1. Purpose
At Citizen Care Group (CCG), our Business Partners are critical stakeholders in our success, and we are committed to building and strengthening our relationships with them.
CCG gains its competitive advantage through strong performance, leveraging key competencies such as reliability, quality, and flawless execution in a timely and safe manner. We collaborate with Business Partners who share these values and uphold these competencies.
The Citizen Care Group Business Partner Code of Conduct (BPCOC) outlines our expectations for ethical, compliant, and safe business practices throughout the entirety of our partnerships.
CCG values Business Partners who align with our goals and adopt practices consistent with our BPCOC, helping us collectively achieve excellence and sustainable success.
2. Scope
The BPCOC applies to all current and potential Business Partners of Citizen Care Group (CCG), including but not limited to customers, suppliers (of services and products), landlords/lessors, lessees, intermediaries, consultants, agents, representatives, and distributors.
3. Integrity & Compliance with Laws
BPCOC applies to all current and potential Business Partners of Citizen Care Group (CCG) including, but not limited to, customers, suppliers (of services and products), landlords/lessors, lessees, intermediaries, consultants, agents, representatives and distributors.
3.1 Business Integrity
Business Partners are expected to:
- Comply with all laws and regulations relevant to their business activities.
- Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential or actual conflicts that may affect their relationship with CCG.
- Refrain from corrupt practices, including bribery, fraud, and unethical incentives.
- Maintain confidentiality of all proprietary information shared during the course of the partnership.
3.2 Conflict of Interest
Business Partners are expected to:
- Disclose any personal or financial relationships with CCG employees or stakeholders that could improperly influence business decisions.
- Avoid engaging in any activities that could create a conflict between their interests and the interests of CCG.
- Refrain from offering or accepting gifts, favors, or entertainment that could be perceived as an attempt to influence business decisions or gain an unfair advantage.
3.3 Confidentiality and Protection of CCG Property
Business Partners must:
- Maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information received from CCG, including business plans, financial data, intellectual property, and trade secrets. Such information must only be used for the intended purposes and should not be disclosed to third parties without prior written consent.
- Protect CCG’s physical and intellectual property, ensuring that no damage, loss, or misuse occurs. This includes safeguarding assets such as equipment, technology, trademarks, and other resources.
- Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring the secure handling of any personal or sensitive data shared by CCG, in line with applicable laws and CCG's policies.
- Return or securely destroy any CCG property or confidential information once the business relationship concludes or upon CCG’s request.
3.4 Data Protection and Privacy
Business Partners are expected to:
- Comply with all relevant data protection laws, including, where applicable, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or other local privacy laws governing the collection, processing, and storage of personal data.
- Ensure the security and confidentiality of personal data, implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of such information.
- Limit the collection and use of personal data to what is strictly necessary for legitimate business purposes and ensure that any use is transparent, lawful, and properly consented to by individuals where required.
- Report any data breaches or security incidents involving CCG’s data immediately, taking necessary steps to contain and mitigate the impact of the breach.
- Respect the privacy rights of individuals by ensuring that personal information is handled with care and integrity, adhering to the principles of data minimization, accuracy, and accountability.
3.5 Social Media
Business Partners should:
- Ensure that any mention of CCG on social media is accurate, respectful, and aligned with CCG’s brand values. Misrepresentation or unauthorized use of CCG’s name, logos, or proprietary information is prohibited.
- Refrain from sharing confidential or sensitive information related to CCG, its employees, operations, or clients on social media platforms without explicit permission.
- Avoid engaging in negative or harmful communication that could damage the reputation of CCG, including offensive, defamatory, or inappropriate content.
- Maintain professionalism when representing CCG or discussing any business-related matters on social media, ensuring that personal opinions are clearly separated from official company communications.
- Comply with CCG’s social media policies, as well as all applicable legal regulations and industry standards regarding digital communication.
3.6 Ethical Sourcing of Materials
Business Partners are required to:
- Source materials from suppliers who adhere to ethical labor practices, ensuring that no child labor, forced labor, or unfair labor conditions are involved in the production of goods.
- Promote sustainable practices in sourcing by considering the environmental impact of materials, prioritizing renewable resources, and minimizing waste and pollution.
- Comply with all relevant regulations and standards related to sourcing and production, including environmental laws, industry standards, and certifications (e.g., Fair Trade, FSC).
4. Labour Practices
4.1 Employment
Business Partners must:
- Comply with all applicable labor laws and regulations, including those related to wages, working hours, and workplace safety, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and with dignity.
- Provide a safe and healthy working environment by implementing appropriate health and safety measures, conducting regular training, and ensuring compliance with relevant safety standards.
- Prohibit discrimination and harassment in the workplace, fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with respect, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status.
- Ensure the right to freely chosen employment, meaning that no worker should be subjected to forced labor, human trafficking, or any form of coercion.
- Encourage open communication and feedback from employees, providing mechanisms for reporting grievances without fear of retaliation or discrimination.
5. Health, Safety and Environment
5.1 Occupational Health and Safety
Business Partners must:
- Comply with all applicable health and safety regulations, ensuring that their workplaces meet or exceed legal requirements and industry standards for occupational health and safety.
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks, ensuring a safe working environment.
- Provide necessary training and resources to employees on health and safety practices, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Establish clear health and safety policies, promoting a culture of safety and encouraging employees to actively participate in maintaining a safe workplace.
- Monitor and report on health and safety performance, addressing any incidents or near-misses promptly and taking corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
5.2 Environmental Stewardship
Business Partners must:
- Comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, ensuring that their operations are environmentally responsible and sustainable.
- Adopt sustainable practices in sourcing, production, and waste management, prioritizing the use of renewable resources and minimizing waste generation and pollution.
- Implement energy-efficient measures to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, including the use of renewable energy sources where feasible.
- Engage in responsible water management, conserving water resources and minimizing wastewater generation and contamination.
- Promote biodiversity by avoiding activities that harm ecosystems and habitats, and by supporting initiatives that protect and restore natural environments.
- Monitor and report on environmental performance, setting measurable goals for sustainability initiatives and continuously improving their environmental practices.
6. Compliance
6.1 Communication and Awareness
Business Partners are required to:
- Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations governing their business activities, including labor, environmental, health and safety, and anti-corruption laws.
- Implement effective compliance programs that promote adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that all employees understand their responsibilities and obligations.
6.2 Certification
We expect our Business Partners:
- We require each Business Partner to designate an authorized representative who will be responsible for certifying the commitment to our Business Partner Code of Conduct (BPCOC).
6.3 Disclosures and Reporting Violations
Business Partners must:
- Establish clear reporting mechanisms that allow employees to report suspected violations of the BPCOC or other ethical concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
- Encourage open communication about ethical dilemmas, enabling employees to seek guidance on compliance issues and voice concerns regarding potential misconduct.
- Promptly investigate all reported violations, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to address any ethical breaches or compliance issues identified.
6.4 Implications for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the BPCOC can have serious implications for Business Partners, including:
- Termination of the Business Relationship: CCG reserves the right to terminate contracts and partnerships with Business Partners who fail to adhere to the BPCOC or who engage in unethical or illegal practices.
- Legal Consequences: Non-compliance may result in legal actions, including fines, penalties, or litigation, depending on the severity of the violation and the applicable laws.
- Reputational Damage: Violations of the BPCOC can lead to significant reputational harm for both the Business Partner and CCG, impacting public perception and customer trust.
- Increased Scrutiny: Business Partners found in violation may be subjected to increased oversight, audits, and monitoring of their operations and compliance practices.
- Financial Consequences: Non-compliance can result in financial losses, including the costs associated with legal defense, penalties, and the potential loss of business opportunities.
- Impact on Future Opportunities: Business Partners who demonstrate a lack of commitment to compliance may find it challenging to engage in future partnerships with CCG or other organizations that prioritize ethical standards.