On behalf of the Board, the Group Finance, Risk and Audit Committee has reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal control in
existence in the Association for the financial year and the period to the date of approval of the financial statements.
The Group Finance, Risk and Audit Committee received the annual report on internal control assurance and have conducted its review of
effectiveness of the risk management and control process. A number of internal audit reviews have been undertaken in accordance with
the approved Internal Audit Plan approved by the Group Resources and Audit Committee on behalf of the Board.
No weaknesses were found in internal controls which resulted in material losses, contingencies, or uncertainties, which require disclosure
in the financial statements or in the external auditors’ report on the financial statements.
Employees
The strength of the Group lies in the quality and commitment of its employees. The ability to meet our business objectives and commitments
to customers in an efficient manner depends on the contribution of employees throughout the Group. The Accord Group is committed to
equal opportunities for all employees and will not discriminate against the nine protected characteristics, which are age, being or becoming
a transsexual person, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or having a child, disability, race including colour, nationality,
ethnic or national origin, religion, belief or lack of religion/belief, or sex and sexual orientation. The Group demonstrates its commitment to
equality in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, career development, training, promotion and welfare. The Group continues to be
committed to consulting with employees and keeping them informed on matters affecting them and on the progress of the Group.
Fairness
Accord Group treats all people fairly and with respect, recognising and responding to their individuality. The Group’s policies reflect its
commitment to fairness and the value it places on diversity in all aspects of its work. The Accord Group will:
n Focus on the needs of each individual in providing employment, homes and services
n Listen to and understand our customers, asking people what help, support and/or guidance they feel they need to access our services
n Ensure staff treat each other and customers with respect to build the trust, care and commitment necessary to deliver an excellent
service to all
n Monitor and demonstrate how successful the Group is in acting fairly, making a difference and in meeting the needs of our local
communities
n Always aim to exceed the requirements of the law and our regulators, as well as adopting a person centred approach
n Be an excellent organisation, demonstrating accountability and promoting fairness for all.
Slavery And Human Trafficking Statement
Slavery and forced labour can take many forms, including human trafficking and child labour. Accord Housing Association and its
subsidiaries will not tolerate forced labour or child labour in any aspect of our business. We hold ourselves and our supply chains
accountable with respect to compliance with the provisions of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 in our work.
Our commitment to environmental matters
The Accord Group remains committed to being at the forefront on delivering innovative service delivery solutions which impact favourably
on our environment and communities. As part of this commitment we have accomplished a number of key achievements:
n Accord Group became one of the first housing associations in the country to obtain the ISO14001 Environmental Management
Standard. This accreditation was recertified following a successful stringent audit process.
n Accord Group is the first housing association to achieve the much more demanding European Eco Management and Audit Scheme
(EMAS) standard.
n Environmental factors are considered and all key project investment decisions are considered by the Group’s Project Approval Panel.
n We are already committed to the development of high quality, highly efficient timber frame homes at our LoCaL Homes factory. These
homes are generally 50% more efficient when compared to traditionally built homes. These homes will continue to supply Accord’s
development programme.
Financial Statements 2016
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