This Supplier Code of Conduct (“Supplier Code”) sets out the standards of behaviour that Satellite Applications Catapult (“Catapult”) expects from our suppliers when working with us. We are committed to conducting business ethically, sustainably, and in compliance with all applicable laws, and we expect our suppliers to share our commitment to sound and ethical business conduct.
We expect suppliers to ensure this Supplier Code, or equivalent standards, are implemented within their own operations and supply chain. This includes communicating this Supplier Code to their employees, group companies and subcontractors involved in the supply of goods or services to the Catapult.
This Supplier Code is intended to complement our contracts with suppliers and the rules we set out when we procure goods and services, which will always take precedence.
Where we refer to “suppliers” in this Supplier Code, this includes suppliers, service providers, consultants, subcontractors, intermediaries and agents.
1. Legal and Ethical Compliance
Suppliers must:
- At minimum, comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries where they operate.
- Prohibit bribery or corruption, tax evasion or fraud, and anti-competitive practices.
- Comply with all applicable trade control laws, including export laws, rules and regulations, and all applicable trade restrictions, embargoes and sanctions.
- Conduct operations with integrity and transparency.
- Identify and avoid conflicts of interest and promptly disclose unavoidable conflicts to Catapult and other affected parties.
2. Labour and Human Rights
Suppliers must:
- Not engage in any form of modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced, bonded, compulsory or child labour.
- Set employees’ working hours and pay in compliance with all applicable laws.
- Treat their employees with dignity and respect and prohibit discrimination, bullying and harassment (including sexual harassment) of any kind.
- Uphold all internationally recognised human rights wherever their operations are based.
3. Health and Safety
Suppliers must:
- Comply with all applicable health and safety laws, regulations and standards, and any additional Catapult requirements.
- Provide a safe work environment, appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate training.
4. Intellectual Property
Suppliers must respect the intellectual property rights of others, comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing intellectual property, and comply with contractual obligations.
5. Data Protection and Confidentiality
Suppliers must:
- Access, collect, store and process personal data only in accordance with the laws and regulations of the countries where they operate.
- Protect confidential information, having regard to the security of such information.
6. Environment
Suppliers must:
- Comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and standards.
- Minimise the environmental impact of operations by preventing pollution, reducing waste, emissions and energy use where possible.
7. Product Authenticity and Counterfeit Prevention
Suppliers must:
- Protect against any products supplied to Catapult being counterfeit or containing counterfeit material.
- Undertake appropriate due diligence and support efforts to eradicate the use of any “conflict minerals”, being minerals which directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups that are perpetrators of serious human rights abuses.
8. Reporting Concerns
Suppliers are encouraged to report any ethical or legal issues which may breach this Code. Reports should be made to the Catapult via email to: procurement@sa.catapult.org.uk.