We recognise that all testing, for fire and other aspects of performance, must be supported by a robust approach to ensuring that the integrity of this information can be assured and disseminated to enable a golden thread from testing through to the service life of our products on buildings and beyond. Furthermore, safe use of our products on buildings must be supported by accurate and truthful marketing together with competent technical and installation advice. This approach underpins a programme of work that is underway across all of Kingspan Group, which is built upon four pillars:
1. CULTURE OF HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND COMPLIANCE
Our updated groupwide Code of Conduct is being rolled out across all businesses across Kingspan Group based on the three principles of honesty, integrity and compliance. This updated Code of Conduct sets out clear expectations for all employees with respect to clear, ethical and honest business communications, together with compliance with the law.
2. INTEGRITY OF PRODUCT COMPLIANCE
Led by our Group Head of Compliance & Certification (appointed in December 2020), a new product compliance programme is being rolled out across the Group to the incoming ISO 37301 Compliance Management standard, which will be audited by our Group Internal Auditing function with reporting to the Board’s Audit & Compliance Committee.
3. DIGITAL TRACEABILITY OF PRODUCT INFORMATION
Our groupwide Digital Transformation programme has a core focus on the implementation of a groupwide Product Information Management (PIM) system to ensure accuracy of all product information, including that which is related to compliance. The PIM will provide accurate and up-to-date product information to a suite of customer tools, including Kingspan’s proprietary BIMDesigner platform which will support the golden thread of Kingspan product information through building models and into building passports. The PIM project has been underway since 2019 and we launched our prototype BIMDesigner platform in the UK in 2020.
4. COMPETENCY IN TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND INSTALLATION
An extensive Marketing Integrity programme is in place and aligns with the upcoming UK Code for Construction Products Information. This programme ensures accurate and truthful representation of product information in marketing materials. This programme is supported by a training programme with a key focus on representation of testing and accreditations. Our individual businesses are also committed to high standards of training for technical and field-services teams.