Standards and policies.

We are committed to dealing ethically with our suppliers and we want our suppliers to recognise the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Our Sustainable Procurement Policy (PDF) outlines our expectations of suppliers as well as our commitment to helping achieve compliance with our CSR standards. Where significant progress is not achieved in an agreed period the supplier will be considered for de-selection by our CSR Committee

We expect our suppliers to:

• Maintain effective policies and procedures to manage their environmental impact.
• Respect fundamental human rights including worker representation.
• Have a positive impact on the communities in which they operate.
• Maintain responsible health and safety practices.
• Be committed to equal opportunities in employment.
• Adopt ethical business practices.

The following guidelines reflect in more detail the standards that we expect of our suppliers in key areas of CSR:

We reserve the right to undertake ad hoc audits of our suppliers' files to confirm compliance.

We are committed to working with our suppliers to support improvements in their social and ethical practices and have an active programme of engagement of which these guidelines form an integral part.

In the event that a supplier feels that they are not being fairly treated, we operate a Public Interest Disclosure or ’ whistle blowing’ procedure.