Brand Services Code of Conduct

Brand Services is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and sustainably.

As part of this commitment, we expect our suppliers to adhere to the highest standards of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. In turn, we are committed to supporting their development in order to create more sustainable solutions for all parties involved. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the expectations and requirements that suppliers must meet to ensure alignment with our values and contribute to a sustainable and responsible global supply chain.

Human Rights and Modern Slavery

Brand Services recognises the importance of upholding and promoting human rights and fair labour practices within our operations and across our supply chain. We are committed to respecting and protecting the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals, fostering a work environment that is inclusive, diverse, and safe.

Diversity and Inclusion

Suppliers are encouraged to embrace diversity and inclusion in their workforce. Promoting an inclusive culture enhances creativity, innovation, and productivity.

Equal Opportunity

Employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, compensation, and termination, must be based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without any form of discrimination. Suppliers are expected to provide equal opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their race, colour, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic under applicable laws.

Harassment Prohibition

Suppliers must ensure a workplace free from harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment, bullying, and any form of verbal, physical, or visual conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Clear Policies and Communication

Suppliers are required to establish and communicate clear policies against discrimination and harassment within their organisations. Employees should be informed of their rights and the procedures for reporting incidents.

Prevention of involuntary and under-age labour

Suppliers must not use forced or involuntary labour, including prison labour, and must comply with the minimum age requirements defined by applicable laws and international standards. Under-age labour is strictly prohibited.

Suppliers are expected to:

• ensure that all work is undertaken without coercion;
• not use any form of forced, bonded or indentured labour;
• and employ only workers who are the applicable minimum legal age.

Freedom of Association

Suppliers must respect the right of employees to associate freely, form, and join trade unions or other worker organisations in accordance with local laws.

Working hours, wages, and benefits

Suppliers must:

• follow all applicable laws and regulations with respect to wages, working hours and workers compensation insurance;
• and ensure that all workers receive their legally mandated minimum wages, benefits, superannuation, leave entitlements and time off for legally recognised holidays.

Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety

Suppliers must provide a safe and healthy working environment for all employees. This includes regular risk assessments, proper training, and the implementation of measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

Brand Services requires that our suppliers will:

• Comply with all legal responsibilities under the applicable legislation of the country in which they operate;
• Provide a safe and hygienic working environment through proactive management and controls that minimize health and safety risks, support incident prevention, with approbation training to perform their jobs.

Environmental Responsibility

Compliance with Environmental Laws

Suppliers must comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. This includes obtaining and maintaining all required environmental permits and approvals.

Resource Efficiency and Conservation

Suppliers are encouraged to adopt practices that promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and conservation of energy and water.

Hazardous Materials and Waste Management

Suppliers must handle, transport, and dispose of hazardous materials in accordance with applicable laws. They should implement effective waste management practices, including recycling and proper disposal.

Professional Conduct

Anti-Corruption and Bribery

Suppliers are prohibited from engaging in any form of corruption, bribery, or unethical business practices. This includes offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting anything of value to influence business decisions.

Fair Competition

Suppliers must promote fair competition and refrain from engaging in anti-competitive practices, including price-fixing, bid rigging, and market allocation.

Conflict of interest

Suppliers must:

• declare any situation that raises an actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest related to or in connection with its dealings with Brand Services;
• and avoid financial, business, or other relationships which may compromise the performance of their duties under their business arrangement with Brand Services.

Transparency and Reporting

Transparency

Suppliers must provide accurate and transparent information regarding their business practices, performance, and adherence to this Code of Conduct.

Whistleblower Protection

The Corporations Act makes it illegal for someone to disclose the identity, or information likely to lead to the identification, of a whistleblower. The exception to this is if the disclosure is authorised under the law. The Act also makes it illegal for someone to cause or threaten to cause detriment to, or victimise, a person because they believe or suspect that the person has made, may have made, or could make a qualifying disclosure.

Raising a concern

Suppliers must establish mechanisms for reporting any violations of this Code of Conduct without fear of retaliation. Suppliers reports can be made confidentially and anonymously through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider:

Phone 0407 086 000
Email support@eapassist.com.au
Online Portal https://eapassist.com.au/whistleblower-program