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Supplier compliance

We work with our suppliers and business partners to establish sound and sustainable procurement procedures, and take steps to ensure they adhere to the same principles as we do.

Our approach

Our ambition is to be recognised as a leading responsible and sustainable company, using our expertise for positive impact. Our suppliers are an integral part of our value network and central to meeting our ambition. As such, we are committed to ensuring that we work with suppliers and partners who share our approach to responsible and sustainable business practices.

We assess 100% of our live suppliers to check that they uphold our own ethical principles, as well as meeting the standards set by our clients. We have a Purchase Order Mandatory Policy and a central Global Purchasing System which gives us detailed insight into our suppliers.

Principles and standards

Since 2007, our Core Principles of Sustainable Procurement have been a contractual requirement of our suppliers and their supply chains. These are included in our Supplier Standards of Conduct as part of the contractual terms which apply to all our suppliers. The Standards of Conduct contains our principles with regards to compliance with international, national and local law, human rights, labour rights and modern-day slavery. It also outlines the obligation of our suppliers to conduct their business with the highest standards of integrity, avoiding all forms of corruption, bribery, extortion or embezzlement, and unfair business practices.

Assessment and monitoring

We assess 100% of our live suppliers using our bespoke online platform, which profiles the environmental, economic and social risks and impacts of our suppliers’ operations, products and services. To ensure the accuracy of suppliers’ responses, we conduct audits on our suppliers, either through desk-based research or through on-site audits. The result of the online assessment and audits are fed into our supplier identification and selection process.

By forming close and collaborative partnerships with our suppliers, we aim to provide practical support and advice to help resolve any risks or issues identified through the assessment process. In addition, we run targeted campaigns to improve the performance of suppliers against key areas of importance for our business. Where suppliers fail to address identified issues within a reasonable time period, we reserve the right to cease trading with that supplier.

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