Supplier Code of Conduct

Chambers and Partners (henceforth also referred to as “the company”) are aware of our corporate responsibility towards the people, communities, and environment where we and our suppliers conduct business. We are committed to our values of independence, diversity and inclusion, being customer centric, innovative and of continual improvement. We act ethically and with integrity in all aspects of our business dealings and expect our supplier network to do the same. The purpose of this Supplier Code of Conduct is to set out these expectations, ensuring standards are aligned and that common values are upheld.

This Supplier Code of Conduct applies to all companies and individuals who provide products or services to Chambers and Partners, or who contract with us for the purposes of supplying our clients or employees. Suppliers are expected to apply comparable standards within their own value chain.

1.1 We expect suppliers and service providers of Chambers and Partners to conduct their business operations ethically, in accordance with the laws and regulations in place in their jurisdictions or countries. These obligations will be after the laws and legislature of their jurisdiction but will not be limited to the following:

1.2 Strict compliance with anti-corruption laws within their countries of operation. These laws include, but are not limited to, the UK Anti Bribery Act or any other such legislation in their country of business operations.

1.3 To conduct business in full compliance with any anti-trust or fair competition regulation in place within their jurisdiction.

1.4 Compliance with tax evasion regulations applicable in their jurisdiction.

1.5 Compliance with privacy and data protection regulations, taking all possible precautions to mitigate exposure to cyber threat.

1.6 To provide goods and services of a high quality, and to integrate quality into business practices.

1.7 To prohibit financial or professional conflicts of interest.

1.8 Accurate record keeping, stored in compliance with any regulations pertaining to financial record keeping in their jurisdiction.

1.9 Act responsibly on behalf of Chambers and Partners when you are dealing with clients and other suppliers to protect our data and assets, as well as intellectual property.

2.1 hambers and Partners maintains the highest standards of employee welfare and equal opportunity within the workplace. Suppliers should meet this same standard, adhering to current laws and regulations within their jurisdictions. Among them, the supplier should:

2.2 Comply with relative employment regulations as stipulated in the country of business legislation.

2.3 Ensure the workplace is free from harassment and unlawful discrimination, including hiring discrimination, inequality of compensation, unequal access to training or promotions or discrimination based on age, religion, disability, gender or gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation or union memberships, as well as political views or legally protected categories.

2.4 Maintain a safe work environment that promotes mental and physical health and complies with all relevant health and safety regulations.

2.5 Ensure that employees have the means to report concerns in the workplace without fear of reprisal or harassment.

2.6 Prevent the use or possession and distribution of illegal drugs in any facilities or properties associated with their business operations.

2.7 Prohibit the use of forced labour in any facilities or properties associated with their business operations.

2.8 Comply with the local minimum working age and at no time be a party to child labour or exploitive labour practices.

2.9 Not restrict workers’ freedom of movement and ensure workers have access to their identity documents, immigration papers, work permits and other personal documents.
2.10 Maintain clear written employment information for all employees that define remuneration, deductions, and terms of employment. This employment documentation should also clearly define the disciplinary actions and procedures that will govern the interactions between employer and employee.

2.11 Maintain proper employee records in accordance with local regulations and legislation.

3.1 Suppliers to Chambers and Partners are expected to operate in an environmentally responsible manner and encourage their supply base to do the same. Considerations should include but not be limited to:

3.2 Commitment towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, with strategic actions to minimise their operational impact on the environment.

3.3 A documented internal sustainability strategy; targets to improve energy efficiency and increase consumption of renewable energy to achieve net zero goals.

3.4 Implementation of programmes to reduce, reuse and recycle and promote recyclability and recycled content in packaging materials.

3.5 Vendor assessment via Procurement Guide or similar, to ensure standards are aligned through their own value chain.

3.6 We encourage the supplier to have a water and waste management policy, aimed at creating consciousness in the use of resources and products, reducing impact at the end of a product’s life cycle. This includes the transportation, storage, disposal, and release of these waste products and materials into the environment.

3.7 Integrate biodiversity and conservation programs across their operations.

3.8 Strict compliance with all safety regulations related to hazardous substances, if applicable.

4.1 Chambers and Partners aim to build trust-based relationships with ethical suppliers who share our values. We expect suppliers to cooperate with reasonable requests for information and to produce and maintain honest and accurate records to demonstrate compliance with this Supplier Code.

5.1 Both parties should be open and transparent with each other and report any instances of non-compliance. In these circumstances, the first step is for the company and the supplier to discuss and, where appropriate, agree suitable remedial actions.

5.2 If any non-compliance is brought to the attention of Chambers and Partners, we reserve the right to review the business relationship.

5.3 This code will be reviewed on a regular basis and updated as necessary to meet our sustainability and business goals.