Company Policies

Podfather Ltd creates systems that help reduce adverse impact on the environment. Our bespoke systems often replace paper-based systems by the automation of business processes, and our implementation of technology helps our clients to contribute positively to the environment and conserve resources.
 
However, Podfather Ltd recognises that it impacts on the environment through its daily activities and is committed to minimising any potentially harmful activity wherever possible.
 
In particular Podfather Ltd: 

• Meet, and where appropriate, exceed the legal requirements of all relevant legislation
• Minimise waste in all operations and product development, and whenever possible recycle materials. We dispose of all waste through safe and responsible methods
• Invest in improved energy efficiency of products we use and sell
• Provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment
• Wherever possible, work with suppliers to minimise the environmental impact of their operations through a quality purchasing policy
• Implement this policy through guidelines and training.

Podfather Ltd is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity within our business.
 
To that end the purpose of this policy is to provide equality and fairness for all in our employment and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age, pregnancy, class or social background and political belief. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
 
All employees, customers, and associates are treated fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, training, or any other benefit is based on aptitude and ability. All employees are helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the resources of the workforce are fully utilised to maximise efficiency.
 
Our goal is to create a work environment free from discrimination, harassment and prejudice, and we embed this in all our policies, procedures, day-to-day practices and all relationships.
All employees have a responsibility with regard to their own behaviour. Managers who have particular responsibility for managing other employees have a specific responsibility to ensure that the policy statements are complied with.
 
Employees may use the grievance procedure to complain about discriminatory conduct. If this is not practicable then a confidential interview with the company Directors should be sought.

The Management of Podfather Ltd recognise that continuous improvement is central to quality management.
 
Podfather Ltd is committed to delivering complete and cost-effective systems that meet the requirements of the customer.
 
Customers rightly demand quality and reliability in the services they purchase. Excellence lies in repeatedly achieving the required standard. Teamwork is central to Podfather Ltd, and all teams, including business development and operations, work closely together on all projects and share a mutual commitment to achieving excellence.
 
The philosophy is to provide customers with the highest levels of customer satisfaction, through the provision of quality services. The Management reviews all projects and customer requirements on a regular basis where customer and Company issues are diagnosed, resolved and improved.
 
All employees are aware of Podfather Ltd’s commitment to excellence, and all processes and procedures are available on the company online knowledge base. These are regularly reviewed to ensure continued suitability. Podfather Ltd recognises that investment in its employees is key to delivering customer satisfaction and is committed to their on-going training and development.

Podfather Ltd utilises Agile software development methodologies on all bespoke and integrated software projects. Agile development consists of short, iterative development stages that allow continuous feedback to successfully refine and deliver a software system.
 
Development stages are typically short in time scale, well documented, and deliver working software that can be installed to give instant business value. This maximises the return on investment as project benefits can often be realised after a matter of weeks, rather than several months. Through iterative planning and feedback from users, the development stages can be adapted and refined to meet changing requirements throughout the project.
 
Technical risk exposure is lower as each stage requires a smaller commitment. You do not need to commit to a long project that may not deliver the expected results – project committal is only to each iterative stage.
 
Quality Assurance is ensured by a combination of well-defined functional and quality acceptance standards, and development methodologies. Quality reviews are carried out at the end of each stage of specification and development. Once the stage is confirmed as ready for review, a date will be set for presentation and discussion with Product Owners. The outcome of the meeting being either sign-off of the development stage, or a plan for any remedial work required to meet acceptance standards or altered specification.

It is the Directors of Podfather Ltd’s policy to conduct all our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships. We have in place and enforce effective systems to counter bribery.
 
We will uphold all laws relevant to countering bribery and corruption in all jurisdictions in which we operate, and we comply with the Bribery Act 2010, in respect of our conduct both in the UK and abroad.

Podfather Ltd is committed to a system of health and safety management based on a common understanding of risks and how to control them. It recognises that health and safety is a management responsibility, and that effective control of health and safety is achieved through co-operative effort at all levels within the organisation.
 
Podfather Ltd is committed to a policy of taking all reasonably practicable steps necessary to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of its employees at work and the health and safety of other persons that might be affected by its work. Podfather Ltd will comply with all statutory obligations including the provision of adequate supervision, information, instruction, and training.
 
In complying with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act, Podfather Ltd, amongst other things: 

• Maintains all places of work under its control in a condition that is safe and without risks to health.
• Provides and maintains a working environment for its employees that is safe and without risks to health. Adequate facilities and arrangements for securing the welfare of employees are provided.
• Provides information, instruction, supervision, and training as is necessary to ensure health and safety at work of its employees.
• Provides, operates, and maintains buildings, equipment and systems of work that are safe and without risk to health.
• Makes arrangements for ensuring the safety and absence of risk to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances for use at work.
• Provides protective clothing and safety equipment as necessary to enable staff to undertake their duties safely.
• Ensures that travelling employees at work on customer premises as part of their normal work duties are trained in the recognition of likely risks which they may encounter.
• Monitors the organisation and arrangements for health and safety detailed in this statement.

 
These duties are performed by Podfather Ltd, so far as is reasonably practicable, considering published guidance, including that from the Health and Safety Commission and Executive.