Supplier Code of Conduct

At Fortress Recruitment Services Limited, we believe that strong, responsible, and ethical relationships with our suppliers are essential to the success and reputation of our business. We are committed to conducting business in a way that promotes fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the expectations we have for all suppliers, contractors, and service providers that work with us.

By adhering to these standards, suppliers help us ensure that Fortress Recruitment Services Limited maintains its commitment to ethical business practices and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the UK and any other countries where they operate. This includes, but is not limited to, employment law, health and safety regulations, data protection laws (such as the UK GDPR), anti-bribery and corruption laws, and environmental regulations. Suppliers should ensure their practices are in line with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and ensure that forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking are not present in their operations or supply chains.

Suppliers must uphold the rights of their employees and provide safe, fair, and healthy working conditions. This includes the following commitments:

• Freedom of Employment: Employees must be employed voluntarily and must have the right to leave their employment after reasonable notice.
• Non-Discrimination: Suppliers should not engage in or tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or abuse. Recruitment, hiring, promotion, and training practices should be based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected characteristics.
• Fair Wages and Benefits: Suppliers should ensure that workers are paid fairly for their work and provided with benefits in compliance with national wage laws and employment standards. Workers should be compensated for overtime according to local laws.
• Working Hours: Suppliers must ensure that working hours comply with applicable laws and industry standards, and that employees are entitled to regular breaks and time off.

Suppliers must ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all employees. This includes providing adequate health and safety training, appropriate equipment, and facilities to protect employees from workplace hazards. Suppliers should take steps to prevent accidents and injuries and ensure that any incidents are promptly investigated and addressed.

Suppliers should demonstrate a commitment to protecting the environment by adhering to all relevant environmental laws and regulations. This includes:

• Minimising waste and energy consumption.
• Reducing emissions and adopting sustainable practices where possible.
• Ensuring the responsible disposal of hazardous substances.
• Actively working to improve the environmental sustainability of their operations

Suppliers must not engage in any form of bribery, corruption, or unethical business practices. This includes offering or accepting bribes, kickbacks, or other illicit payments in connection with the procurement of goods and services. Suppliers must ensure that all dealings with Fortress Recruitment Services Limited are transparent, legal, and conducted in accordance with anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.

Suppliers must adhere to strict confidentiality obligations with respect to any proprietary or confidential information they may access through their relationship with Fortress Recruitment Services Limited. Suppliers must also comply with data protection laws, including the UK GDPR, to ensure that any personal data shared during the course of business is securely handled, stored, and processed.

Suppliers must engage in fair business practices and avoid misleading advertising or unfair competition. Suppliers must compete on the basis of merit, ensuring that their marketing and promotional practices are truthful and transparent. Unfair business practices, including anti-competitive behaviour, should be avoided at all times.

Suppliers are expected to respect the human rights of all individuals and ensure that they do not contribute to or tolerate human rights abuses in their operations, supply chains, or business dealings. Suppliers should adopt policies and practices that promote equality, respect, and opportunity for all employees and stakeholders.

Fortress Recruitment Services Limited reserves the right to monitor, audit, and review supplier practices to ensure compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct. Suppliers are expected to cooperate fully with any audits or assessments and provide the necessary documentation and access to premises as requested.

Suppliers are encouraged to report any violations of this Supplier Code of Conduct, any unethical behaviour, or any potential risks they encounter in their operations or supply chain. Reports can be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation. Suppliers must ensure that all concerns are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

Suppliers are encouraged to continuously improve their practices in alignment with the principles outlined in this Supplier Code of Conduct. Fortress Recruitment Services Limited values suppliers that demonstrate a commitment to ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible business practices.

Fortress Recruitment Services Limited believes that our suppliers play an essential role in helping us deliver high-quality, ethical recruitment services. By adhering to the standards set out in this Supplier Code of Conduct, suppliers contribute to the sustainability and integrity of our operations. We are committed to working with suppliers who share our values and expectations for ethical business practices.

We expect suppliers to acknowledge and comply with this Code of Conduct. Non-compliance may result in a review of the business relationship, including the potential termination of contract.

This Supplier Code of Conduct will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with best practices, legal requirements, and the evolving needs of Fortress Recruitment Services Limited.