Upholding strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices is important to the manner in which we operate at GardaWorld, and is supported by our commitment to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commitment is underpinned by our compliance to the Code, which recognises and supports the role we play as a responsible global private security company.
GardaWorld is committed to respecting and upholding the Human Rights of all those who may be affected by our business activities, and we strive to align our actions and policies with the targets identified in the UN SDGs. In promoting Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, GardaWorld undertakes a recruitment process underpinned by non-discriminatory measures and achievement of gender parity wherever possible, maintains a policy of recruiting locally first and undertakes salary benchmarking in all areas of operation. We support and are guided by the UK’s Modern Slavery Act (MSA) and post our MSA Statement on our website.
In supporting Goal 16, which promotes Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, GardaWorld upholds strict policies surrounding the Rules for the Use of Force (RUF), anti-bribery and corruption, and violent behaviour. These high levels of professionalism are monitored and maintained through the Company’s Compliance and Assurance Teams and the senior compliance committee, the Oversight Board.
Our commitment to the UN SDGs and to ESG practices extends beyond our core business activities, most notably exemplified though our varied and needs-driven corporate social responsibility programme. Through a partnership with Shamsa Children’s Village in Kabul, Afghanistan, we support the development and education of over 100 orphans in a caring and permanent family environment. In Kurdistan, Iraq, through the provision of both financial and in-kind resources we are able to support the vital work of the SEED Foundation, including their anti-trafficking programme, and the provision of mental health and psychosocial services for survivors of violence and trafficking. Through these efforts, and our guidance and webinars on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), we are able to contribute directly towards the achievement of SDG 5 on Gender Equality and Female Empowerment, amongst others.
As a signatory to the Code and a fully certified member of the ICoCA, and one that supports the UN SDGs and operates to ESG criteria, GardaWorld has been able to develop a culture of best practice and strong ethical behaviour. Our work with the ICoCA, including the use of their guidance and tools, has proved invaluable in promoting these high ethical and regulatory standards. In addition, the requirement to evidence Code compliance to be eligible for many State security contracts, has enabled GardaWorld to be a leader in the provision of security for the diplomatic and aid sectors.
Finally, GardaWorld welcomes the contribution made by the Government Members to the work of the ICoCA and believes that growth in this membership pillar would be a major contributor to raising standards of private security providers globally.