1. Introduction
Malvern Optical is committed to conducting business ethically, sustainably, and with integrity and we expect our suppliers to adhere to the same high standards. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the principles and practices we require from all our suppliers in accordance with UK law and international best practices.
2. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Legal Compliance:
Suppliers must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations in the countries where they operate. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with the following UK laws:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Employment Rights Act 1996
- Bribery Act 2010
- Equality Act 2010
- Modern Slavery Act 2015
3. Labour and Human Rights
Freely Chosen Employment:
Suppliers must not use any form of forced, bonded, or indentured labour. Employment must be voluntary, and workers must be free to leave work or terminate their employment with reasonable notice and without penalty, as mandated by the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Child Labour:
Suppliers must not employ individuals below the legal minimum age for employment. Suppliers must comply with all applicable child labour laws and only employ individuals who meet the legal age requirements for their specific type of work, in accordance with the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Non-Discrimination:
Suppliers must provide a workplace free from discrimination based on race, colour, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, religion, political affiliation, union membership, or marital status, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining:
Suppliers must respect the rights of workers to freely associate, join or not join trade unions, seek representation, and bargain collectively, as permitted by and in accordance with applicable laws.
Wages and Benefits:
Suppliers must ensure that all workers receive at least the legally mandated minimum wages and benefits. Overtime must be paid in accordance with local laws and regulations, as outlined in the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Working Hours:
Suppliers must comply with applicable laws and industry standards on working hours, including overtime. Workers should not be required to work excessive hours and must be allowed reasonable time off and breaks.
4. Health and Safety
Workplace Environment:
Suppliers must provide a safe and healthy working environment for all employees. This includes taking proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries, providing adequate training, and ensuring access to necessary safety equipment and procedures, as required by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Emergency Preparedness:
Suppliers must identify and assess potential emergency situations and implement business continuity plans and response procedures to minimize harm to life, environment, and property to reduce the impact on delivery.
5. Environmental Responsibility
Environmental Compliance:
Suppliers must comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, including obtaining and maintaining all required environmental permits and licenses, as stipulated by the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Sustainable Practices:
Suppliers are encouraged to adopt environmentally responsible practices and strive for continuous improvement in their environmental performance. This includes managing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing the environmental impact of their operations.
6. Business Integrity
Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption:
Suppliers must not engage in any form of bribery, corruption, extortion, or embezzlement. Suppliers must comply with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations, including the Bribery Act 2010.
Conflicts of Interest:
Suppliers must avoid any situations where personal, financial, or other interests could conflict with their duties and responsibilities to Malvern Optical.
Confidentiality:
Suppliers must protect the confidentiality of all Malvern Optical information and not misuse any confidential information, including intellectual property, trade secrets, and other proprietary information.
7. Monitoring and Compliance
Audits and Assessments:
Malvern Optical reserves the right to conduct audits and assessments of suppliers’ facilities and practices to ensure compliance with this Code of Conduct. Suppliers are expected to cooperate fully and provide access to relevant records and information.
Corrective Actions:
If a supplier fails to comply with this Code of Conduct, Malvern Optical may require the supplier to implement corrective actions. Continued non-compliance may result in the termination of the business relationship.
8. Acknowledgment and Acceptance
By accepting this Code of Conduct, suppliers acknowledge their understanding and commitment to upholding the principles and requirements outlined herein. Suppliers must ensure that this Code of Conduct is communicated to all employees, agents, subcontractors, and any other parties involved in the supply chain.
Andrew Turner
Managing Director
Malvern Optical Limited
February 2025