Ethics
Authenticity, openness and pioneering spirit have always been at the heart of Verb’s philosophy. From the beginning, Verb has captured the sense of her environment without trying to follow trends. Our philosophy has always been to create clothes that last and that women can wear season after season to feel independent, strong, and comfortable.
This design philosophy also translated into the way we manage our relationships. At Verb we behave with sincerity and integrity, and we champion a long-term vision in order to create a company that is sustainable in every meaning of the word. We have always tried to convey these values to the ones we work with, be they our suppliers, partners and of course employees.
We decided to write this Code of Ethics to formalize and demonstrate our commitment so as to always try to improve our ethical standards.
TO WHOM DOES THIS ETHICAL CHARTER APPLY?
The Code of Ethics applies to all Verb managers and employees in India and worldwide, regardless of their position or role within the group. It serves as a reference for all Verb managers and employees, who are expected to be familiar with it and ensure that its principles are actively applied in all our company.
We also expect all our manufacturers, suppliers and service providers to comply with this Code of Ethics. We only select manufacturers, suppliers and service providers who share our core values and principles, and who comply with applicable laws.
- OUR PRINCIPLES
We are a global company and, as such, we must apply our ethical principles in a comprehensive way. These can be summed up in the following fundamental values and principles, which reflect Verb philosophy and guide the way we do business.
1.1 COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Above all, we must always ensure that our behaviour complies with all applicable laws and regulations. This means complying with Indian law and where ever we operate. We are particularly paying attention to laws regarding human rights, health, safety, quality, labour law, the environment, data privacy, taxation, consumer protection and fair competition..
1.2 INTEGRITY
Integrity has always been at the heart of Verb ‘s values because it reflects the way this company was founded. We believe that transparency, trust and honesty are key to integrity and that is the reason why we promote these values with our employees and our partners.
1.3 RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
We are committed to respecting and promoting human rights and are particularly paying attention to issues such as child labour, forced labour, respect for freedom of association, promotion of diversity, women’s rights and the right to health and safety.
1.4 RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
We believe we have a responsibility to assess and improve our impact on environment. We try to drive positive change not only in our own group, but in the fashion industry in general. We believe that this can be done together, with the collaborative efforts of suppliers, manufacturers and partners. As such Verb expects all its suppliers, manufacturers and partners to show a similar commitment by trying to reduce the negative impact of their activity on the environment and by encouraging more sustainable and responsible practices in their own activities. At a minimum, our suppliers, manufacturers and partners should comply with local and international environmental regulations and standards.
2 OUR EMPLOYEES
Verb is committed to providing its employees with a safe, motivating, transparent and creative work environment that fosters talent. We recognize that a safe and positive work environment promotes effectiveness, collaboration and growth. Whatever the size of our group, we are proud to maintain a corporate tight-knit culture since the beginnings of Verb .In line with this, we make the following commitments to our employees.
RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
At Verb , we believe that all people should be treated with fairness and respect. We ensure compliance with applicable labour law, wherever we operate. In particular, we respect the following principles:
- All work is free and voluntary. Any type of forced labour is strictly prohibited.
- We ban child labour.
- We ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
- Working hours are in accordance with applicable laws and we ensure a balance between personal and professional life.
- All employees are treated fairly with respect to recruitment, promotion, compensation, discipline and dismissal. There is no place for discrimination based on gender, nationality, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital and family status, pregnancy, political views, trade union membership, social or ethnic origin, or any other status protected by national law.
- We believe that women and men should receive equal pay for equal work.
- We value diversity.
- We respect the right to freedom of association, trade union membership, and collective bargaining.
- We promote open dialogue and freedom of expression, respecting the law and people.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PEOPLE
We expect employees to act and treat each other with dignity and respect. Any kind of harassment or physical, sexual, psychological or verbal abuse, or any other form of harassment or intimidation is strictly prohibited. Likewise, any discrimination of any kind whatsoever, in particular, discrimination based on nationality, sexual identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, state of health or ideology is strictly prohibited
WORKING HOURS
SALARY
Workers must receive a salary at least equal to the minimum salary set by applicable law. Salaries should at least meet the basic needs of workers and their families.
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Employees' rights to freedom of association, trade union membership and collective bargaining must be respected and must never be restricted directly or indirectly.
SAFETY AT WORK
WORKPLACE
Workers are provided a safe and healthy workplace, meeting at least the applicable occupational health and safety regulations, or international standards when national legislation is weak or poorly enforced. Buildings and workplaces comply with building security requirements.
Workers must have access to clean and safe premises and drinking water.
Special protection should be given to vulnerable people, including young workers, new mothers, pregnant women, and disabled people.
HAZARDS AT WORK
Procedures are implemented to prevent, detect, assess and respond to accidents and potential threats to the health and safety of workers. Appropriate measures are taken to minimize specific risks generated by works.
FIRE AND EMERGENCY
Appropriate action plans and alarm systems must be installed to prevent fires and emergencies, and to protect workers in the event thereof.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Verb has decided to calculate its environmental impact and is committed to improving it year after year.
To do so, Verb expects all its suppliers, manufacturers and partners to show a similar commitment by trying to reduce the negative impact of their activity on the environment and by encouraging more sustainable and responsible practices in their own activities. At a minimum, our suppliers, manufacturers and partners should comply with local and international environmental regulations and standards. Other initiatives to reduce harmful impact on the environment are strongly encouraged, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Responsible and ethical sourcing of materials
- Waste management and reduction
- Proper management of chemicals
- Reducing carbon emissions and other air pollutants
- Effective use of water and energy
- RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
As part of the overhaul of our corporate and social responsibility approach, we looked at our practices with a critical eye in order to reduce our environmental impact. Reducing our carbon footprint means that we have to make conscious efforts at both the micro and macro level.
At the micro level, this means making ecological decisions in the context of our daily activities, in particular regarding the use of paper, business trips and energy consumption. At the macro level, this means strengthening our relationships with environmentally responsible suppliers worldwide and continuing to look for suppliers and manufacturers who adopt sustainable practices.
