Code of Conduct
INTRODUCTION TO THE GLOBAL IMPACT REALIZATION FDN
CUSTOMER / PARTNER/ SUPPLIER/ EMPLOYEE CODE
Our values
The Global Impact Realization Foundation ( ‘GIRF’ ) values passion for quality, enjoyment of life, and respect for all people no matter their religion, origin or colour of their skin but also respect for the planet. As a proud and responsible co - financer , we are committed to conduct business with integrity and fairness, with respect for the law, our values and our Company Policy.
We expect you, our customer, partner, supplier, employee etc. to help us deliver on our values and commitments to responsible business conduct at all times. Working together, we can maximize our positive impact and grow together in a sustainable and responsible way.
Scope
It is our responsibility to ensure that they understand what is expected of them. The ‘GIRF’ and partners : Customer, Partner, Supplier, Employee Code helps to understand our minimum standards. We expect them to acquaint themselves with its contents.
We expect them to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations where they operate, as well as the minimum standards set out in this Code. These minimum standards should be incorporated into their own operations and communicated to all individuals employed by them, regardless of the type of contract or the location of their work, and individuals working for them through a third party contract.
We also expect them to take appropriate steps to ensure that their own customers comply with the minimum standards of the ‘GIRF’ Code.
We review compliance with the Code and have the right to undertake an assessment with any Customer, Partner, Supplier, Employee any time. We expect them to undertake an assessment in its own operations and throughout its supply chain in this regard.
In the event of non-compliance with the minimum standards, ‘GIRF’ will work together with them to take corrective action within an appropriate time frame. If one of them is not able or fails to correct the non- compliance, ‘GIRF’ may end the relationship.
Responsible sourcing;
Our Customers, Partners,Suppliers, Employees etc. play a crucial role in helping us deliver on our commitments, and we want to develop open and supportive two-way relationships that raise standards across the value chain.
Respecting and abiding by the Code of Conduct is just the starting point for many Clients. By signing it, they agree to live up to our expectations in the field of responsible business conduct; on business conduct, human rights, health and safety, and protecting the environment.
We recognise that we have a duty to support them to help improve standards and capabilities. The introduction of the tips for continuous improvement sections act as a
reference and offer support on how to further improve on the respective fields of responsible business conduct in this Code.
Customers, Suppliers,Partners, Employees etc. are encouraged to contact us in case of any questions about the contents of the Code or if they require further guidance or support to ensure compliance.
1. Principles
“ CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH INTEGRITY AND FAIRNESS ”
At ‘GIRF’, we are committed to doing business with integrity and fairness. Our Customers/ Partners/ Suppliers /Employees etc. play a vital role in ensuring we uphold our standards. We expect them to meet the following minimum standards:
1. Competition
They should support an open, fair and competitive business environment and will not engage in price fixing or other unfair trade practices.
2. Bribery
We do not allow any form of bribery, in any place, at any time. They should never accept, ask for, engage in, make, offer, promise or authorize any bribes. With bribery we mean giving or receiving anything
of value to or from any person, to obtain or retain business, influence decisions, or secure an improper advantage. We expect them to report relevant concerns immediately - either to their GIRF's contact or through their own confidential Speak Up service.
3. Conflicts of interest
We require all our employees to make decisions in the best interest of ‘GIRF’. This includes avoiding situations in which a conflict could arise between the interest of ‘GIRF’ and a direct or indirect personal interest. We expect them to respect this requirement and to cooperate with us to ensure it is upheld. They should immediately disclose to ‘GIRF’ any situation in which they perceive a potential conflict of interest so that appropriate action can be taken.
4. Transparency
Financial records, confidential information, money laundering and insider dealing
We expect them; to perform all business and commercial dealings transparently and record them accurately in its books and records according to local law; not to engage in or facilitate any form of money laundering; to treat all business, commercial and financial information regarding ‘GIRF’ and its commercial partners as confidential. They should not use confidential information they possess regarding ‘GIRF’ to either engage in or support insider dealing.
“ RESPECTING THE DIGNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL PEOPLE
At ‘GIRF’ AND PARTNERS “
We are committed to doing business with respect for people’s fundamental dignity and their human rights. We expect the same commitment from our suppliers, customers, partners, employees and require them to meet the following minimum standards:
5. Non-discrimination
They should treat people equally and fairly, based on the principle of non-discrimination. They should respect cultural and individual diversity and promote inclusiveness. They should employ, reward and promote based on the principle of equal opportunity, without distinction according to race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, age and disability. This means that they should take employment decisions, including hiring, placement, promotion, development, training and compensation, based on factors such as qualifications, experience, performance, skills and potential.
6. No harassment
They should not tolerate physical, verbal, sexual or psychological harassment, bullying, abuse or threats in the workplace.
7. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
The Supplier, Partner, Customer etc. respects the right of employees’ to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Where local laws and practices restrict the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, they endeavor to develop other ways to have a meaningful social dialogue with worker representatives, without breaking local law.
8. Freedom of movement and no forced labour
The Supplier, Partner, Customer respects the freedom of movement of employees. None of their employees should pay for
their job. Fees and costs associated with recruitment and employment should be paid by the Supplier, Partner, Customer etc. All employees, including contract workers, should work freely. They should be aware of the terms and conditions of their work and be paid regularly as agreed.
9. Children’s rights
The Supplier, Customer, Partner, Employee etc. should respect the rights of the child as stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the right to education, the right to rest and play and the right to have basic needs met. They will not engage in, or allow, child labour within their facilities or in those of their suppliers, partners, customers.
The Supplier, Partner, Customer, etc. should follow the ILO definition of the minimum age for admission to employment or work. This age shall not be lower than the age of completion of compulsory schooling and in any case not be under 15 years of age, except in some countries, where it is 14. They should comply with local law if it sets a higher age to define child labour.
10. Reasonable working hours
The Supplier, Partner, Customer, will always comply with local laws, regulations and local customs with regard to working hours and overtime. They should recognize the right to sufficient rest and leisure, and therefore aim to prevent their employees from working excessive hours.
11. Fair wages and income
The Supplier, Customer, Partner should pay its employees fair wages for work performed. They should observe the statutory minimum wage set in the country in which it operates. Where the statutory minimum wage is non- existent or not sufficient to meet basic needs, they should strive to pay employees enough to ensure a decent standard of living enough to satisfy basic needs for the employee and their families.
Tips for continuous improvement
Access to water
They should be encouraged to ensure employees have access to safe drinking water and sanitary facilities in the workplace.
Working hours
In the absence of local laws or collective agreements such as ILO standards, the recommendation for normal working hours would be not to exceed 48 hours per working week, or 60 hours per working week including overtime, and to allow employees at least one day of rest in every seven day period.
Fair wages & income
In the absence of statutory requirements, we recommend them to refer to WageIndicator.org for additional guidance.
“ PUTTING HEALTH AND SAFETY FIRST “
People are at the heart of our company. We are committed to provide a safe and healthy workplace and prevent harm to our employees, individuals working for us through a third party contract and other visitors. We also expect our Suppliers, Customers, Partners,Clients to meet the following minimum expectations:
12. Working safely
They should provide a safe and healthy working environment for its employees and will provide safe tools, equipment and vehicles that are suitable for the work that is undertaken. Their employees are competent for the work and are trained in the safe use of the tools, equipment and the vehicles they operate and employees are empowered to stop unsafe work and report incidents and unsafe work practices.
When working for us at our facilities or remotely, our employees and the employees of our partners must adhere to applicable Safety and Health procedures and work instructions, including the ‘GIRF’ Life-Saving Rules.
13. Emergency response and medical care
The Supplier, Customer, Partner will maintain emergency procedures to respond to health emergencies and accidents, including access to adequate medical care. Employees of the Supplier, Partner, Customer should be fit for their work in the working conditions in which they will be operating.
“ REDUCING THE IMPACT ON THE PLANET “
Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing society while pressure on the world’s resources is growing. As a leading global company, we believe it is not only our
responsibility but a shared responsibility to use our resources wisely and reduce our impact on the environment.
14. Building a Better World
We believe sustainability is a driver for business success and that business can be a positive force for change. Our sustainability strategy, Building a Better World, is one of our business priorities. Here we focus on areas where we can make a difference towards people, planet and prosperity.
We focus on the following areas to reduce our environmental impact:
– Protect water resources
– Reducing our carbon emissions by Sustainable sourcing of our materials
-- Local production
-- Local sourcing
-- Empowerment of locals / local community/ people in general
-- Education of the local workforce
-- Protect local food resources
-- Creating of local sustainable jobs
-- Protect local natural resources
-- Sustainable waste management
Our own targets will help to drive change and reduce our environmental impact. We believe this is a shared responsibility and we rely on our partners, suppliers, customers and employees to help us achieve this. We expect them to adhere to local applicable laws concerning energy usage, water stewardship and waste management.
Tips for continuous improvement
Environmental Policy to reduce environmental impact
We encourage our suppliers, customers, partners and employees to have their own environmental policy statement including ambitions to reduce the environmental impact of their own operations with regard to:
Reducing energy consumption and related CO2 emissions
Responsible water and wastewater management
Reducing waste through recycling, reusing and limiting waste to landfill Sourcing raw materials from sustainable sources
15. Speak Up
‘GIRF’ encourages its Suppliers, Partners, Customers, Clients, including Employees, to speak up if they have any concerns regarding a possible violation of our Code
of Business Conduct and policies, including this Supplier, Partner, Customer, Client Code. We welcome speaking up as an opportunity to identify and repair potential misconduct, rather than turning a blind eye which may worsen a
situation.
Similar to our employees, Suppliers, Customers, Partners can speak up either anonymously (if allowed by the laws of the country) or not by going to : info@globalimpactrealization.com and filing a report online or by phone, or by sending an email to our Global Head Office.
‘GIRF’ encourages its Suppliers, Customers, Partners etc. to implement its own grievance mechanism.
16. Contacts and further information
For further information and support related to the Code of Business Conduct, please contact your ‘GIRF’ contact person.
