1. Purpose and Scope
This Global Third Party Code of Conduct (the “Code”) sets out the minimum standards of ethical, social, and environmental behaviour expected from all external parties providing goods or services to Be One Solutions AG or any of its subsidiaries (together, “Be One Solutions”), other than permanent employees or equivalent personnel.
References to “Partner” in this Code shall include, without limitation, vendors, suppliers, resellers, subcontractors, consultants, professional advisers, and other third parties acting for, or in collaboration with, Be One Solutions.
Partners are required to ensure that equivalent standards are applied throughout their own supply chains.
2. Core Principles
2.1 Integrity, Honesty and Fair Dealing
Partners shall conduct all business activities with integrity, honesty and fairness, and must avoid any conduct that could adversely affect the reputation of Be One Solutions or impede open and fair competition. Transactions must be transparent, accurately recorded, and compliant with applicable legal and contractual requirements.
2.2 Human Rights, Labour and Equal Opportunities
Partners shall uphold internationally recognized human rights standards and adhere to the core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). This includes, but is not limited to, the prohibition of child labour, forced labour and discriminatory practices, and the promotion of freedom of association, payment of living wages, reasonable working hours and humane treatment. Equal opportunities must be afforded without discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, or any other protected characteristic.
2.3 Health, Safety and Environment
Partners must ensure a safe and healthy working environment in accordance with applicable health and safety legislation and best practices. Partners shall manage environmental impacts responsibly, comply with all relevant environmental laws and regulations, and strive to meet applicable environmental management standards, including those relating to waste reduction, efficient resource use, and the reduction of carbon emissions.
2.4 Fair Competition
Partners shall comply with all applicable laws relating to competition and antitrust. Partners must not engage in anti-competitive conduct, including but not limited to price fixing, bid rigging or market sharing.
2.5 Anti-Bribery and Corruption
Be One Solutions has a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. Partners shall not offer, give, solicit or receive any bribe or other improper payment or advantage, either directly or indirectly, to or from any party, including public officials, in connection with Be One Solutions business. Partners must comply with applicable anti-corruption laws, including the UK Bribery Act 2010, the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, and where applicable, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
2.6 Accurate Records and Reporting
Partners shall maintain complete and accurate financial and business records relating to their dealings with Be One Solutions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, relevant tax laws, and contractual obligations. The use of off-book accounts, false entries or undisclosed payments is strictly prohibited.
2.7 Confidentiality, Intellectual Property and Data Protection
All confidential information received from or on behalf of Be One Solutions must be safeguarded and used solely for authorized purposes. Partners must respect intellectual property rights and comply with applicable data protection legislation, including the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR (and where applicable, the EU GDPR).
2.8 Information Security and Business Continuity
Where Partners process, store or transmit information on behalf of Be One Solutions, they must implement information security controls that meet or exceed the requirements of the SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria and relevant controls under ISO/IEC 27001. Partners must maintain and regularly test business continuity and incident response plans. Any actual or suspected security incidents must be reported to Be One Solutions without undue delay.
2.9 Gifts and Hospitality
Partners must not offer or accept gifts, hospitality or other benefits that could improperly influence business decisions or create a perception of bias. Low-value business courtesies (typically under EUR 20), offered in good faith and consistent with local custom, may be acceptable if recorded appropriately and in accordance with Be One Solutions policies.
2.10 Conflicts of Interest
Partners must avoid any situation in which personal or financial interests may conflict with their duties to Be One Solutions. Any actual or potential conflict of interest must be promptly disclosed, and remedial action agreed with Be One Solutions.
2.11 Use of Be One Solutions Property and Name
Any Be One Solutions assets, systems, facilities, trade marks, branding or intellectual property made available to Partners may only be used for authorized purposes and must be protected against unauthorized use, loss or misuse.
2.12 Subcontracting and Supply Chain Obligations
Partners must not subcontract or assign any part of their obligations relating to Be One Solutions without prior written approval. Where subcontracting is permitted, Partners shall remain fully responsible for compliance with this Code by their subcontractors and suppliers.
3. Compliance and Oversight
3.1 Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Partners must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and relevant industry standards in the jurisdictions where they operate and supply goods or services to Be One Solutions.
3.2 Audits and Monitoring
Be One Solutions reserves the right to assess Partner compliance through audits, self-assessments or reviews, including on-site visits, with reasonable notice. Partners must cooperate fully with such processes and remediate any deficiencies in a timely manner.
3.3 Remedial Action
Where any breach of this Code is identified, Partners must develop and implement a corrective action plan within a timeframe agreed with Be One Solutions. Repeated or material breaches may result in contract suspension, termination and/or legal action.
4. Reporting Concerns
Partners must have mechanisms in place for individuals to report concerns in good faith, free from retaliation. Any actual or suspected breach of this Code, applicable laws, or unethical conduct related to Be One Solutions business must be reported without delay to Be One Solutions at: legal@beonesolutions.com or via any other channel specified by Be One Solutions.
5. Breach, Remedies and Termination
Notwithstanding any contrary provision in any agreement between Be One Solutions and the Partner, a breach of this Code shall constitute a material breach of such agreement. Be One Solutions may, without prejudice to any other rights or remedies, suspend or terminate the relevant agreement with immediate effect and seek to recover losses suffered.
6. Continuous Improvement and Updates
Be One Solutions may revise this Code from time to time to reflect changes in applicable laws, industry standards, or internal policies. The then-current version of the Code will be made available at: https://www.beonesolutions.com/code-of-conduct/.
To assist Partners in staying informed of such updates, Be One Solutions offers the option to subscribe to change notifications. This subscription option is available below.
Partners are solely responsible for:
- Subscribing to the change notification service;
- Maintaining up-to-date subscription details – in the event of any changes to the contact information provided, the Partner shall promptly update such information and re-subscribe using the correct details; and
- Reviewing all updates and ensuring ongoing compliance with the most current version of the Code.
Should the Partner experience any technical issues with the subscription process or have any related questions, they should contact Be One Solutions at: be1s.marketing@beonesolutions.com.
