1.  INTRODUCTION


The purpose of this document is to provide an introduction to stakeholder grievances and detail the policies and procedures which are applicable to the external stakeholders (including customers, suppliers, community members, and partners) of Standing on Giants (SoG).

2.  KEY DEFINITIONS


This policy applies in the event of a stakeholder grievance. It details how Standing on Giants will safely collect, assess, investigate, and resolve formal complaints regarding the company’s social, environmental, or governance impacts.


3.  POLICY BRIEF & PURPOSE


The purpose of this grievance policy is to enable stakeholders who may be negatively affected by our business activities to safely raise a concern or complaint, and to have the matter dealt with as quickly, independently, and fairly as possible.


4.  SCOPE


This policy applies to all external individuals, communities, and entities affected by our operations and value chain.
Grounds for a grievance: A grievance will be accepted if it relates to a concern or complaint about the company’s actual or potential social, environmental, or governance issues, including human rights practices, ethical conduct, or environmental stewardship. (Note: General service issues should be directed to your account manager).


5. PROTECTION FROM RETALIATION & CONFIDENTIALITY


Standing on Giants strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against a stakeholder who raises a grievance. To protect stakeholders:
Stakeholders may request that their identities remain confidential throughout the process.
We will clearly inform those raising grievances about who will need to be involved or informed at the outset.
We will seek explicit consent before sharing your information with any additional parties.


6.  AVOIDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST


To ensure fairness, all grievances will be reviewed by an arbiter with no conflicts of interest. If a grievance involves a specific employee or department, it will be investigated by an independent manager or third party who has no connection to the grievance case to ensure impartial decision-making.


7.  FORMALLY RAISING A GRIEVANCE


Stage 1: Submission & Acknowledgment
Stakeholders should put their grievance in writing by emailing grievances.ext@standingongiants.com.
We will acknowledge receipt of the grievance and confirm whether it has been accepted for investigation normally within 5 working days. If it is not accepted, we will clearly explain why.

Stage 2: Investigation & Facilitating a Resolution
Once accepted, an impartial investigating officer will review the facts, which may involve contacting you for a meeting or further details to better understand how the issue can be resolved.
We aim to fully investigate and propose a resolution (which may include remediation, changes to company practices, or other mutually agreed outcomes) within 30 days. We commit to regularly communicating each step of the resolution process to you, and confirming in writing when the grievance has been closed.

Stage 3: Appeal
If you are dissatisfied with the handling or outcome of the grievance at Stage 2, you may appeal the decision in writing to the CEO within 14 days of receiving the outcome.
An appeal officer with no prior involvement in the case will review the appeal and provide a final written response within 14 days of receiving your appeal letter.


8.  CONTACTS

Emily Gallagher

Head of Operations & HR
Submission of Grievance

grievances.ext@standingongiants.com

Emily

Teri Bogos

Operations Manager
Submission of Grievance

grievances.ext@standingongiants.com

Zsuzsanna Recsey

CEO
Appeals

zsuzsanna.recsey@standingongiants.com


9. GOVERNANCE AND COMPLIANCE


9.1 To ensure effectiveness and accountability, we track all grievances and prepare an annual summary of the status, subject, and outcomes of any grievances to be reviewed by top management.


9.2 This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are significant changes that may impact its suitability, adequacy, or effectiveness.