Environmental, Sustainability & Health and Safety Policy (ES&H)

Our Commitment

Dean & Ling Executive is committed to operating responsibly and sustainably while protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people, clients, candidates, and partners. As an executive search and advisory firm, we recognise our environmental impacts are primarily associated with office operations, travel, procurement, and digital services. We commit to reducing our footprint, improving resource efficiency, and maintaining safe, supportive working environments.

This policy applies to:

• All Dean & Ling Executive employees, contractors, and temporary personnel
• All offices, remote work environments, and business-related activities
• Client, candidate, and supplier interactions where our operations have influence or control

Our Internal Commitment

A. Environmental Responsibility

Dean & Ling Executive will:

• Comply with relevant environmental laws and regulations applicable to our operations.
• Reduce waste through avoidance, reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal.
• Minimise energy and resource use by adopting efficient practices (lighting, HVAC, IT equipment, printing).
• Reduce business travel impacts by prioritising virtual meetings where appropriate and planning travel efficiently when required.
• Promote sustainable procurement, favouring suppliers and products with demonstrable environmental practices where feasible.

B. Sustainability & Responsible Business Practices

Dean & Ling Executive will:

• Integrate sustainability considerations into our decision-making and operational planning.
• Encourage a culture of sustainability awareness and shared responsibility.
• Engage with suppliers, partners, and service providers who align with responsible business practices.
• Seek continuous improvement through measurement, targets, and periodic review.

C. Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Dean & Ling Executive will:

• Provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment for office-based and remote employees.
• Identify, assess, and control workplace hazards using a risk-based approach.
• Promote physical and psychological wellbeing, including managing workload pressures and supporting respectful workplace behaviours.
• Ensure incidents and hazards are reported, investigated, and addressed promptly.
• Provide information, instruction, and training to support safe work practices.
  

Roles and Responsibilities

Leadership (Managing Director)

Leadership will:

Demonstrate commitment to this policy and provide resources to meet ES&H objectives.

Ensure ES&H risks are considered in strategic planning, operations, and supplier decisions.

Review performance and approve improvement initiatives.

All Employees and Contractors

Everyone working with Dean & Ling Executive is expected to:

• Follow safe work practices and report hazards or incidents immediately.
• Use equipment and workspaces safely (including ergonomic setups for remote work).
• Support environmental initiatives (waste reduction, energy efficiency, responsible procurement).
• Treat colleagues, clients, and candidates with respect and contribute to a safe culture.

Key Practices and Standards

A. Environmental & Sustainability Practices

We will implement practical controls such as:

• Waste and recycling: clear recycling processes for paper, e-waste, and consumables.
• Paper reduction: default to digital documentation; print only where necessary.
• Energy efficiency: power management settings on devices; responsible after-hours office practices.
• Sustainable purchasing: preference for recycled/low-impact office supplies and reputable service providers.

B. Health and Safety Practices (Office & Remote)

We will implement controls such as:

• Ergonomics: guidance for workstation setup; periodic reviews; equipment support where required.
• Workplace safety: clear emergency procedures; first aid arrangements; maintained exits and safe access.
• Psychosocial safety: respectful workplace expectations; anti-bullying/harassment standards; support pathways for mental health.
• Contractor and visitor safety: ensure safe access and basic site safety requirements.
• Incident reporting: prompt reporting and investigation of injuries, near misses, security events, and hazards.

Risk Management

Dean & Ling Executive uses a risk-based approach to:

• Identify hazards and environmental impacts
• Assess likelihood and consequence
• Implement controls using the hierarchy of controls (elimination → substitution → engineering → administrative → PPE where relevant)
• Review controls and improve over time

Incident Reporting and Response

All incidents, near misses, hazards, or unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as practicable. We will:

• Record incidents consistently
  
• Provide appropriate support to those affected
• Investigate root causes and implement corrective actions
• Share lessons learned and prevent recurrence

Emergency procedures will be available and communicated for office environments, and remote workers will be provided with guidance for maintaining a safe home workspace.

Communication and Training

We will:

• Communicate this policy to all team members and make it available to relevant stakeholders.
• Provide training and guidance appropriate to roles (e.g., ergonomics, incident reporting, emergency procedures, psychosocial safety awareness).
• Encourage feedback and continuous improvement ideas.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• There is a significant change to operations
• Legislation changes
• A serious incident occurs
• New risks or sustainability priorities are identified