Go

Policies

Vodafone Group Code of Ethical Purchasing

As one of the world's largest mobile telecommunications network companies, Vodafone has a significant role to play in enriching people's lives.

We also understand that we have a significant role to play in managing our business carefully and responsibly, which is why we have adopted a set of core Values and Business Principles to govern our activities and interactions with all our stakeholders across the world, including our suppliers.

Our Business Principles declare a commitment "to promote the application of our Business Principles by our business partners and suppliers".

The following Code of Ethical Purchasing is to be read in conjunction with our Business Principles, and is designed to promote safe and fair working conditions, and the responsible management of environmental and social issues in Vodafone's supply chain.

The Code has been developed in consultation with employees, suppliers, investors and non-governmental organisations. It sets out the standards we wish to see achieved by Vodafone and our suppliers over time.

The principle of continuous improvement applies to all aspects of the Code.

Vodafone will work collaboratively with our suppliers on the implementation of the Code, which may include joint audits and site visits to assess performance.

Vodafone will publicly report on the implementation of and compliance with the Code.

Vodafone will encourage all suppliers to implement our Code across their whole business and within their own supply chains.

Code of Ethical Purchasing

1.  Child Labour

  • No person is employed who is below the minimum legal age for employment
  • Children (persons under 18 years) are not employed for any hazardous work, or work that is inconsistent with the child’s personal development
  • Where a child is employed, the best interests of the child shall be the primary consideration
  • Policies and programmes that assist any child found to be performing child labour are contributed to, supported, or developed.

2.  Forced Labour

  • Forced, bonded or compulsory labour is not used and employees are free to leave their employment after reasonable notice. Employees are not required to lodge deposits of money or identity papers with their employer.

3.  Health & Safety

  • A healthy and safe working environment is provided for employees, in accordance with international standards and national laws. This includes access to clean toilet facilities, drinkable water and, if applicable, sanitary facilities for food storage
  • Where an employer provides accommodation, it shall be clean, safe and meet the basic needs of employees
  • Appropriate health and safety information and training is provided to employees.

4.  Freedom of Association

  • As far as any relevant laws allow, all employees are free to join or not to join trade unions or similar external representative organisations.

5.  Discrimination

  • Negative discrimination including racial or sexual discrimination is prohibited.

6.  Disciplinary Practices

  • Employees are treated with respect and dignity. Physical or verbal abuse or other harassment and any threats or other forms of intimidation are prohibited.

7.  Working Hours

  • Working hours of employees comply with national laws and are not excessive.

8.  Payment

  • Employees understand their employment conditions and fair and reasonable pay and terms are provided.

9.  Individual Conduct

  • No form of bribery, including improper offers for payments to or from employees, or organisations, is tolerated.

10.  Environment

  • Processes are in place to actively improve the efficiency with which finite resources (such as energy, water, raw materials) are used
  • Appropriate management, operational and technical controls are in place to minimise the release of harmful emissions to the environment
  • Appropriate measures are in place to improve the environmental performance of products and services when in use by the end user
  • Innovative developments in products and services that offer environmental and social benefits are supported.