This Business Ethics Statement outlines the manner in which we require our commercial partners and suppliers to go about their work with us ethically and responsibly.
Deliver In Person values and promotes integrity, ethical conduct and accountability in all areas of our business. To do this, we rely on the support of our commercial partners and suppliers to operate with the same core values in mind and to demonstrate this in all dealings.
In return, our commercial partners and suppliers can expect Deliver In Person and all of its employees to behave ethically and comply with this guideline and our Code of Ethics. Employees in this instance refers to all individuals employed, appointed or otherwise engaged. This includes permanent, temporary and casual employees, as well as consultants, contractors and agency employees engaged to perform work for or on behalf of Deliver In Person.
What we ask of all our engaged commercial partners and suppliers is:
When doing business with us, all commercial partners and suppliers are required to:
- Comply with applicable laws, policies, and codes of practice.
- Act ethically, fairly and honestly in all dealings.
- Not offer any of our employees, contractors and consultants any financial inducements or any gifts, benefits (above our nominal acceptable value of $150), or hospitality. (Excluding light refreshments or an authorised working lunch meeting with parties not currently in any ‘live’ bidding process for work with our company).
- Declare actual or perceived conflicts of interest as soon as such matters arise.
- Prevent the disclosure of confidential information and protect our intellectual property at all times.
- Assist the prevention of fraud, corruption and unethical practices in business relationships by reporting wrongdoing (refer to practical guidelines below).
Why commercial partners and suppliers must comply
In order to conduct business in a fair and ethical manner, all commercial partners and suppliers must comply with:
- The basic principles of proper procurement process including probity management.
- Company Policy Guidelines.
- This Business Ethics Statement.
Non-compliance with the ethical requirements above, as well as corrupt or unethical conduct, can lead to:
- Termination of your contract with us.
- Denial of any future work.
- Damage to your business or personal reputation.
- Referral to authorities as part of any investigation for corruption.
- Matters being referred for criminal investigation.
What commercial partners and suppliers can expect from our EmployeesOur employees are bound by company policy that requires them to demonstrate integrity, trust, excellent customer service and accountability. They are also expected to comply with this Statement of Ethics and:
- Ensure decisions and actions are reasonable, fair and appropriate to the circumstances, based on consideration of all relevant facts, and supported by relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
- Accept responsibility and be accountable for their actions in accordance with delegated functions, accountabilities, and the requirements of the Code of Conduct.
- Promote the integrity and reputation of Deliver In Person by always acting in the customer’s best interests and not engage in any activities that would bring the company into disrepute.
- Treat Stakeholders, Clients, Suppliers and one another ethically, fairly and professionally.
- Be responsive to clients and customers in accordance with agreed service standards.
Practical guidelines
- Incentives, gifts, benefits and hospitality
Commercial partners and suppliers must not offer or give gifts above our nominal acceptable value of $150 to our employees and there is no expectation from our employees that any gifts will be provided. Our employees will decline gifts, benefits, or travel offered during the course of their work. Cash gifts or equivalent (for example, gift vouchers) are never acceptable, regardless of value.
Commercial partners and suppliers must not pay or offer to pay for any form of entertainment for our employees. Entertainment includes tickets to sporting or social events, social meals at restaurants, travel expenses to attend either local or interstate meetings or conferences, or accommodation expenses. Deliver In Person meets all such business costs for its employees to attend approved functions and events. Employee participation in some modest forms of hospitality is permitted where:
· There is a clear underlying business purpose exists
· It is in the normal course of business
· It relates to the work of the company and the employee involved.
· It is disclosed in a timely manner by the employee.
Offers, acceptance, and non-acceptance of gifts, benefits and hospitality must be disclosed by employees in accordance with the Gifts and Benefits Policy.
We acknowledge that judgement by both commercial partners and suppliers and employees needs to be exercised regarding the offer and acceptance of such hospitality – the essence is that it must be modest (both actual and in perception) and not be encumbered by obligation. It must also not be offered at a time that could raise general concerns about conflicts of interest (for example, during a tender or contract negotiation period). Modest hospitality could include basic refreshments at meetings or a light working lunch.
- Conflicts of interest
All employees are required to disclose any actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest. This includes conflicts of interest that can, or could, arise from personal relationships between our employees and staff of commercial partners and suppliers. This requirement is extended to all commercial partners and suppliers of Deliver In Person.
- Sponsorship
We will not ask for, entertain, or enter into any sponsorship or similar arrangement that is not open and transparent or where such activity creates a perception that it could be part of an attempt to improperly influence decision-making processes. Where applicable, specific policies and processes developed by senior management for sponsorship arrangements are to be adhered to.
- Confidentiality and intellectual property
Confidential information in any format must be treated as such and protected as appropriate. The specific requirements of intellectual property laws, copyright laws and individual contracts must be adhered to.
- Communication and cooperation
In line with our company policies and code of practice, Deliver In Person and all commercial partners, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers will maintain business relationships based on:
· Open and effective communication.
· Trust and respect
· Taking a non-adversarial approach to dispute resolution.
- Private employment and post-separation employment
Our employees must obtain the approval of the CEO prior to entering into any private or secondary employment arrangement. Secondary employment will not be approved if it has the potential to create an actual or perceived conflict of interest between the employee’s public official role and their private interests. Our employees are not to use either their position, company information, or intellectual property developed while working for Deliver In Person to profit from or secure private employment.
Commercial partners and suppliers must not offer our employees private employment which conflicts with their public duties. Former employees who have dealings with Deliver In Person need to ensure that they do not seek, or appear to seek, favourable treatment or access to confidential information.
- Expectations regarding contractors
All contractors and sub-contractors are expected to comply with this Statement of Business Ethics. Commercial partners and suppliers are responsible for making all of their sub-contractors aware of this statement.
- Public comment
Non-Deliver In Person employees must not make any public comment or statement that would lead anyone to believe that they are representing the business, or expressing its views or policies. This includes comments and statements at public and community meetings, via the media, or when it is reasonable that comments or statements will become known to the public at large.
Our employees are not permitted to provide public endorsement on the company’s behalf, of companies or their products.
- Public interest disclosures
We do not tolerate corrupt conduct, maladministration, serious and substantial waste of money and other forms of serious wrongdoing.
Commercial partners and suppliers must report all information that they become aware of that they honestly believe, on reasonable grounds, shows or tends to show, serious wrongdoing inside or outside Deliver In Person and its related entities.
Further assistance
If you have questions regarding this Statement of Business Ethics, or wish to report concerns about a possible breach or any conduct that could involve fraud, corrupt conduct, maladministration, or unethical behaviour, please contact:
Charmaine Tham
Chief Operating Officer
charmaine@deliverinperson.com