Shoosmiths supplier code of conduct
1. Introduction
Operating with integrity governs our approach and therefore our aspiration to be recognised by our stakeholders as an organisation which is a responsible corporate citizen in all our relationships.
We expect our suppliers to share our commitments and approach and we state below guidelines that we require of all our suppliers. We expect them to adhere to the guidelines and to confirm in signing up to this code that they expect these requirements also of their supply chain, including sub-contractors.
By collaborative working we believe we can jointly have a positive impact on society.
Date: 4 February 2020
Signed: Chief Executive, Shoosmiths LLP
2. Laws and regulations
Suppliers will comply with all applicable local and national laws, rules, regulations and requirements in the provision of products and services manufactured and provided to Shoosmiths. This includes compliance with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Core Conventions. It is the supplier’s responsibility to maintain and enforce these standards within its own supply chain.
3. Underage labour
Suppliers shall ensure that no underage labour has been used in the production or distribution of goods and services to Shoosmiths. A child is any person under the minimum employment age according to the laws of the country where the product (or parts of) or services are sourced from, or in the absence of law under the minimum age for completed mandatory education.
4. Forced labour
Suppliers will not use or tolerate in their supply chain any form of slavery, servitude, indentured, bonded, involuntary prison, military or compulsory labour or any form of human trafficking.
All work must be conducted voluntarily and without threat of any penalty or sanctions.
No employee government issued identification, passports or work permits will be retained by the supplier as a condition of employment.
Workers’ rights to leave the workplace after their shift or to terminate their employment after reasonable notice and receive owed salary must be recognised by the supplier. This applies to local or migrant employees.
Suppliers are asked to report to Shoosmiths any incidents of slavery or human trafficking found in its business or supply chain.
5. Freedom of association
Suppliers shall respect the rights of workers to associate or not to associate with any group, as permitted by and in accordance with all applicable local and national laws and freedom of association and collective bargaining. Suppliers shall not interfere with or discriminate against workers choosing to belong to them.
Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted under national law, suppliers will facilitate, not hinder, alternative means of independent and free association and bargaining.
6. Discrimination
An inclusive and diverse work environment is encouraged, with equal opportunities for all workers.
All employees must be treated fairly and not discriminated against in any form of employment.
Suppliers must not discriminate against any employee based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, colour, disability, religion, political affiliation, union membership, national origin, marital or pregnancy status during any recruitment or employment activities.
Suppliers must commit to a workforce free of any harassment or threat of harassment. Any forms or threats of harassment, physical, mental, sexual or verbal, must be prohibited and not tolerated.
7. Wages and benefits
Wages and benefits must meet legal minimums and industry standards without unauthorised deductions.
8. Working hours
Suppliers must ensure working hours comply with national laws and standards and should not expect workers to work (including overtime) in excess of hours set out in relevant working time legislation or other national legal limits unless an opt out has been chosen by the employee with appropriate supporting written evidence.
9. Healthy and safe working conditions
Suppliers must provide safe and clean conditions for workers at sites of working and residential facilities. Clear procedures must be in place to ensure regulated occupational health, safety and wellbeing standards are adhered to. Suppliers must comply with the Shoosmiths Health and Safety policy.
10. Environment
Suppliers must have clear procedures in place to ensure direct and indirect environmental impacts associated with the goods and services are understood, measured and managed. Suppliers must comply with the Shoosmiths Environment policy.
11. Business integrity
Suppliers shall not engage in any form of bribery or corruption or undertake any action that contravenes the Shoosmiths Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy.
12. Discipline and grievances
Suppliers must provide a grievance mechanism for workers and their organisations to enable workers to anonymously raise workplace concerns. The mechanism must be transparent, set out clearly how grievances will be assessed and feedback provided. Workers and their representatives must be informed clearly how the scheme operates and its scope and that it is equally accessible to all workers.
Disciplinary procedures shall be clearly documented, communicated and easily accessible to all workers. All disciplinary matters shall be recorded including evidence that the worker knew and understood what he/she was accused of and given the right to trade union or other appropriate representation at disciplinary meetings which may lead to significant disciplinary penalties or dismissal.
13. Compliance with Code
Suppliers must be able to demonstrate compliance with the Shoosmiths Supplier Code of Conduct. This includes documented evidence and the right of Shoosmiths or a designated firm to conduct audits. Audits to include facility inspections, review of supplier records business practices and conducting employee interviews.
14. Reporting concerns
In relation to 2. to 13. above suppliers are invited to report any area of concern to Shoosmiths. An external whistleblowing helpline, Safecall is available. Any concerns can be reported via the telephone number 0800 915 1571 or via the website at: www.safecall.co.uk/report.