This template is designed to help organisations develop a robust and practical Supplier Code of Conduct. Whether you're in the early stages of building a supplier engagement framework or enhancing your existing procurement policies, this document provides a comprehensive structure you can adapt to your needs.

You can use the below as a starting point and build out your Supplier Code of Conduct template from here.

We’ve written this Code using plain, actionable language, rooted in shared values such as fairness, integrity, and sustainability. You can personalise it by inserting your organisation's name, referencing your specific legal and policy context, and selecting the values and practices most important to you. Use it as a foundation for supplier onboarding, contract development, or ongoing supplier evaluations.

The Code reflects how we want to work with others: collaboratively, transparently, and with a clear sense of purpose. We invite you to use it as a tool to set mutual expectations and strengthen responsible supplier relationships.

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Supplier Code of Conduct Template

[Your Organisation Name]

Supplier Code of Conduct Date: [Insert Date]

Version: [Insert Version Number]

Foreword

At [Your Organisation Name], we believe that effective partnerships with our suppliers are central to achieving our mission and upholding our values. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the principles and standards we expect our suppliers, subcontractors, and their partners to follow when conducting business with or on behalf of our organisation.

Suppliers are a vital extension of our operations, and we rely on them to deliver goods and services responsibly, ethically, and with integrity. This Code is intended to build mutual trust, ensure alignment in values, and guide collaborative, long-term partnerships that deliver positive impact.

1. Purpose & Scope

This Supplier Code of Conduct ("the Code") defines the standards of behaviour expected from all organisations that supply goods or services to [Your Organisation Name]. It applies to all suppliers, regardless of their size, location, or the nature of goods or services provided.

Organisations using this Code should:

• Communicate its contents to their supply chains, including employees, subcontractors, and affiliates.

• Integrate these principles into their day-to-day operations and governance.

• Use the Code as a benchmark when selecting and evaluating suppliers.

2. Guiding Principles

We ask all suppliers to conduct their business in line with the following principles:

• Integrity: Operate ethically, honestly, and transparently.

• Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and fairness.

• Compliance: Meet all legal and regulatory obligations.

• Responsibility: Consider the social and environmental impact of operations.

• Collaboration: Work constructively and proactively with [Your Organisation Name] to achieve shared goals.

3. People, Inclusion and Workplace Standards

3.1 Respect and Fair Treatment

Suppliers must maintain a respectful and inclusive work environment, free from harassment, discrimination, bullying, or abuse. They must:

• Adhere to equality and anti-discrimination laws.

• Promote diversity and equal opportunity.

• Respect individual rights and cultural differences.

3.2 Employment Standards

Suppliers must uphold international labour standards and comply with all applicable employment laws, including:

• Prohibiting forced or child labour.

• Providing safe working conditions.

• Offering fair pay and working hours.

• Supporting workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

3.3 Vulnerable Groups and Service Users

Where services affect vulnerable individuals (e.g. elderly, disabled, children), suppliers must ensure their safety, dignity, and wellbeing are prioritised. Staff should be trained in safeguarding practices appropriate to the context.

4. Ethical and Professional Conduct

4.1 Ethical Business Behaviour

Suppliers must act with integrity and in line with high ethical standards. They should:

• Avoid conflicts of interest.

• Prevent corruption, bribery, and fraud.

• Ensure transparency in their dealings with [Your Organisation Name].

4.2 Whistleblowing and Speaking Up

Suppliers should establish secure channels through which employees and stakeholders can raise concerns or report misconduct confidentially and without retaliation.

4.3 Confidentiality

Suppliers must protect sensitive information acquired through their work with [Your Organisation Name] and only use it for authorised purposes.

5. Environmental and Social Responsibility

5.1 Environmental Standards

Suppliers should actively work to reduce the environmental impact of their operations by:

• Minimising waste, emissions, and energy use.

• Complying with environmental laws and regulations.

• Supporting sustainability initiatives, such as low-carbon practices and responsible sourcing.

5.2 Social Value and Community Engagement

Where possible, suppliers should align with [Your Organisation Name]'s social value objectives by:

• Supporting local communities and underrepresented groups.

• Promoting fair employment and inclusive economic growth.

• Participating in volunteering, education, or social impact programmes.

6. Business Practices and Governance

6.1 Risk and Resilience

Suppliers are expected to:

• Identify and manage business risks (e.g. supply disruption, data loss, insolvency).

• Have business continuity plans in place.

• Share intelligence about risks that may affect service delivery.

6.2 Data Security and Cyber Resilience

Suppliers must implement robust data protection and cyber security controls, especially when handling sensitive, personal, or confidential information. Any breach or threat should be reported to [Your Organisation Name] immediately.

6.3 Value and Innovation

Suppliers should seek to deliver best value over the life of a contract and:

• Offer fair, transparent, and competitive pricing.

• Avoid exploiting monopoly positions.

• Propose innovation or service improvement opportunities.

6.4 Open Communication and Dispute Resolution

We expect suppliers to:

• Maintain open lines of communication.

• Resolve disputes constructively and in good faith.

• Escalate issues promptly when needed.

7. Supply Chain Integrity

7.1 Subcontractor Conduct

Suppliers are accountable for the conduct of their subcontractors and must ensure they:

• Meet the expectations outlined in this Code.

• Are selected through fair and transparent processes.

• Are paid promptly and treated equitably.

7.2 Prompt Payment

Suppliers must pay their own supply chain within agreed terms, ideally within 30 days, and support good payment practices throughout their operations.

8. Compliance and Monitoring

8.1 Assessments and Audits

[Your Organisation Name] reserves the right to:

• Assess supplier compliance with this Code.

• Request evidence of policies, training, or due diligence.

• Conduct audits or site visits where necessary.

8.2 Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to meet the standards in this Code may result in:

• Remedial action plans.

• Temporary suspension.

• Termination of contract in serious cases.

9. Acknowledgement and Commitment

All suppliers are required to acknowledge this Code and agree to align their conduct accordingly. By signing below, you confirm your organisation's commitment to upholding the principles set out above.

Supplier Organisation: ______________________________

Authorised Representative: __________________________

Signature: _________________________

Date: _____________________________

[Optional Appendices]

• Definitions and Terminology

• Relevant Legal and Regulatory References

• Contact Details for Reporting Concerns

• [Your Organisation Name] Policies or Social Value Framework

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Supplier Code of Conduct Template - Final Remarks

In a world where supplier relationships can make or break business performance, having a strong, adaptable SRM framework isn’t optional it’s essential.

SRM Tribe brings not only the tools and expertise to co-design frameworks that are practical, scalable, and tailored to your organisation’s needs, but also the deep insight needed to embed lasting behavioural and cultural change. Whether you’re building from scratch or refining what’s already in place, partnering with SRM Tribe means gaining a trusted ally committed to helping you turn supplier collaboration into a true competitive advantage.