Ethical Sourcing Policy

Ethical sourcing for Yard Digital means that ensuring that the products we source are being created in safe environments by workers who are treated well and paid fairly to work in legal conditions. It also indicates that suppliers are respecting the environment throughout production and manufacture of their goods.

The Policy applies to all areas of Yard Digital’s business and to its direct Suppliers as well as to goods and services sourced by Yard Digital. We require all direct Suppliers to observe the provisions of this Policy and requires that such Suppliers, in turn, obtain similar compliance with its provisions from their Suppliers.

We recognise that modern slavery, as defined by the Modern Slavery Act 2015 is a violation of fundamental human rights and Yard has a zero tolerance approach to modern slavery in all its forms within the organisation or our supply chain. We adhere to the internationally recognised code of good labour practice the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code and expect all our suppliers to do the same.

1. Employment is freely chosen
2. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
3. Working conditions are safe and hygienic
4. Child labour shall not be used
5. Living wages are paid
6. Working hours are not excessive
7. No discrimination is practised
8. Regular employment is provided
9. No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

Yard Digital recognises that its Suppliers may not be able to achieve all the standards laid out in this Code immediately but is willing to engage with Suppliers who:

• have implemented, or are willing to implement, appropriate and workable processes for raising standards to be compliant with this Code within an agreed period; and
• are able to demonstrate a responsible and transparent approach to their working and general practices; and
• have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improving working and ethical standards.

The objectives of the Code are;

• to promote the adoption and improvement of ethical practices, and
• to implement effective processes for improvement of trade practices
• to establish a common understanding of Ethical Sourcing within Yard Digital
• to illustrate the importance of mapping supply chains and engaging with Suppliers on the subject of ethical sourcing

Suppliers must conduct their businesses in an ethical manner and must not seek to gain competitive advantage by means of unethical or dishonest practices including without limitation; bribery, corruption, kickbacks, the provision of gifts, favours or services. Good judgment and moderation must be exercised to avoid misinterpretation and any adverse effect on the reputation of Yard Digital or its employees.

Suppliers and contractors must avoid any situation that may involve a conflict or the appearance of a conflict between their personal interests and the interests of Yard Digital. Each supplier and contractor must make prompt and full disclosure to Yard Digital of any situation which may involve a conflict of interest. Conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Ownership of a significant financial interest in any competitor of Yard Digital.
• Serving as a director, officer, partner, consultant or in any competitor of Yard Digital.
• Acting as a broker, finder or other intermediary for the benefit of a third party in transactions involving Yard Digital or its interests.
• Any other arrangement or circumstance, including family or other personal relationships, which might influence the supplier or contractor from acting in the best interest of Yard Digital.

Generally, suppliers will not be engaged as a preferred supplier to Yard Digital unless the Ethical Sourcing Policy can be complied with and Yard Digital considers performance is acceptable, or genuine attempts are being made to address violations of this policy.

Any violations will be reported to the supplier’s management for their attention and, if appropriate corrective action. Regardless of corrective action required, Yard Digital may terminate its relationship with any supplier who does not comply with the Ethical Sourcing Policy, without liability to the supplier for damages resulting from termination.

The provisions of this policy constitute minimum and not maximum standards and suppliers in The United Kingdom, together with their contractors, must apply this policy as well as other applicable laws, and where the provisions of law and this policy address the same subject; they must apply that provision which affords the greater protection.