Compliance & accreditations
Compliance and security are a top priority for us.
To work securely, fairly and effectively, we have qualified and dedicated in-house quality assurance oversight to ensure that all our business operations are transparent, robust and in full compliance with national and international laws and regulations, as well as professional standards and business best practices. And we expect the same of our global partners, too.
All of our employees have anti-bribery, anti-corruption, accountability, data protection and confidentiality clauses within their contractual terms and conditions, which are also detailed in our Icon employee handbook.
Quality management
ISO 9001 in quality management
This certifies that we consistently deliver service standards that meet both our clients and regulatory needs. And that we continuously ensure we have the appropriate measures, procedures and practices in place to ensure service standard consistency and continuous improvement — all leading to higher levels of performance, efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction. We run regular internal audits and are externally assessed by LRQA annually to ensure standards and progress are being maintained.
European Relocation Association (EuRA) Global Quality Seal Plus (EGQS+)
This standard provides an external audit based on an ISO 9001 process management model to specifically certify our excellence in providing relocation services. The EuRA Global Quality Seal Plus specifies the processes and KPIs that reflect the very highest standards in relocation services. It provides best practice benchmarks in service provision and process management.
EuRA EGQS+ holders are widely acknowledged as industry leaders in excellence in relocation. We are one of only seven UK companies to hold this status and the longest holders within the UK global mobility sector. The EuRA Global Quality seal is audited by DQS and we complete an internal review and training every year in line with the annual release of improvements that are required by EuRA and DQS to ensure the highest levels are maintained.
Prompt Payment Code
To ensure fairness within our supply chain we are signatories of the UK Government backed Prompt Payment Code, designed to encourage supplier payment in 30 to 60 days, dependent upon the supplier size. Complying with the code requires: 95% of invoices must be paid within agreed terms; 95% of invoices must be paid within 60 days; 95% of invoices must be paid within 30 days to small businesses (<50 employees); a senior person at the buying company must take responsibility for payment practices. Code signatories should produce an annual report and explain any delays and allow suppliers to charge late payment interest on delayed invoices. If the buyer cannot pay the supplier within the agreed timeframe, they must contact suppliers to explain why.
Sustainability
ISO 14001 in environment management
This certifies that we are committed to effective environment management and compliance. We care about the possible negative impact our services can have on our environment, and want to do more for future generations. We have developed policies and action plans to proactively monitor our operational activities and initiatives. We run regular internal audits and are externally assessed by LRQA annually to ensure standards and progress are being maintained.
EcoVadis Gold Award
We were the first global mobility service providers to achieve a gold sustainability rating from the independent global sustainability ratings company, EcoVadis — scoring in the top 5% of all companies assessed. We are extremely proud of this outstanding recognition, a testament to our extensive and dedicated commitment to sustainable practices. We were assessed and rated based on our environmental, social, and ethical performance across various categories, including environmental impact, labour practices, fair business practices, and sustainable procurement. We are assessed annually on our progress by EcoVadis.
Carbon neutral
We have been certified carbon neutral since 2021 by external accreditation through the Carbon Footprint , in recognition of our consistent work to manage, reduce and offset the carbon impact of our business. We are reviewed annually by Carbon Footprint, tracking our carbon impact and highlighting the progress on actions, as well as where we can continue to make improvements.
Technology & data security
EU GDPR
We recognise the importance of correct and lawful treatment of personal data to provide professional, secure and effective operations. In adherence to our data protection policies and ISO 9001 and 14001 accreditation requirements, our employees are trained to maintain a strong understanding of compliance obligations and risks when processing data. Transfer of information and data between our clients, assignees and partners is via our secure online platforms which are fully encrypted.
Information security and infrastructure
Our IT infrastructure and cloud services are all managed by ISO 27001 compliant external providers — ADM Computing, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Cloud.
Internally, we have integrated the core ISO 27001 principles into our routine operations, business procedures and compliance processes.
Cyber Essentials
This certifies that we take cyber security extremely seriously, giving you peace of mind that we have the protection needed to guard against a wide variety of cyber attacks. Backed by the UK government’s National Cyber Security Centre, it ensures that our IT system defences are working to the rigorous high standards of an independent IASME external auditor and that we have the full measures in place to effectively safeguard our business operations and those of our clients, assignees and partners.