Procurement & Supplier Code of Conduct Policy

Introduction

hedgehog lab is committed to ensuring that our suppliers adhere to the highest standards of safe working conditions, fair and respectful treatment of employees, and ethical business practices. This Procurement Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the expectations we have for all our suppliers. Compliance with this Code is a condition of doing business with hedgehog lab.

By adhering to this Supplier Code of Conduct, our suppliers contribute to a sustainable, ethical, and respectful business environment. We are committed to working with suppliers who share our values and uphold these standards. Compliance with this Code is not just a requirement but a shared commitment to a better, more ethical world.

hedgehog lab commit to holding ourselves accountable to the code of conduct standards ourselves.

Procurement Policy

The Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the firm’s Mission and Values, provides detail about our ethos, our aspirations for how our business operates and the expectations we have of our suppliers. It is integral to our business strategy and success that we have a positive impact when dealing with our clients, suppliers, employees and wider society wherever we do business. As such, this Procurement Policy describes our commitment to ensuring that all procurement activities carried out by hedgehog lab are conducted in an honest, competitive, fair and transparent manner, and that incumbent suppliers are appropriately managed on an ongoing basis. 

hedgehog lab employs these standards as a set of internal rules for those involved in procurement activity, to support this commitment. We consider a variety of issues when evaluating potential suppliers over and above service delivery and cost, including:

  • Risk management
  • Statutory and regulatory compliance
  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Diversity
  • Sustainability and environmental credentials, and
  • Innovation

We pledge to:

  • Conduct our procurement activity with integrity at all times
  • Deliver value for money outcomes for the firm, in an ethical and sustainable way
  • Appropriately manage a range of supplier-related risks
  • Build relationships with local, preferred suppliers who understand our business needs
  • Ensure effective supplier management approaches are employed
  • Seek out diverse and inclusive suppliers representing different diverse groups
  • Seek out innovation and collaboration within our supplier base, and
  • Protect the reputation and meet the regulatory requirements of the firm with regard to procurement activity and supplier engagement. 

hedgehog lab is committed to working with our suppliers to ensure that the principles set out in our Procurement Policy are met, and that the Supplier Code of Conduct is adhered to by all of the firm’s suppliers and throughout the supply chain.

Supplier Code of Conduct

1. Labour Practice and Standards

1.1 Compliance with Child Labour Laws

  • Suppliers must comply with all applicable child labour laws and regulations. Employment of young workers must only occur with adherence to legal standards and must not interfere with their education.

1.2 Anti-Discrimination Practices

  • Suppliers must uphold a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. Decisions regarding hiring, promotion, and compensation must be based on qualifications and performance, without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

1.3 Health and Safety Standards

  • Suppliers are required to provide a safe and healthy working environment. This includes, but is not limited to, providing necessary protective equipment, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and maintaining sanitary facilities.

1.4 Working Conditions

  • Suppliers must ensure that working conditions are safe and conducive to the well-being of their employees. This includes adequate lighting, ventilation, and ergonomic considerations.

1.5 Working Hours

  • Suppliers must comply with local laws regarding working hours, including maximum hour limits and overtime pay. Employees should be allowed adequate rest periods and must not be required to work excessive hours.

1.6 Compensation

  • Suppliers must pay their employees in a timely manner and at least the minimum wage required by applicable laws. Wages should be sufficient to meet basic needs and provide some discretionary income.

1.7 Right to Association

  • Suppliers must respect the rights of employees to freely associate, organise, and bargain collectively, in accordance with local laws.

1.8 Freely Chosen Employment

  • Employment must be voluntary. Suppliers must not use any form of forced, bonded, or indentured labour, and workers should be free to leave their employment after reasonable notice.

2. Environmental Policy

2.1 Product and Material Use

  • Suppliers must strive to minimise their environmental impact. This includes using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and ensuring that products are safe for their intended use and disposal.

2.2 Transportation Technology

  • Suppliers should seek to reduce their carbon footprint by optimising logistics and using environmentally friendly transportation methods where possible.

3. Ethics

3.1 Anti-Corruption Measures

  • Suppliers must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and must not engage in any form of corruption, extortion, embezzlement, or bribery.

3.2 Fair Business Practices

  • Suppliers must conduct their business in an ethical manner and act with integrity in all their dealings. This includes fair competition, accurate advertising, and respect for intellectual property rights.

3.3 Managing Partner Relationships

  • Suppliers must ensure that their own suppliers and subcontractors comply with similar standards of ethical behaviour, safe working conditions, and respect for labour rights.

4. Review and Documentation Policy

4.1 Monitoring and Review

  • Suppliers are required to maintain records that demonstrate compliance with this Code of Conduct. These records should be made available to hedgehog lab upon request.

4.2 Documentation

  • Suppliers must document and communicate their policies and procedures that ensure compliance with this Code. This includes keeping detailed records of labour practices, environmental management, and ethical standards.

4.3 Continuous Improvement

  • Suppliers are encouraged to continuously improve their practices and to report any violations of this Code promptly to hedgehog lab. We will work collaboratively with suppliers to address any issues and ensure compliance.


Version Control: 1.0
Date of implementation: Jul-24