LearnQuest Code of Conduct for Suppliers
Applicability
This Supplier Code of Conduct applies to any organization that (i) contracts with LearnQuest to supply goods or services to LearnQuest, (ii) contracts with LearnQuest for the purposes of serving LearnQuest clients, or (iii) has entered into a business relationship with LearnQuest to establish eminence in the marketplace, including alliance relationships and reselling relationships (“Supplier”). Below is a jump list of topics.Gifts, Entertainment, and Hospitality | Conflicts of Interest | Intellectual Property and Confidential Information | Data Privacy and Security | Compliance Audits | Corrective Actions
Introduction and Purpose
Overview
LearnQuest expects its Suppliers to support our commitment to ethical business practices that benefit not only our operations but also our employees and the communities we serve. This Supplier Code of Conduct ("Supplier Code") details the standards we require from our Suppliers. While a Supplier's contract with LearnQuest may address similar issues, this Supplier Code does not override more stringent contractual provisions.
Suppliers must understand and comply with all relevant laws in the jurisdictions in which they operate. When legal requirements and this Supplier Code cover the same issue, Suppliers should follow the guideline that most effectively upholds the intent of this Supplier Code, as far as the law permits.
Suppliers are expected to implement and maintain policies that meet these standards and ensure alignment with the principles of this Supplier Code. These standards should also be applied throughout their own supply chains.
Code of Conduct
Human Rights
Humane TreatmentSuppliers should treat all employees with respect and dignity, prohibiting physical abuse, harassment, and intimidation, and clearly defining and communicating disciplinary policies and procedures.
Freedom from Harassment and Abuse
Suppliers should create and maintain a workplace culture that strictly prohibits any form of harassment, threats of harassment, and retaliation against individuals who report such conduct. Right to Privacy
Suppliers must respect and protect individuals' right to privacy, ensuring the confidential handling of personal data and communications in compliance with applicable laws and company policies.
Labor Practices
Freely Chosen EmploymentLearnQuest supplier are expected to guarantee voluntary employment, prohibiting forced, bonded, or indentured labor, and allowing worker to leave employment with reasonable notice.
Child Labor
LearnQuest mandates suppliers to adhere to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and prevent child labor in their operations, ensuring they do not employ individuals below legal working age.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
Suppliers should create an inclusive workplace free from discrimination, where employment decisions are based on abilities and qualifications rather than personal characteristics, promoting equal opportunity for all.
Working Conditions and Wages
Suppliers must comply with applicable laws and regulations concerning working conditions, including local minimum wage requirements, mandated break periods, and workplace health and safety standards for all employees.
Freedom of Association
Suppliers are expected to uphold employee rights as protected under the laws of the jurisdictions in which they operate, including the rights to freely associate, join unions, and bargain collectively.
Non-Retaliation
Suppliers should maintain a strict non-retaliation policy. Employees should feel safe reporting concerns or ethical issues without fear of reprisal.
Health and Safety
Suppliers should ensure a safe and healthy work environment. This includes maintaining clean facilities, properly servicing equipment, and providing adequate lighting and ventilation to prevent accidents and ensure employee well-being.
Risk Management and Insurance
Suppliers should regularly assess and manage operational risks, implement safety measures, establish procedures for reporting and resolving health and safety incidents, and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage to protect their operations and ensure business continuity.
Suppliers are expected to adhere to all environmental laws and regulations, including obtaining and maintaining necessary permits, licenses, and registrations, and adhering to operational and reporting requirements.
Pollution Prevention and Resource Efficiency
Suppliers are encouraged to take reasonable steps to reduce their environmental impact by implementing practices such as efficient energy and water use, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the use of hazardous materials.
Waste Management
Suppliers are encouraged to implement efficient waste management practices, reducing waste generation, promoting recycling, and minimizing landfill use, adhering to relevant laws and regulations.
Commitment to Sustainability
Suppliers are encouraged to prioritize sustainability in their business operations, focusing on responsible environmental resource stewardship, social equity, and economic prosperity.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Suppliers are encouraged to prioritize energy efficiency and explore renewable energy sources, implementing energy-saving measures, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and incorporating solar, wind, or hydro power.
Responsible Sourcing
Suppliers are encouraged to prioritize responsible sourcing practices, considering ethical labor practices, environmental impact, and community engagement when selecting suppliers and sourcing materials to minimize negative environmental and social impacts.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Suppliers are encouraged to take reasonable steps to reduce their carbon footprint, such as optimizing transportation, reducing energy use, and investing in carbon offsets.
Reporting and Transparency
Suppliers are urged to maintain transparency in their environmental and sustainability practices by regularly reporting their performance, initiatives, and achievements, and sharing information about their environmental impact reduction efforts with LearnQuest and stakeholders.
Ethical Business Practices
Compliance with LawsSuppliers must comply with all relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations regarding labor practices, human rights, health, safety, environment, anti-corruption, and fair competition.
Integrity and Transparency
Suppliers are expected to conduct business with honesty, integrity, and transparency by accurately representing products and services, providing truthful information to all stakeholders, and avoiding deception.
Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery
LearnQuest maintains a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and bribery. Suppliers must not offer, give, solicit, or accept bribes, kickbacks, or other improper inducements to influence business decisions or gain unfair advantages.
Gifts, Entertainment, and Hospitality
Suppliers must refrain from offering, accepting, or soliciting any gifts, entertainment, or hospitality that could reasonably be perceived as intending to improperly influence decisions or compromise objectivity in business dealings.
Conflicts of Interest
Suppliers must disclose and manage any conflicts of interest that may arise in their business relationships with LearnQuest. This includes avoiding situations where personal, financial, or other interests conflict with the best interests of LearnQuest or compromise the supplier's ability to act impartially and in good faith.
Intellectual Property and Confidential Information
Suppliers are required to uphold and safeguard the intellectual property rights and confidential information of LearnQuest and other third parties, prohibiting any unauthorized use, disclosure, or distribution.
Data Privacy and Security
Suppliers are required to adhere to data protection laws and regulations, ensuring data privacy and security to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of confidential information.
Monitoring and Compliance
LearnQuest may conduct audits of supplier facilities to ensure compliance with the Supplier Code of Conduct, requiring full cooperation and access to relevant records and personnel.Suppliers must promptly implement corrective actions if non-compliance is identified through audits, assessments, or other means, aiming to prevent recurrence in collaboration with LearnQuest.
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