CTDC ESG Commitments Charter

CTDC ESG Commitments Charter

Our commitment

CTDC’s ESG commitments are designed to sit coherently within its existing governance, safeguarding, ethical, and operational policy framework. They do not introduce parallel obligations; rather, they consolidate and elevate commitments that already exist across CTDC’s policies into an integrated ESG articulation.

These commitments are implemented through, and are subordinate to, CTDC’s binding internal policies, including but not limited to:

• CTDC Code of Conduct
• Safeguarding Policy
• Anti-Fraud, Anti-Corruption & Anti-Bribery Policy
• Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Accessibility & Inclusion Policy
• Employee Handbook and HR Manual
• Research Policy
• Privacy and Data Protection Policies
• Responsible AI Use Policy

Where any inconsistency arises, CTDC’s safeguarding, legal, and governance policies take precedence.

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Environmental (E) Commitments

1. Environmentally responsible operations

CTDC commits to minimising its environmental footprint through proportionate, justice-informed operational choices. Environmental responsibility is embedded within CTDC’s Working Space Policy, procurement practices, and travel decision-making.

We will:

• Prioritise remote, hybrid, and low-travel delivery models wherever possible
• Reduce unnecessary resource consumption through digital-first systems
• Integrate environmental considerations into procurement and supplier selection, where feasible
• Encourage environmentally responsible behaviour across CTDC workspaces

Environmental responsibility is understood as inseparable from social justice, recognising that environmental harm disproportionately affects marginalised communities.

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Social (S) Commitments

2. Safeguarding, duty of care, and zero tolerance for harm

CTDC commits to maintaining rigorous safeguarding systems that prioritise dignity, safety, survivor autonomy, and accountability. This commitment is governed by CTDC’s Safeguarding Policy and applies across all CTDC activities, locations, and relationships.

Safeguarding obligations are mandatory and contractually binding for all personnel, partners, and representatives.

3. Equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination

CTDC commits to preventing discrimination, exclusion, and identity-based harm across all organisational, educational, research, and partnership contexts.

This commitment is implemented through CTDC’s Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination Policy and Accessibility & Inclusion Policy, and includes:

• Inclusive recruitment, contracting, and remuneration practices
• Accessible and inclusive learning and working environments
• Linguistic, cultural, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches
• Protection from retaliation for those who raise concerns

4. Ethical partnerships and community engagement

CTDC commits to partnership models that centre ethical collaboration, local expertise, power-awareness, and non-extractive practice. This commitment is reflected across CTDC’s Research Policy, safeguarding standards, and contractual expectations.

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Governance (G) Commitments

5. Ethical governance and organisational accountability

CTDC commits to transparent, responsible, and power-aware governance. Ethical conduct is governed by the CTDC Code of Conduct and reinforced through leadership accountability, internal controls, and documented decision-making.

6. Anti-corruption, integrity, and responsible financial conduct

CTDC maintains zero tolerance for fraud, bribery, corruption, conflicts of interest, and misuse of resources. This commitment is governed by CTDC’s Anti-Fraud, Anti-Corruption & Anti-Bribery Policy and applies to all CTDC personnel and associated persons.

7. Data protection, privacy, and digital ethics

CTDC commits to lawful, ethical, and transparent data practices, in line with UK GDPR and CTDC’s Privacy and Data Protection Policies.

CTDC further commits to responsible, human-centred use of AI technologies, governed by the Responsible AI Use Policy, ensuring:

• Human oversight in all critical decisions
• Consent-based and purpose-limited data use
• Protection against algorithmic bias and harm

8. Research integrity and knowledge governance

CTDC commits to the highest standards of research ethics, integrity, and participant protection. All research activities are governed by CTDC’s Research Policy and safeguarding framework.

9. Monitoring, learning, and transparency

CTDC commits to proportionate monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning across ESG-relevant areas. ESG progress will be communicated through periodic internal review and public-facing updates where appropriate.

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Standards alignment

CTDC’s ESG commitments align with the intent and structure of:

• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
• SASB / IFRS Sustainability standards (Professional & Commercial Services)
• Task Force on Climate related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
• UN Sustainable Development Goals, with priority focus on SDGs 5, 8, 10, 13, and 16

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Review and evolution

These commitments will be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain relevant, proportionate, and responsive to emerging risks, learning, and accountability expectations.