Supplier Code of Conduct

Supplier Code of Conduct

 

 Principles of Supplier Conduct

 

  1. **Anti-Discrimination**

   – You must not discriminate against any worker based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic in any employment practice.

 

  1. **Anti-Harassment and Abuse**

   – You must maintain a workplace free of harassment and abuse, treating all workers with dignity and respect. Ensure mechanisms for reporting grievances and encourage open communication between management and workers.

 

  1. **Underage Workers**

   – No underage workers should be employed in the production or distribution of goods or services. Employ only those who meet the legal minimum working age, with a minimum age of 16, regardless of local law.

 

  1. **Working Hours, Wages, and Benefits**

   – Set working hours, wages, and overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws. Workers must be paid at least the legal minimum wage or the local industry standard, whichever is greater. All wage deductions must be lawful and with the employee’s express permission.

 

  1. **Freedom of Association**

   – Allow workers to freely associate, form, and join organisations of their choice, and bargain collectively without interference, discrimination, retaliation, or harassment.

 

  1. **Employment Status**

   – Employ workers with a written contract who comply with all relevant immigration regulations and laws. Workers should be free to leave employment after reasonable notice and should not be required to lodge deposits or payments with employers. No forced, bonded, or involuntary labour is allowed.

 

  1. **Health and Safety**

   – Provide and maintain a safe work environment with sound health and safety management practices. Have a system for reporting health and safety incidents without fear of reprisal and comply with all required health and safety permits, licences, and consents.

 

  1. **Whistleblowing**

   – Have clear policies and procedures for workers to report workplace concerns without fear of victimisation or dismissal, in compliance with applicable whistleblowing laws.

 

  1. **Prevention of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking**

   – Take reasonable steps to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in your supply chains or business operations. Provide a modern slavery report within 20 days of request, detailing steps taken to prevent such practices.

 

  1. **Environment**

    – Implement environmentally responsible business practices. Manage, reduce, and responsibly dispose of or recycle waste. Comply with all environmental laws and obtain necessary permits, licences, and consents.

 

  1. **Ethics**

    – Conduct all business ethically, including in relationships, practices, sourcing, and operations.

 

  1. **Compliance with Law**

    – Comply fully with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries and jurisdictions in which you operate.

 

  1. **Anti-Bribery**

    – Do not engage in corruption, extortion, embezzlement, or bribery. Comply with all anti-corruption laws, including the UK Bribery Act 2010, and avoid any form of potential bribery or kick-back.

 

  1. **Disclosure of Information**

    – Accurately record and disclose information regarding business activities, employment, health and safety, and environmental practices as required by law.

 

  1. **Competition and Anti-Trust**

    – Comply with all applicable competition laws. Do not fix prices, rig bids, or engage in any anti-competitive practices.

 

  1. **Intellectual Property Rights**

    – Respect and protect intellectual property rights, managing technology and know-how accordingly.

 

  1. **Information Security**

    – Comply with data privacy laws and protect confidential information from unauthorised access, processing, or disclosure through appropriate security measures.

 

  1. **Management Systems and CSR Responsibilities**

    – Maintain sound management systems to identify and mitigate risks. Develop a company statement affirming commitment to high standards of social and environmental responsibility, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

 

  1. **Risk Assessment and Management**

    – Develop and maintain a process to identify and manage risks related to employment and human rights, health and safety, environmental impact, business ethics, and legal compliance.

 

  1. **Subcontracting**

    – Do not use subcontractors for goods or services without prior written consent. Ensure subcontractors comply with this Supplier Code of Conduct.

 

  1. **Confidentiality**

    – Safeguard our information by keeping it confidential and secure, limiting access, and avoiding public disclosure. This obligation extends beyond the end of your business relationship with us.

 

 Conclusion

 

This Supplier Code of Conduct promotes a culture of compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. It reinforces the ethical and responsible business practices we require from our suppliers. We expect our suppliers to uphold these principles and continuously improve their social and environmental performance.