Supplier Code of Conduct Policy

1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Suppliers must operate in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards of their respective countries, including, but not limited to, those concerning labour, health and safety, environmental protection, and ethical practices. Suppliers must adhere to UK laws where applicable and cooperate with any necessary audits or assessments.

2. Labour Standards

2.1 Child Labour Suppliers shall not engage in or benefit from the use of child labour. Workers must meet the legal minimum age for employment in their country. Suppliers must maintain accurate documentation verifying workers’ ages.

2.2 Forced Labour and Modern Slavery Suppliers must ensure that all work is voluntary and free from coercion. Practices such as forced labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking are strictly prohibited. Suppliers must comply with the principles of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.

2.3 Non-Discrimination Suppliers shall provide equal employment opportunities and ensure no discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

2.4 Humane Treatment Suppliers must treat all workers with dignity and respect. Harassment, abuse, or any form of inhumane treatment is prohibited.

2.5 Freedom of Association Suppliers shall respect workers’ rights to join or form trade unions and engage in collective bargaining in accordance with local laws.

2.6 Wages and Working Hours Suppliers must ensure fair compensation that meets or exceeds the legal minimum wage and comply with applicable laws on working hours, overtime, and benefits.

3. Environmental Responsibility

3.1 Compliance with Environmental Laws Suppliers must comply with all relevant environmental laws and regulations. Efforts to exceed these minimum standards are encouraged.

3.2 Waste and Emissions Management Suppliers shall manage waste, emissions, and hazardous materials responsibly to minimise their impact on human health and the environment.

3.3 Resource Efficiency Suppliers are encouraged to implement practices that conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Health and Safety

Suppliers must provide a safe and healthy working environment. This includes appropriate training, access to safety equipment, and the implementation of systems to prevent workplace accidents and illnesses.

5. Ethical Business Practices

5.1 Anti-Corruption Suppliers must conduct business with integrity, avoiding corruption, extortion, and bribery in all forms.

5.2 Fair Competition Suppliers shall operate in compliance with applicable competition laws and ensure fair business practices.

5.3 Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Suppliers must protect confidential information and respect intellectual property rights.

5.4 Reporting Mechanisms Suppliers shall provide mechanisms for employees to report concerns or unethical practices without fear of retaliation.

6. Monitoring and Compliance

6.1 Audits and Inspections Suppliers must be willing to permit audits and inspections by Hypha or its agents to verify compliance with this Code. Accurate records must be maintained to demonstrate adherence.

6.2 Corrective Actions If non-compliance is identified, suppliers must implement corrective actions promptly. Repeated or significant breaches may result in the termination of the business relationship.

7. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Suppliers must safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of any sensitive information shared by Hypha and comply with relevant data protection laws such as UK General Data Protection Regulation https://www.gov.uk/data-protection.

Acknowledgement

By conducting business with us, suppliers agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct and ensure its principles are upheld throughout their supply chains.