Code Of Conduct

Ashkan Business Code of Conduct

Ashkan Consulting (Pty) Ltd is fully committed to the principles of sustainable development, ethical and legal compliance and upholding basic human rights in the workplace, as well as in the wider community.
The principles employed by Ashkan is an important component for all our business partners, in the hope that this may become a transactional habit, thereby creating a flow for solid ethical practices within all the organizations we do business with.

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Reasons that make us the best

People and Labour

Ashkan places priority of lives over all else. This is in keeping with Ashkan’s core identity which is ‘Better for Life’. In all operations at Ashkan, it is of paramount importance, that, what is produced is of the highest quality, thus enriching the lives of everyone. Furthermore, what is produced will never be possible without the dedicated and committed team and compliance with all laws and regulations.

Child Labour

Ashkan does not support child labour and abides by the Prohibition of Employment of Children and Forced Labor Act (Sections 43-48) which states that it is a criminal offence to require or permit a child under the age of 15 years to work. Children between the ages of 15 and 18 may not be required or permitted to perform work or provide services that are inappropriate for their age or that place them at risk.

Forced Labour

Causing, demanding or requiring forced labour is a criminal offence. No form of slavery, or forced labour is tolerated.

Value System

Ashkan believes, not merely in providing the basic conditions of employment, but far exceed their responsibility toward their employees. Hence, awareness is created of a strong value system that embodies Innovation, Morality, Partnership, Respect, Ownership, Versatilty/ Vitality and Excellence. Ashkan has the firm belief that such a value system may be filtered to the families of Ashkan employees and into the wider community, thereby creating a better South Africa and a better world. ‘Better for life’ does not apply only to the products manufactured, but this is extended to the human aspect, without which greatness would not be possible. As global and moral citizens, employees are motivated to aspire to contribute towards society in a meaningful, ethical and responsible way through their roles as members of local and national communities.

Employee Benefits

It is expected that business partners adhere to applicable wage laws as laid down by their respective governmental bodies. Ashkan abides by the Labour Relations Act No.66 of 1997. Communication to employees is necessary, indicating their rate of pay, whether overtime is required and if it is paid overtime. Such compensation must be timeously paid to employees and aims at providing the employees and their families with an adequate standard of living. Ashkan also engages in the provision of appropriate and adequate training to employees to perform their duties according to the quality standards adopted. Educational opportunities are awarded, where possible.

Inclusion and Diversity

Ashkan fosters the idea of inclusivity and diversity by attempting to eradicate conscious or unconscious bias. Ashkan does not subject their employees to discrimination in any manner. This is irrelevant of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, nationality, physical characteristics, religion or sexual orientation. Participation and contribution of all employees is encouraged and embraced at the workplace.

Employee Terms & Conditions

Ashkan provides employees with a contract of employment that stipulates all working conditions and remuneration. Such contracts are discussed with employees, outlining the terms and conditions of employment prior to commencement of employment. An employee may not be unfairly dismissed. Employees may freely conclude their contracts with Ashkan subject to the required notice period. Exiting employees are paid in full for the work done.

Privacy and Employee Data Protection

Ashkan respects employees personal information. Personal information and staff photographs are only used or shared with the prior permission from employees for business related purposes only.

Community

Ashkan takes a keen interest in the local and greater communities. The local community is supported by various charities undertaken by Ashkan. The Ashkan culture extends to the children of current and ex-employees in creating sustainable means for a sound education. Job creation from local communities and the promotion and upliftment of current employees is of paramount importance.

Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety

shkan abides by the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993. Safety is considered threefold; people, premises and product. We strive to provide the safest environment for employees, visitors and contract workers. Infrastructure is determined according to risk evaluation and mitigation. Employees are provided with the required personal protective equipment.

In-Process Safety

Ashkan has safety programs and protocols in place to ensure the safety of people, product, premises and equipment during the production process. In-Process safety forms a disciplined framework for managing the integrity of operating systems. This comprises extensive checks, verifications and continuous training. Any incident that may occur is subject to a full investigation, and where necessary, reported to local authorities.

Safety of Product

Ashkan’s products are manufactured to specification with the highest quality ingredients. Product information is communicated to relevant parties. These communications may include registration information, safety data sheets, certificates of conformance, storage conditions, handling and use of products.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Ashkan has an emergency preparedness program in place to ensure the safety of employees, visitors and contract workers. Risks are identified, assessed and mitigation measures implemented accordingly. Emergency evacuations drills are carried out.

Spills: Spill kits are available on site. Appropriate training is carried out for its use in the event of any spillage.

Environmental Considerations

Ashkan ensures that pollution, emissions or waste-water into the environment are minimal. Waste is disposed of in a responsible manner by enlisting approved companies to carry out such disposal.

Environmental Sustainability

Ashkan endeavours to use natural resources in an economical manner. Recycling is encouraged. Packaging materials, including pallets, subscribe to global specifications.

Ethics

Fair Competition

Ashkan commits to behaving fairly in a competitive business market. Business is based on competitive practices with consideration of quality, customer service and price.

Business Integrity

Ashkan does not entertain any form of bribery to influence business decisions, nor is corruption tolerated. Any form of gifting from business partners is discouraged as it may influence or appear to have an influence in the employees decision with the business partner.

Exports and Imports

Ashkan complies with all export and import regulations. Information disclosed related to product and shipments is accurate and truthful. Business partners are expected to comply with the same.

Intellectual Property

Any intellectual property shared between business partners shall not be disclosed in any form to outside parties without prior written consent. This is to prevent any misuse, modification or alteration of shared materials, inclusive of personal information. No information shared by Ashkan may be used by any business partner for advertisements unless prior written permission is granted by Ashkan. Non-Disclosure Agreements are in place.

Business Records

Ashkan maintains accurate financial records and other documentation that reflect true and correct information pertaining to the business. All records are legible and easily retrievable for auditing purposes. Financial records subscribe to the basic accounting principles. All financial records are subject to annual audits.

Conflict of Interest

Ashkan shall disclose conflict or possible conflict of interest to its business partners. Ashkan’s employees shall not receive any form of payment from business partners to influence business decisions. Business partners are also expected to notify Ashkan of any conflict or possible conflict of interest.

Identification of Concerns

Ashkan’s employees are encouraged to report any concerns or potentially unlawful activities that go against the grain of Ashkan’s value culture. They shall be provided with a platform to voice such concerns without any fear of reprisal, intimidation, alienation or harassment. Employees shall be protected from any retaliation. Should such behaviour affect business operations or business partner relations, this may be reported via the email address provided below.

Marketing and Promotional Materials

Ashkan obtains approval for all marketing and promotional materials via the necessary regulatory bodies prior to being made public. Advertising shall also comply with relevant industry standards. We trust that business partners will not misrepresent Ashkan Consulting (Pty) Ltd, nor its products and services offered.

People and Animal Welfare

Ashkan complies with the Animal Protection Act 72 of 1962. All trials are conducted, together with business partners, in line with approved protocols. Ashkan provides the appropriate guidance for any trials so that maximum nutritional benefit is derived by the animals.