this as good business practice.

“FSP’s business success is based on our reputation, built up over many years. The way we work means our customers can trust us to deliver the best products while dealing with them in a way which is open and honest.

“Signing up to the Balfour Beatty code reinforces the message to FSP’s employees, customers and suppliers that everything we do is fully consistent with these core values.

“I welcome Balfour Beatty’s decision to drop its prescriptive code of conduct to instead adopt this code of ethics, which sets out the key principles it expects its staff and supply chain to adhere to.

“The code covers everything from health & safety to corruption, but there is nothing that any business should find onerous or difficult. If any supplier struggles to adopt this code, they might be advised to take a fresh look at how they go about things. The code is the very essence of good practice in business.”

The main principles in the Balfour Beatty code of ethics are:

• Prioritising personal safety
• Inclusion and the right to respect
• Ensuring human rights and complying with international sanctions
• Sustainability
• Working with others in a fair manner
• No fraud, deception or dishonesty
• Not making false claims
• Respecting data privacy
• No involvement in bribery or corruption
• Transparency with gifts and hospitality
• Open and fair competition

Balfour Beatty has also launched a Speak Up hotline, promising confidentiality or anonymity for whistleblowers, to support the code.