VOOT Telecom Ethics Policy

Fast Rural Internet is a division of VOOT Telecom. We are actively committed to being the most ethical business telecoms company in the UK. This relates directly to how we help our customers.

We have been in business since 2007 and have always ensured that ethical conduct is not just a compliance requirement or a fashionable trend but a natural cornerstone of our business behaviour and strategy, fostering long-term relationships with our customers, employees, and the communities we serve. We are informed by the Institute of Business Ethics.

This Ethics Policy outlines the principles and standards that guide our actions and decisions across all our brands - Fast Rural Internet, Pocket Landline, SIM Only, and our flagship VOOT Telecom brand. Where this Ethics Policy mentions VOOT Telecom it is referring to all our brands.

1. Integrity and Honesty

At VOOT Telecom, we uphold the highest standards of integrity and honesty. We are committed to:

  • Truthful Communication: All marketing, advertising, and communications with customers, partners, and stakeholders will be accurate, transparent, and free from misleading information.

  • Fair Dealing: We will compete fairly in the marketplace, refraining from practices such as misrepresentation, defamation, or any other actions that could unfairly harm competitors. In fact, we at VOOT Telecom seek to foster positive relations with our competitors.

2. Customer Commitment

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We value and appreciate your business and want you to feel this. We commit to:

  • Respecting Privacy: We will safeguard all customer information with the utmost care, ensuring compliance with data protection laws, and only using data in ways that benefit the customer. Please see our separate Privacy Policy for more information. This is available in the footer of any of our websites.

  • Only provide what customers need: We seek to understand and meet the needs of the customer rather than selling a business extra products or services to meet our own profit targets. For example, we will not sell a customer a mobile phone contract that they will not use.

  • Give clear and accurate product and service information to allow customers to make informed decisions. For example, we know that business fortunes wax and wane and therefore we schedule annual reviews with our customers to ensure the telecoms systems we provide are optimal for their needs, up- or downscaling as necessary.

  • Quality and Reliability: We will provide high-quality, reliable services, and we will address any issues promptly and professionally and in plain English.

  • Clarity of Understanding: We work hard to ensure our services and literature are clear and appropriate for the needs of the customer and we encourage our customers to seek clarification on anything they do not fully understand.

  • Transparent Billing: Our billing processes will be clear, accurate, and understandable, with no hidden fees or surprise charges.

3. Employee Welfare and Development

Our employees are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to:

  • Fair Employment Practices: We will provide a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. All employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

  • Health and Safety: We will ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, going beyond relevant regulations and best practices.

  • Continuous Development: We will support our employees' professional growth by offering opportunities for training, development, and career progression.

4. Environmental Responsibility

We recognise our responsibility to minimise our environmental impact. We commit to:

  • Sustainable Practices: We will seek to reduce our carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient practices, reducing waste, and encouraging recycling throughout our operations.

  • Eco-Friendly Products and Services: Where possible, we will offer products and services that are environmentally friendly, and we will work with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability.

  • Community Involvement: We will actively engage in initiatives that promote environmental conservation and sustainability within the communities we serve.

5. Ethical Supply Chain

We will ensure that our supply chain reflects our commitment to ethics. We will:

  • Responsible Sourcing: Work with suppliers who share our values of fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights. We will avoid doing business with those who engage in unethical practices such as forced labour, child labour, or environmental harm.

  • Fair Payment Terms: Ensure that all suppliers are paid fairly and on time, fostering long-term, positive relationships.

6. Corporate Social Responsibility

VOOT Telecom is dedicated to making a positive impact on society. We will:

  • Community Engagement: Invest in the communities where we operate through volunteering, charitable contributions, and partnerships with local organisations.

  • Supporting Education and Inclusion: Promote digital literacy and inclusivity by supporting educational initiatives, particularly those that aim to bridge the digital divide.

  • Ethical Business Practices: Ensure that all business practices adhere to ethical standards, avoiding any involvement in corrupt practices, including bribery, fraud, or conflicts of interest.

7. Compliance and Accountability

To maintain our ethical standards, we will:

  • Adhere to All Laws and Regulations: Ensure full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

  • Ethics Training: Provide regular ethics training to all employees to ensure understanding and alignment with our ethical standards.

  • Reporting and Accountability: Encourage employees and stakeholders to report any unethical behaviour through established channels. We will investigate all reports promptly and thoroughly, taking appropriate action when necessary.

8. Continuous Improvement

Ethics is a journey, not a destination. We will:

  • Regularly Review Policies: Regularly review and update our ethics policy to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

  • Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from employees, customers, and partners to improve our ethical practices continuously. If you are one of the above, we welcome your feedback on this policy. Please email us at hello@VOOT.org, stating Ethics Policy in the subject heading.

At VOOT Telecom, we believe that by adhering to this Ethics Policy, we can achieve our goal of being the most ethical business telecoms company in the UK. Our commitment to ethical behaviour is unwavering, and we expect every employee and encourage every partner to uphold these standards in all their dealings with and on behalf of VOOT Telecom.