Environmental, Social and Governance Policy Overview

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy

1. Policy Statement

UniLink is a specialist leasing advisor and broker to the public sector, providing funding solutions for a wide range of assets, from ICT equipment to synthetic sports pitches and community facilities.

We recognise that our business activities have environmental, social and governance impacts, both directly through our operations and indirectly through the assets we help finance and the partnerships we maintain. We are committed to conducting our business responsibly, ethically and sustainably while creating long-term value for our clients, employees, funders, suppliers and the wider communities we serve.

This policy sets out UniLink’s approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters and forms part of our wider commitment to responsible business practices.

2. Our ESG Priorities

UniLink has identified the following key ESG priorities:

• The wellbeing, development and engagement of our employees.
• Maintaining the trust of our clients and safeguarding their information.
• Promoting responsible and sustainable practices with our funding partners and suppliers.
• Minimising the environmental impact of our operations.
• Supporting positive social and environmental outcomes through the assets we finance.
• Making a positive contribution to the communities in which we operate.

3. Environmental Responsibility

Reducing Our Environmental Impact

As a professional services business, our direct environmental impact is relatively low; however, we recognise our responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and encourage sustainable practices throughout our operations.

We are committed to:

• Complying with all applicable environmental legislation and regulations.
• Reducing waste and promoting recycling within our offices.
• Minimising paper consumption through digital working practices and electronic documentation.
• Using FSC-certified paper and environmentally responsible office supplies where practical.
• Encouraging the use of electronic signatures and digital document management systems.
• Promoting energy-efficient working practices within the office environment.
• Supporting flexible and remote working arrangements where appropriate.
• Encouraging virtual meetings to reduce business travel.
• Supporting employee participation in cycle-to-work and other sustainable travel initiatives.

Supporting Sustainable Procurement and Financing

Where possible, we encourage clients to consider energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable and lower-carbon solutions when procuring equipment and infrastructure.

We seek to work with funding partners and suppliers that demonstrate responsible environmental and sustainability practices and share our commitment to ESG principles.

4. Social Responsibility

Employee Wellbeing and Development

Our people are fundamental to our success. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where employees can develop professionally and personally.

We achieve this through:

• Providing comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Supporting professional qualifications and continuous professional development.
• Promoting employee wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
• Encouraging open communication and employee engagement.
• Providing equal opportunities for all employees.

This commitment is supported by our policies, including:

• Health and Safety Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Equal Pay Policy
• Dignity at Work Policy
• Grievance Policy
• Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy
• Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Policies
• Employee Handbook and associated HR procedures

All employees are provided access to these policies as part of their induction and ongoing employment.

Supporting Public Sector Outcomes

A significant proportion of UniLink’s work supports organisations that deliver essential public services, including schools, colleges, universities, local authorities and NHS organisations.

The assets we help finance contribute to:

• Education and learning outcomes.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Community engagement and participation.
• Access to sport, recreation and physical activity.
• Improved public services and infrastructure.

Examples include financing synthetic sports pitches, fitness facilities, ICT equipment and other assets that deliver lasting social benefits to students, staff and local communities.

Community Engagement

UniLink is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate.

We do this through:

• Charitable donations and fundraising activities.
• Supporting schools, educational establishments and community organisations.
• Allowing employees reasonable time to undertake governance, volunteering and community roles.
• Providing support to local organisations through financial and non-financial contributions where appropriate.
• Assisting schools and public-sector organisations in obtaining maximum value from leased assets, including support at lease-end where appropriate.

5. Governance

Ethical Business Conduct

Good governance is fundamental to maintaining the trust of our clients, funders, employees and other stakeholders.

UniLink is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency and accountability.

Our governance framework is supported by policies and procedures including:

• Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy
• Anti-Money Laundering Policy
• Data Protection Policy
• Information Security Policy
• Cyber Security Policy
• Complaints Procedure
• Treating Customers Fairly Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Modern Slavery Policy (where applicable)

Client Trust and Information Security

Protecting client information and maintaining confidentiality are critical to our business.

We are committed to:

• Safeguarding personal and commercial information.
• Complying with applicable data protection legislation.
• Maintaining robust information security controls.
• Regularly reviewing cyber security risks and controls.
• Promoting a culture of information security awareness across the organisation.

Responsible Relationships

We seek to maintain relationships with funders, suppliers and business partners who share our commitment to ethical conduct, sustainability and responsible business practices.

Where appropriate, ESG considerations will form part of our assessment and ongoing management of key business relationships.

6. ESG Governance and Monitoring

Responsibility for ESG oversight rests with the Board, which is committed to integrating ESG considerations into business decision-making and long-term strategy.

To support continual improvement, UniLink will:

• Monitor ESG-related risks and opportunities.
• Review ESG objectives and initiatives on a regular basis.
• Promote employee awareness and engagement with ESG matters.
• Consider ESG performance when developing business strategies and partnerships.
• Report progress on ESG initiatives to the Board periodically.

7. Policy Review

This policy applies to all employees, directors and individuals acting on behalf of UniLink.

The policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to legislative, regulatory or business changes, to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with best practice.

UniLink is committed to continually improving its ESG performance and contributing positively to the communities, clients and sectors it serves.