Introduction
This statement sets out Edwards Insurance Brokers approach to ethical procurement. This includes the suppliers we choose to buy from, as well as the organisations we choose to support. It is our intention that all business relationships are based on integrity, simplicity and truthfulness. Our procurement should be guided by the following principles:
Respect of fundamental international standards against criminal conduct (i.e. bribery, corruption and fraud) and humans rights abuse (i.e. slavery in modern times), and respond immediately to such matters where they are identified; and result in progressive improvement in the lives of people who contribute to and are impacted by supply chains.
This statement is based on the following:
- safe working conditions
- promotion of good health
- employment is freely chosen
- non-excessive working hours
- employees are paid at least the minimum living wage
- training is provided
- diversity, equality and good workforce practices are encouraged
- elimination of child labour
- elimination of inhuman treatment
The following principles set out the minimum requirement expected by suppliers and their supply chains.
Safe working conditions
Suppliers will operate health and safety policies and procedures and will responsible for the monitoring of these processes. Their employees shall have the necessary training and health and safety equipment.
Suppliers will provide comfortable and hygienic working conditions with the necessary provisions (such as clean drinking water, washroom facilities etc)
Employment is freely chosen
Employees should have the freedom to choose to work and not be forced, bonded or subjected to non-voluntary prison labour.
Employees should have the right to join an independent trade union or other workers association and carry out reasonable representative functions in the workplace and be able to facilitate alternative means of democratic representation where laws restrict freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Non-excessive working hours
Suppliers should comply with national and international laws or industry standards on employee working hours, whichever affords the greater protection.
Overtime should be voluntary and not demanded on a regular basis and where required, it should be reimbursed at an appropriate rate.
Suppliers should provide their employees with an easy to read contract employment.
The payment of wages or salary should be in monetary form and not in kind (e.g. goods, vouchers). Any deductions must not be made unless in accordance with relevant law or agreed with the employee and without duress.
Training is provided
Suppliers are expected to invest in their employees by providing training opportunities which seeks to raise skills required for their role.
Non discrimination
Suppliers are not to practice any discrimination in the hiring, compensation, training, promotion, termination or retirement either directly or indirectly.
Dispute procedure
Suppliers should have clear and accessible processes for the managing and resolving of disputes with employees.
Elimination of child labour
Suppliers are expected to support the elimination of child labour both directly and indirectly through their supply chains.
Suppliers shall provide for any children found to be performing child labour to attend and remain in quality education until no longer a child.
Suppliers shall ensure that no children or young persons are employed at night or in hazardous conditions as defined by the International Labour Organisation.
Elimination of inhumane treatment
Suppliers must prohibit physical abuse or coercion, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation.
General Procurement
Where possible we will endeavour to make procurement decisions based on fair trade and sustainable products that meet recognised environmental standards.