The adoption of an Ethical Procurement policy can assist to reduce costs, manage risk, sustain resource, secure supply, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation. We are committed to reducing, as far as possible, any adverse social impacts which may be caused by contracting activities. Through continually challenging our activities and encouraging and inspiring others, our approach will deliver tangible results that make a difference, now and in the future for society and the environment.

Our Organisation understands the importance of ensuring its acts ensure the promotion and maintenance of high standards of social, ethical and environmental conduct. We are also committed to ensuring that our suppliers and contractors on our contracts are encouraged to adopt a similar responsible approach.

Our Ethical Procurement Policy has been developed to take into account the Global Compact, a widely adopted United Nations standard for responsible business practice, covering human rights, labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption. As a globally recognised and universally applicable set of standards, the Ten Principles of the Global Compact form the basis of the Supplier Code of Conduct. The 10 principles are:

Human Rights

  • Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
  • Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour Standards

  • Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
  • Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
  • Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and
  • Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment

  • Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
  • Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
  • Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies

Anti-Corruption

  • Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.