Supplier code of conduct

About this Code of Conduct

10 Degrees is committed to ensuring that the principles, standards, and values we uphold as part of our own operations are also upheld by our suppliers. These principles of corporate integrity, responsible sourcing, and the safety and wellbeing of workers are reflected in this Code, which sets out the minimum standards we expect of our suppliers.

Who must comply with this Code?

We ask all of our suppliers to comply with the requirements of this Code and to ensure that appropriate systems are in place in order to monitor and demonstrate compliance with the Code. 

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

In accepting the principles set out in this Code of Conduct, suppliers shall agree to abide by all applicable laws and regulations in any jurisdictions in which they operate, including but not limited to the laws and regulations relating to issues addressed in this Code.

If there is a conflict between any applicable laws or regulations, the provisions of an agreement with 10 Degrees and the provisions of this Code, the Supplier shall meet the higher standard.

Human Rights

Suppliers must comply with all applicable human rights and employment laws in jurisdictions in which they work and operate, and the principles recognised in the International Bill of Human Rights. 

When local laws are in conflict with international human rights standards, suppliers should comply with the law while seeking to honour the principles of internationally recognised human rights and the 10 Degrees Supplier Code of Conduct.

Diversity, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

10 Degrees is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working culture and environment where people feel valued and respected and expects its suppliers to do the same. 

This means striving to employ a diverse team of people, reflective of the societies in which suppliers operate, and ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources for all, including those who might be otherwise excluded or marginalised as a result of socio-economic circumstance, gender, race, colour, disability, neurodiversity, age, nationality, union affliction, or religion.

Suppliers should also assess and address any potential negative impact their activities may have in their local communities, providing employees and managers with direct responsibility for supply chain management, and with training on the mitigation of labour abuses and discrimination. 

Labour

10 Degrees expects its suppliers to respect the rights of their workforce and to comply with all relevant labour legislation in all jurisdictions in which they operate, or in the absence of such legislation, in compliance with relevant International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, to ensure:

Forced or Child Labour

Suppliers, wherever located, must work towards ensuring no slavery, forced or child labour, or human trafficking exists in their business or at any stage of their own supply chain. All employment must be on a voluntary basis. All workers should be free to terminate their employment at any time with reasonable notice.  

Freedom of Association 

Suppliers must ensure that workers have the right to form labour unions without prior permission, in order to safeguard and develop their economic and social rights. Where the right to freedom of association is restricted under law, there must be an equivalent means of independent representation for workers.

Working Conditions

Suppliers must ensure that they provide a safe, humane and sanitary working environment for their employees, meeting the requirements set out in the ILO Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines. Suppliers must also ensure that appropriate training is given to employees in safety practices and procedures, including fire protection. 

Working Hours and Wages

Suppliers should comply with local laws relevant to living minimum wages, standard working hours and employee benefits. Where these do not exist, suppliers should pay above the minimum living wage and benefits as defined by the ILO or similar initiatives.

Suppliers should ensure fair remuneration for both men and women for work of equal value in accordance with local applicable laws, directives and regulations. 

Harassment and Harsh Treatment

Suppliers must ensure they provide a workplace for their employees that is free of harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual abuse, threats, verbal abuse, harsh or inhumane treatment.

Suppliers should also make sure they have a whistle-blowing policy in place that ensures protection for employees raising concerns about any historical, present or future incidents or wrongdoing, in compliance with local laws, directives, and regulations. 

Anti-Corruption and Bribery 

Suppliers should perform all business dealings with integrity and transparency, complying with applicable anti-bribery, anti-lobbying, anti-money laundering, and anti-corruption laws, regulations and codes including, but not limited to, compliance with the UK Bribery Act 2010.

Suppliers should also ensure:

Inclusive Procurement

At 10 Degrees, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We acknowledge that being diverse and inclusive is more than just identifying and boxing people into categories. It should inspire a feeling of being heard and respected amongst our people and key stakeholders. We want everyone both within and outside our company to feel that their voice, made up of their unique experiences, and individual characteristics – but not defined by them, is heard and valued.

To strive for a truly diverse and inclusive workplace, we are focussed on the culture of our firm and our values reflect this.

Our company values represent the heart of our business and define our culture. They help STEER us to make the best decisions for our clients, for our team and our community.

We want our people to be able to work in an environment where they feel respected and valued regardless of the jurisdiction within which they work or the role they perform. And this extends to all our suppliers, contractors and other key stakeholders. All suppliers, contractors and key stakeholders are expected to hold these high standards in all their dealings with 10 Degrees.

We believe that how we allocate our resources, matters and that inclusive procurement from a broad range of businesses can bring about meaningful, long-term, sustainable change.

We expect our partners and suppliers to share the same commitment to being diverse and inclusive, both within their operations and their supply chains.

Partners and suppliers should take all steps required to be inclusive within their operations, which include but are not limited to:

10 Degrees expects partners and suppliers to promote diversity in their own supply chain and purchase goods and services from a broad range of businesses. Partners & suppliers are also expected to apply the following principles to their own supply chains:

Environment and Climate

10 Degrees is committed to reducing emissions within its own operations and expects its suppliers to make the same commitment. 10 Degrees also requires that its suppliers adhere to all environmental legislation, regulations and all local laws in order to facilitate the protection of the environment, and to have processes committed to reducing the environmental impact of their designs, operations, manufacturing processes, and waste emissions.

Suppliers should, wherever possible, support a precautionary approach to environmental matters and emissions, undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility, and encourage the use of environmentally friendly technologies. 

Review and Audit

10 Degrees will work with suppliers to ensure and evaluate performance against this Code of Conduct. The Supplier Code of Conduct specifically requires that its suppliers ensure that the same principles of this Code of Conduct are implemented and adhered to by all others with whom they do business, including employees, subcontractors and other third parties.

Suppliers hereby acknowledge and assure 10 Degrees’s right to review, request documentation and evidence, to conduct audits and/ or physical inspections (including unannounced inspections) of its suppliers’ facilities and records, including those of any subcontractor or other third party involved in the purchase of products from 10 Degrees and their sale to end customers, on an on-going basis to verify compliance with the requirements of this Code of Conduct.

10 Degrees will review and revise this Code of Conduct annually.