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Supplier Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

At COERA, we are committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and sustainably. This Supplier Code of Conduct establishes the minimum standards that all suppliers, contractors, consultants, service providers, business partners, and their subcontractors must comply with when providing products or services to COERA.

Suppliers are expected to operate in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and to uphold internationally recognized standards relating to human rights, labor practices, environmental protection, business ethics, and information security.

Compliance with this Code is a condition of doing business with COERA.

2. Scope

This Code applies to:

  • Suppliers of goods and services;
  • Contractors and subcontractors;
  • Consultants and professional service providers;
  • Temporary staffing providers;
  • Any third party acting on behalf of or for the benefit of COERA.

Suppliers are expected to communicate these principles throughout their own supply chains and take reasonable measures to ensure compliance by their subcontractors and business partners.

3. Human Rights and Labour Standards

Suppliers shall respect internationally recognized human rights and conduct their business in a manner that preserves the dignity, privacy, and rights of all individuals.

3.1 Forced Labour

Suppliers shall not use any form of forced, bonded, compulsory, trafficked, or involuntary labor.

Employees must be free to terminate their employment in accordance with applicable laws and contractual requirements.

3.2 Child Labour

Suppliers shall not employ workers below the minimum legal working age or below the age established by applicable international standards.

Under no circumstances shall child labor be used.

3.3 Freedom of Association

Suppliers shall respect employees' rights to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and lawful representation in accordance with applicable laws.

3.4 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

Employment decisions shall be based on qualifications, performance, skills, and experience.

Suppliers shall prohibit discrimination based on race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political opinion, or any other protected characteristic.

3.5 Harassment and Respectful Workplace

Suppliers shall provide a workplace free from harassment, bullying, intimidation, violence, abuse, or any other form of inappropriate conduct.

3.6 Wages and Working Hours

Suppliers shall comply with all applicable laws regarding wages, benefits, overtime compensation, working hours, and rest periods.

Employees shall receive compensation that meets or exceeds legal requirements.

4. Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Suppliers shall provide a safe and healthy working environment and take proactive measures to prevent workplace injuries and occupational illnesses.

Suppliers shall:

  • Comply with applicable health and safety legislation;
  • Identify and manage workplace risks;
  • Provide appropriate safety training;
  • Maintain emergency preparedness procedures;
  • Ensure access to suitable personal protective equipment where required;
  • Promote employee wellbeing and mental health.

5. Environmental Responsibility

Suppliers shall operate in an environmentally responsible manner and continuously seek to reduce their environmental impact.

Suppliers are expected to:

  • Comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations;
  • Reduce waste generation and encourage recycling;
  • Manage hazardous substances responsibly;
  • Minimize pollution and greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Improve energy and resource efficiency;
  • Promote sustainable products, services, and business practices;
  • Protect biodiversity and natural resources where relevant.

Suppliers are encouraged to establish environmental management systems and measurable sustainability objectives.

6. Business Ethics and Integrity

6.1 Compliance with Laws

Suppliers shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, sanctions, and industry standards.

6.2 Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Suppliers shall not engage in bribery, corruption, extortion, embezzlement, facilitation payments, or any other unethical business practice.

No gifts, hospitality, or benefits may be offered to influence business decisions improperly.

6.3 Fair Competition

Suppliers shall conduct business fairly and in compliance with applicable competition and antitrust laws.

6.4 Conflicts of Interest

Suppliers shall avoid situations that may create actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest and shall promptly disclose any such situations to COERA.

6.5 Fraud Prevention

Suppliers shall maintain appropriate controls to prevent fraud, financial misconduct, and misrepresentation.

7. Information Security and Data Protection

Suppliers shall protect confidential information, intellectual property, and personal data obtained through their relationship with COERA.

Suppliers shall:

  • Implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures;
  • Comply with applicable data protection legislation, including GDPR where applicable;
  • Notify COERA without undue delay of any security breach or incident that may affect COERA, its employees, clients, or partners;
  • Use information only for authorized business purposes.

8. Responsible Supply Chain Management

Suppliers shall exercise due diligence within their own supply chains to identify, prevent, mitigate, and address risks relating to:

  • Human rights violations;
  • Child labor;
  • Forced labor;
  • Unsafe working conditions;
  • Environmental damage;
  • Corruption and unethical business practices.

Upon request, suppliers shall provide reasonable information regarding their sustainability practices and risk management processes.

9. Reporting Concerns

Suppliers are encouraged to report any suspected violations of this Code, applicable laws, or ethical standards.

Reports may be submitted through COERA's designated reporting channels and will be treated confidentially and without retaliation.

COERA prohibits retaliation against any individual who raises concerns in good faith.

10. Monitoring and Compliance

COERA reserves the right to assess supplier compliance with this Code through:

  • Questionnaires and self-assessments;
  • Requests for supporting documentation;
  • Sustainability evaluations;
  • Audits or reviews where appropriate.

Suppliers shall cooperate in good faith with reasonable compliance verification activities.

11. Non-Compliance

Where non-compliance is identified, COERA may require corrective actions within an agreed timeframe.

Failure to address significant breaches may result in:

  • Corrective action plans;
  • Suspension of new business;
  • Termination of contracts;
  • Removal from COERA's approved supplier base.

12. Acknowledgement

By entering into a business relationship with COERA, the supplier acknowledges this Supplier Code of Conduct and commits to complying with its principles and requirements throughout the duration of the business relationship.