G Network Supplier Code of Conduct.
Purpose
The purpose of this Supplier Code of Conduct is to establish clear standards and expectations for our suppliers, ensuring that all business operations are conducted in a responsible, ethical, and sustainable manner. At G.Network, we are committed to integrity, social responsibility, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This Code serves as a guide for our suppliers, helping to align their practices with our values, support the well-being of employees, protect the environment, and promote fairness in the supply chain.
Scope
G.Network expects all suppliers, consultants, contractors, manufacturers, and other business partners in our supply chain, along with their respective employees, agents, and representatives to uphold our commitments to integrity, sustainability, and responsible business practices. While we recognise that our Suppliers operate within diverse legal and cultural contexts globally, we expect them to adhere to the principles outlined in this Supplier Code of Conduct and to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards in the countries where they do business.
This Supplier Code of Conduct applies to all Suppliers. If there is any inconsistency between this Code and specific contractual provisions, the contractual terms will take precedence, provided they are not in conflict with applicable law.
The Policy
At G.Network, we believe that responsible business practices are essential to our success and the success of our suppliers. This Supplier Code of Conduct sets the standards we expect from all our suppliers, in line with UK legislation and international best practices.
1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Suppliers are expected to operate in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards, both local and international, including but not limited to UK legislation such as the Modern Slavery Act (2015), the Bribery Act (2010), and the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).
• Modern Slavery Act Compliance: Suppliers must take measures to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour in their operations. This includes regularly assessing supply chains for risks of exploitation and ensuring corrective actions are taken if issues are identified.
• Bribery Act Compliance: Suppliers are prohibited from engaging in bribery, corruption, or any form of improper influence. Suppliers must implement policies that prevent bribery, including adequate training for employees, agents, and other third parties involved in business dealings.
• Data Protection and GDPR Compliance: Suppliers must comply with the Data Protection Act (2018) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), ensuring that any personal data is handled lawfully, transparently, and securely.
2. Labour Standards and Workers' Rights
Suppliers must respect the rights of all workers and maintain fair employment practices in line with UK employment laws and standards, including but not limited to the Equality Act (2010), the Employment Rights Act (1996), and the Workers Protection Act (2023).
• Wages and Working Hours: Suppliers must pay fair wages in compliance with the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage laws and follow applicable rules on working hours, rest breaks, and overtime pay.
• Non-Discrimination: In alignment with the Equality Act (2010), suppliers must not discriminate against workers based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected characteristics.
• Freedom of Association: Suppliers should respect employees' rights to freely associate, form, or join trade unions, and engage in collective bargaining as per applicable labour laws.
• Prohibition of Forced and Child Labour: Suppliers must not employ forced, bonded, or involuntary prison labour. All employees must be of legal working age, in accordance with international standards and local laws.
• Sexual Harassment: Suppliers must take all appropriate measures to prevent harassment including sexual harassment within their organisation and ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
3. Environmental Responsibility
In compliance with UK environmental regulations, suppliers are expected to operate sustainably, minimise their environmental impact, and contribute to our collective efforts to address environmental challenges.
• Waste Management and Emissions: Suppliers should comply with the UK Environmental Protection Act (1990) and other relevant environmental legislation, ensuring that waste is minimised, recycled where possible, and disposed of responsibly.
• Resource Conservation: Suppliers are encouraged to implement energy and water-saving initiatives, minimise greenhouse gas emissions, and use sustainable materials when feasible.
• Sustainable Practices: Suppliers are urged to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing plastic usage, managing chemicals safely, and engaging in practices that promote biodiversity.
4. Health and Safety Standards
Suppliers must prioritise the health and safety of their employees, in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and related regulations, ensuring a safe working environment that minimises risks and promotes worker well-being.
• Workplace Safety: Suppliers should maintain policies and procedures that address risks in the workplace, including providing appropriate protective equipment, safe machinery, and adequate training for workers.
• Emergency Preparedness: Suppliers must have emergency response plans in place, including measures for fire safety, chemical spills, and natural disasters, to protect workers from harm.
• Incident Reporting: Any accidents or safety incidents should be documented and reported appropriately, with corrective actions taken to prevent future occurrences.
5. Ethics and Anti-Corruption
Ethical conduct is central to our business, and we require all suppliers to operate with integrity and transparency, in line with the UK Bribery Act (2010) and other relevant standards.
• No Bribery or Corruption: Suppliers must not offer, give, or accept bribes or improper incentives under any circumstances. Policies and training should be implemented to prevent bribery and ensure compliance with the Bribery Act.
• Conflict of Interest: Suppliers are expected to avoid conflicts of interest in their dealings with G.Network and disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise.
• Fair Competition: Suppliers must engage in fair competition practices and avoid anti-competitive behavior, including price-fixing, bid-rigging, or monopolistic activities.
6. Data Protection and Privacy
Suppliers are required to comply with data protection laws, specifically the Data Protection Act (2018) and UK GDPR, ensuring that personal data is handled responsibly and securely.
• Data Security: Suppliers must implement adequate security measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access, alteration, or loss.
• Lawful Processing: All personal data should be collected and processed lawfully, transparently, and only for legitimate business purposes, as outlined by the UK GDPR.
• Third-Party Transfers: Suppliers should only share personal data with third parties when necessary and with appropriate safeguards in place, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
Monitoring, Accountability, and Enforcement
To ensure compliance, G.Network reserves the right to monitor and audit our suppliers’ adherence to this Code. Suppliers are expected to cooperate with audits and provide accurate documentation upon request.
• Audits and Inspections: Suppliers may be subject to scheduled or unscheduled audits to verify compliance with this Code. Audits may include on-site inspections, document reviews, and interviews with employees.
• Corrective Actions: If any non-compliance is identified, suppliers are required to develop and implement corrective action plans in a timely manner. We reserve the right to terminate the business relationship if issues remain unresolved.
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Suppliers are encouraged to seek ongoing improvement in their compliance with this Code, reflecting our shared commitment to ethical and responsible business practices.
Non-Compliance and Consequences
G.Network takes adherence to this Supplier Code of Conduct seriously, as it reflects our commitment to ethical, legal, and responsible business practices. Suppliers are expected to uphold these standards consistently. Any instance of non-compliance with this Code, particularly breaches involving labour standards, ethical conduct, health and safety, or environmental regulations, may lead to corrective action requirements.
In cases of significant non-compliance, or if a supplier fails to take corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe, G.Network reserves the right to terminate the business relationship. This may occur immediately in cases of severe breaches, such as those involving corruption, human rights violations, or other illegal activities. Our goal is to work collaboratively to resolve compliance issues; however, we will prioritise maintaining a responsible and compliant supply chain if corrective measures prove insufficient.