Suppliers Code of Conduct
Introduction
QFORM UK Code of Conduct (hereinafter “QFORM UK” and the “Code of Conduct” respectively) sets out the rules and professional conduct general principles that apply to all QFORM UK’s employees, companies and suppliers. With regards to suppliers, compliance of these rules and principles is required for the establishment of new commercial relations and their continuity in time. These principles are in line with QFORM UK’s commitment to foster responsible practices among its suppliers adopted in QFORM UK’s Corporate Social Responsibility Policy. This QFORM UK’s Supplier Code of Conduct (hereinafter the “Supplier Code”), develops the general principles of the Code of Conduct and intends to be a tool to help suppliers understand QFORM UK’s expectations with regards to their behaviour in the market and for the appropriate development of their commercial relations with QFORM UK.
Scope
The Code of Conduct, as well as this Supplier Code is valid both in the UK and abroad, always taking into account the cultural, linguistic, social and economic differences of the various countries where QFORM UK does business. Although this Supplier Code is applicable to its direct suppliers in a first place, QFORM UK requests that its suppliers transfer the following principles to their own suppliers in the supply chain. This Supplier Code must be interpreted without detriment of any other additional exigencies that may be established legally or contractually that may affect the commercial relation between QFORM UK and its suppliers.
Compliance with the Law and Human Rights
All suppliers will maintain strict compliance with the general principles of the Code of Conduct (“General Principles of the Code of Conduct”), which are standards of conduct and imperative ethical standards, which are specified in scrupulous respect for laws, rights Human rights, public liberties and Fundamental Rights, the principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination, protection against child labor exploitation and any other principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Global Compact of the United Nations on Human Rights, labor, environmental and anti-corruption rights. The establishment of new commercial contracts with QFORM UK involves the knowledge and full respect by the supplier of the principles of the Code of Conduct and the Supplier Code.
Working Conditions
All suppliers must respect applicable labor laws and regulations including, at least, the minimum wage, equal treatment and non-discrimination, protection against child exploitation and against modern slavery, respect to diversity and promotion of social inclusion, length of the work day, days off, compensation, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of workers must be a priority for all QFORM UK suppliers, and they must comply with all applicable laws, regulations and standards. Suppliers must take the appropriate measures to prevent occupational illnesses and workplace accidents and to provide their workers with a safe and healthy working environment.
QFORM UK recommends that its suppliers:
• Have an Occupational Health and Safety Management System focused on continuous improvement and that contributes to integrating the preventive culture in all its activities, positively valuing its external certification (ISO 45001).
The Environment
QFORM UK suppliers must carry out their activity under the premise of minimizing negative environmental impacts and preventing pollution, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, promoting research, development and innovation that improves processes and ensuring the training of their workers on adequate environmental management.
QFORM UK recommends its suppliers:
• Have an Environmental Management System focused on continuous improvement and that contributes to reducing environmental impacts, positively assessing its external certification (ISO 14001 or equivalent).
Business Ethics
QFORM UK promotes integrity and ethics in all its activities. All QFORM UK suppliers must comply with the applicable laws and regulations specially those related to the fight against corruption and bribery and must behave in compliance with the principles of fair competition, honesty and integrity not only in their relation with QFORM UK but also with any other public or private body. Suppliers must never make or approve illegal payments under any circumstances. Likewise, QFORM UK shall not accept any kind of gift that may be interpreted as inappropriate to normal business or courteous practice. Suppliers must bring any current or potential conflicts of interest to the attention of QFORM UK Purchasing Management, as well as any breach of the principles of commercial ethics included in this section by QFORM UK professionals through the e-mail address: new@qform3d.co.uk
Confidentiality
All information of any nature obtained as a consequence of the relation with QFORM UK must be managed with absolute restraint and confidentiality and the supplier will adopt the required safety measures in order to protect it, with a special focus in the respect of the regulations related to the Protection of Personal Data.
Governance
QFORM UK reserves the right to verify its direct suppliers’ compliance with this Supplier Code. Said verification may be done through various ways, for instance self-assessment surveys or audits of the supplier’s facilities with sufficient advance notice. If a supplier, in doing their work for QFORM UK or in its participation in the market with a third party, displays behaviors that are not in line with the general principles of the Code of Conduct or this Supplier Code in particular, QFORM UK shall have standing to take the appropriate measures, and may reject future collaborations with that supplier and even terminate the current relationship, in response to the concurrent circumstances. All suppliers may use the email address micas@qform3d.co.uk to ask any questions about the Code of Conduct. To facilitate their knowledge by those interested and recipients thereof, this Supplier Code of Conduct will be published on the Company’s website (www.qform3d.co.uk), as well as on the QFORM UK Group Portal.
Date: September 2022 Signature: Nikolay Biba (Director)
