Procurement
The Procurement Policy highlights the code of ethics required in all purchases for the University such as:
- Effectiveness & Efficiency (value for money)
- Open, fair and transparent procedures
- Effective competition
- Sustainable procurement principles
- Bribery Act 2010
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- Modern Slavery Act 2015
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As part of this commitment and policy, all procurement is carried out on principles of open, fair and transparent procedures, which relates to the Equality Act 2010. Where tendering activity is carried out, an award criterion is based on ‘most economically advantageous tender’ and not on lowest price. The University holds the Living Wage accreditation, and therefore this is embedded within our procurement procedures.
The University has an internal code of conduct and external codes of conduct for all suppliers going through a tender process, this is known as the Sustainable Procurement Programme – Supply Chain Code of Conduct.
Embedded in this Code, under Social Compliance this requires the following:
- Treat employees fairly
- Allow employees the freedom of association to join (but not be forced to join), or be represented by, a trade union or similar organisation of their choice, and be free to leave such organisations.
- Not discriminate or unfairly treat any employee for any reason including education, social class / caste, nationality, trade union membership or any of the 9 Protected Characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.
- Provide a workplace free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
- Treat all employees with respect and dignity, and not accept inequality as justifiable on a basis of culture.
- Remunerate all employees equally at the same employment grade, regardless of any characteristics listed above, unless statutory conditions require otherwise.