Supplier Code of Conduct
Search Consultancy Limited and Henderson Scott Limited form part of the Search Recruitment Group ("the Group”).
The Group seeks to embed integrity in everything that we do and are committed to conducting our business sustainably, ethically, and always in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As a valued supplier, you play a crucial role in ensuring these ethical business practices are promoted and realised throughout our supply chain.
We expect each of our Suppliers to adhere to this Supplier Code of Conduct which outlines our standards and expectations. We expect that Suppliers will already be operating to these standards, will have systems in place to ensure the standards continue to be met and we reserve the right to request evidence of how Suppliers are meeting these standards and expectations throughout the duration of our relationship.
Integrity
Integrity, honesty, and fairness flow through all the work that we do. We will only work with Suppliers who share these commitments and, as such, expect all our Suppliers to avoid seeking unfair advantages, to compete on a level playing field, and always handle data appropriately.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption: We will never offer, nor will we ever accept, any form of bribe to obtain an improper advantage, a business opportunity, or any other gain. As such, our Suppliers must conduct their business with honesty and integrity, and adhere to all applicable anti-bribery and corruption legislation, including the Bribery Act 2010. We expect Suppliers to have sufficient processes in place to prohibit any of its people seeking to commit or committing breaches under applicable law.
Tax Evasion: We will not engage in or promote any activity which is suspected or appears to be for the purposes of evading tax. Our Suppliers must ensure compliance with all taxation legislation including the Criminal Finances Act 2017. We expect Suppliers to have appropriate processes in place to prevent tax evasion or the facilitation of tax evasion by any associated person as defined in the Criminal Finances Act 2017.
Fair Competition and Conflicts of Interest: We are committed to integrity and fair competition. We require all our Suppliers to promote fair competition and comply with the applicable competition laws. Suppliers must also disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise in their relationship with the Group, such as any relationship with a Group employee.
Confidentiality and Data Protection: As a provider of people, the Group holds and processes a large volume of personal data. We always treat such data with the utmost care and respect and only ever use it in accordance with the applicable data protection laws and regulations, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (EU/2016/679). We expect and require our Suppliers to respect the confidentiality of people’s personal information and data and to (1) only ever hold or process it in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations; (2) always use it in accordance with our instructions and in the course of providing us with services; and (3) maintain appropriate security measures to safeguard the data.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Suppliers must comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards applicable to them and/or to the services or goods that they supply to the Group.
People
People are at the heart of everything we do and ensuring that individuals are treated with respect and dignity is paramount to our ethos. We expect our Suppliers to believe this too and it is crucial that they respect the dignity of not only their own people, but of all those involved in their supply chain and in the wider community.
Anti-Discrimination: Our Suppliers must acknowledge and respect the dignity and equality of all those they employ and interact with. They must provide equal employment opportunities and not discriminate based on sex, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, age or disability or any other protected status. Suppliers must at all times ensure compliance with relevant equality and anti-discrimination laws, including the Equality Act 2010.
Human Rights: We are committed to upholding the basic dignity and human rights of all. We need our Suppliers to prevent and mitigate any human rights’ infringements or violations that are related to their operations, products, or services. Suppliers must not engage in, or support the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude and we expect them to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Suppliers must not use child labour under any circumstances and must always abide with applicable standards in this regard.
Working Conditions: We believe that people have the right to a safe working environment that is free from harassment. We expect our Suppliers to promote healthy and safe working conditions and have a zero-tolerance approach to harassment in the workplace. Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws regarding working hours, breaks, and working conditions. Suppliers must have measures in place to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Suppliers should always provide their workers with appropriate compensation, and this must meet at least the national minimum wage and benefit requirements for the worker’s country. Suppliers must have appropriate working practices in place to ensure that when paying the appropriate compensation, all due care and consideration is given to any deductions or reductions which could impact the national minimum wage.
Sustainability
We strongly believe that acting sustainably as a business is the key to, not just protecting our planet, but ensuring long-term success as a business. We are on the path to becoming a net-zero business by 2050 and we need each of our Suppliers to aid us in this ambition.
Environmental Practices: We endeavour to continuously reduce our impact on the planet and implement environmental best practice wherever possible. To assist us, we want our Suppliers to continuously monitor the environmental impact of their business operations, integrate sustainable practices, and consistently strive to improve their sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint. Suppliers are encouraged to adopt practices that promote resource conservation, waste reduction, and the sustainable use of resources. At a minimum, Suppliers must comply with all relevant environmental laws and regulations and inform the Group of any potential infringements.
Business Contingency: As a resilient business which puts our clients and own people at the heart of everything that we do, we must ensure that we are always able to meet the needs of our clients and offer security to our employees. You, as a Supplier, play a crucial role in helping us maintain this resilience and ensuring we can reliably serve our clients. That being the case, we expect our Suppliers to have clear and appropriate contingency plans to ensure business continuity and respond to emergencies, including health, safety, and environmental issues. Suppliers should review these plans on a regular basis and ensure they remain fit for purpose.
Reporting Violations
As a valued Supplier, we expect that you share our values and by providing goods and/or services, you are agreeing to comply with this Code of Conduct. However, should you have any concerns related to this Code of Conduct, or you become aware of any infringements or violations, please direct these to the Group’s In-House Legal Department at [email protected].
Review and Updates
We may periodically review and update this Supplier Code of Conduct from to time. Any changes to this Supplier Code of Conduct will be available at [Insert Link?].