Policies


Code of Ethics/Business Conduct
Health, Safety & Environmental Policy Statement
 Policy On Entry To Premises Under Statutory Powers
Connection Policy
Code of Ethics / Business Conduct

 

1) 
 INTRODUCTION
 
1.1
 The intention of this Code is to provide some general guidelines, to assist employees of Premier Transmission Limited (PTL) in the proper conduct of their duties.  It is not intended to replace instructions given to those employees, whose responsibilities require more detailed knowledge of particular laws, policies and customs.
 
1.2
 The Code should not be regarded as either exhaustive or exclusive.
 
1.3 
 PTL recognises its obligations to all those with whom it has dealings: shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers and the wider community, including governmental and regulatory agencies.  PTL will seek to maintain and develop positive working relationships with all those with whom it has dealings.  It will ensure that all individuals, groups and firms receive fair and impartial treatment in matters relating to Company operations.
 
1.4 
 The reputation of PTL and the trust and confidence of those with whom it deals is one of its most vital resources.
 
1.5 
 PTL demands and maintains the highest ethical standards in carrying out its business activities.  Corrupt practices of any sort will not be tolerated.
 
1.6 

In any case of uncertainty or concern regarding the legality of a proposed action, guidance should be sought from the General Manager, PTL in the first instance.

For those seconded from BG Group, advice may also be obtained from BG Legal Services or from BG Group Policy and Corporate Affairs, if necessary. 

   
3)
 RELATIONS WITH EMPLOYEES
 
3.1
 Relations with employees are based on respect for the dignity of the individual.
 
3.2
 PTL will recruit and promote employees on the basis of their suitability for the job, without discrimination in terms of race, religion, national origin, colour, age, marital status or disability unrelated to the task at hand.
 
3.3 
 PTL will seek to provide a clean, healthy and safe work environment in line with best industrial practice.
 
3.4 
 Employees, for their part, have a duty to take every reasonable precaution to avoid injury to themselves, their colleagues and members of the public (Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1970 + Health and Safety at Work Act 1974).
 
3.5 
 Employees will act in a manner, which will engender reasonable relationships with Management, other employees, with associated staff and with the general public.  PTL will not tolerate any sexual, physical or mental harassment of its employees.
 
3.6
 Information received by employees in the course of business dealings will not be used for personal gain or for any purpose except that for which it is given.
 
3.7
 Any personal interest or that of a member of one's immediate family in relation to PTL's business must be disclosed.  This conflict of interest could include directorships, significant shareholdings and employment of family members.
 
3.8 
 It is a criminal offence to accept or solicit any gift or consideration from anyone as inducement or reward, for showing favour in connection with PTL's business.
 
3.9

Giving or accepting gifts, entertainment, favours etc. may give the appearance of a lack of impartiality and raise doubts with regard to the Company policy for fair dealing.  Accordingly, with due circumstances of the circumstances, giving or accepting gifts, entertainment, favours etc. in excess of that which is nominal in value is to be avoided.

Reasonable small tokens and hospitality may be accepted, provided that the recipient is not placed under any obligation, that they are not capable of being misconstrued and that they can be reciprocated at the same level.  Cash or cash equivalents (e.g. gift vouchers/certificates) may not be given or accepted under any circumstance.
 
3.10

For those seconded from BG Group, any gift, entertainment, favour etc. given or received shall be recorded by the secretary to the General Manager PTL.
 
3.11
 Any offer of gifts or favours of unusual size or questionable purpose should be reported immediately to the General Manager, PTL.  Any such offer made to the General Manager will be reported to the Chairman of PTL.
 
3.12
 In accordance with PTL’s Whistleblowing Policy, all people working for the Company are encouraged to raise any genuine concerns about malpractice or unlawful conduct that they suspect is taking place at work.  We all bear a special responsibility to report wrongdoing that may result in harm to the Company, other employees, customers or the general public.  No one raising a genuine concern will face harassment or victimisation.
 
4) 
 RELATIONS WITH CUSTOMERS
 
4.1 
 PTL believes that integrity in dealings with customers is a pre-requisite for a successful and sustained business relationship.  This principle governs all aspects of PTL's approach to its customers.
 
4.2
 It is the intention of PTL to provide a consistently good service.
 
4.3 
 PTL will provide services equitably to all customers, ensuring that there is no discrimination between customers.
 
4.4 
 No employee may give money, or any gift or service of any significant value to a customer, which could be construed as being intended as a bribe or other improper payment.
 
4.5 
 PTL will maintain the confidentiality of customer information to the maximum degree permitted by law.
 
5) 
 RELATIONS WITH SUPPLIERS
 
5.1
 PTL will aim to develop relationships with its suppliers based on mutual trust.
 
5.2 
 PTL undertakes to pay suppliers on time and according to agreed terms of trade.
 
5.3 
 All information concerning the relationship between PTL and a supplier will be treated as confidential to the maximum degree permitted by law.
 
6
 RELATIONS WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY
 
6.1
 PTL will seek to be a good corporate citizen.  It will take into account the concerns of the wider community, including both national and local interests.
 
6.2
 Relationships with government officials will be conducted ethically and within the law.  In accordance with Provision 32(a) of the Shareholders Agreement, none of PTL's assets will be used, directly or indirectly, to make unlawful payments, contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expense or otherwise unlawfully to transfer or provide any thing of value directly or indirectly to any government official or employee, political party (or party official) or candidate for government office.
 
6.3 
 PTL will comply with the requirements of its Conveyance Licence under the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.
 
6.4
 PTL will endeavour to comply with all tax obligations.  All transactions will be recorded and reported, including cash payments.
 
6.5
 PTL will work with others towards a consensus on environmental quality standards, which are desirable and attainable.
 
6.6
 PTL will assess in advance the environmental effects of any significant new development.
 
6.7 
 PTL will regularly review the environmental performance of existing operations.
 
6.8 
 PTL will have particular regard for the preservation of important wildlife and flora habitats.
 
6.9 
 PTL will keep communities in which the Company operates informed of its environmental programme.

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