Supplier Code of Conduct

Introduction

As a registered charity, through our procurement activity Central YMCA is committed to reducing the Charity’s operating costs and increasing our return on investment so that maximum resource can be spent on programmes and services which directly benefit our beneficiaries and communities. Central YMCA procures a wide range of goods, services and works which are sourced from both national and international suppliers.

We are committed to ethical business practices in line with our values and recognise that we have a responsibility to take a robust approach to our own practices and those in our supply chains, to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society. We expect our suppliers, partners and subcontractors to demonstrate ethical standards relating to bribery and corruption, data protection, environmental sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, modern slavery and safeguarding.

Aligned to this, we have developed the following Code of Conduct expected of our suppliers, partners and subcontractors.

Overview 

The Code reflects Central YMCA’s values and sets out what is expected of its suppliers, partners and subcontractors in relation to the following areas:

  • Data privacy and security
  • Employment and working conditions
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Ethics and integrity
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing 

Data privacy and security

Central YMCA fully understands its obligations to ensure that personal data is treated fairly, lawfully and correctly, and is committed to achieving compliance with relevant Data Protection legislation. We require our suppliers, partners and subcontractors to protect the privacy of individuals and the security of confidential assets and information, including:

  • Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
  • The design and maintenance of policies, systems and processes to provide appropriate protections for personal data.

Employment and working conditions

Central YMCA takes a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not support or deal with any business knowingly involved in modern slavery, human trafficking, forced and bonded labour and labour rights violations in its supply chains.

We expect suppliers, partners and subcontractors to fully comply with the applicable legal requirements of slavery, forced labour and human trafficking laws (e.g., UK Modern Slavery Act 2015), and expect them to enact practices to ensure compliance with such laws. This includes publication of Modern Slavery Statements where required under the law, and if not required, their policy or approach to this.

We expect our suppliers, partners and subcontractors to comply with all relevant employment laws and enact practices to maintain a respectful and safe workplace, where physical violence, threats, corporal punishment, mental coercion, verbal abuse, disrespectful behaviour, bullying or harassment of any kind is not tolerated.

Environmental sustainability

At Central YMCA we are committed to pro-actively managing our direct and indirect environmental impact. We recognise our responsibility to reduce our carbon and environmental footprints and play our part in the UN’s global Race To Zero.

We expect suppliers, partners and subcontractors to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. We also expect them to:

  • Address their environmental risk and impact
  • Measure, manage, and address energy usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
  • Where applicable, measure, manage and reduce water and waste in its operations

Ethics and integrity

Central YMCA is committed to the highest ethical standards and compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships. This includes ensuring strict measures are in place to prevent bribery and corruption and conflicts of interest in any purchasing decisions.

We expect suppliers, partners and subcontractors to:

  • Fully comply with requirements of all applicable bribery and anti-corruption laws (e.g. the Bribery Act 2010)
  • Not offer or accept any gift to obtain improper advantages or influence to employees and their family members and associates, or any third party
  • Have a clear policy and process for reporting of workplace concerns (e.g. Whistleblowing Policy),which should protect reporting and participating individuals from retaliation.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Central YMCA we seek to foster an inclusive culture and believe diversity should be celebrated and discrimination of any form should not be tolerated.

We are committed to creating environments in which our people and communities are treated fairly and with respect, and expect our suppliers, partners and subcontractors to share these values. Aligned to this, we expect suppliers, partners and subcontractors to:

  • Comply with all applicable laws relating to discrimination in hiring, employment practices, and harassment and retaliation.
  • Pro-actively tackle discrimination or disadvantage, operating workplaces free of harassment, victimisation, and any other abuse on any grounds, including all characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010.

Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing 

Central YMCA takes its responsibilities for safeguarding extremely seriously and believes that it is never acceptable for a child, young person, vulnerable adult, or any member of society to experience abuse of any kind.  As an employer, we also have a commitment to promote and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment, and systems of work for all our staff, volunteers, learners, members, contractors, and any members of the public visiting our premises.

We expect our suppliers, partners and subcontractors to:

  • Demonstrate compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations
  • Implement sound health and safety practices across all business operations
  • Adopt practices to minimise health and safety risks, support accident prevention, and ensure a safe workspace for all workers
  • Where applicable, protect and promote the welfare of the children, young people and vulnerable adults who engage with their services.

This code of conduct is supported by the following policies available on the Charity’s website:

  • Data Protection Policy
  • Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Modern Slavery Policy
  • Procurement Policy
  • Safeguarding Policy
  • Whistleblowing Policy