Supplier Code of Conduct Template
Supplier Code of Conduct Template (UK)
Approx. 5 pages · 17 sectionsBranded PDF + editable WordLast reviewed:
What is a supplier code of conduct and who needs one?
A supplier code of conduct sets out the standards you expect from your own suppliers and subcontractors on ethics, anti-bribery, human rights and modern slavery, health and safety, the environment and data protection, and how compliance is monitored. It shows buyers you flow their requirements down your supply chain.
Sets expectations on ethics, anti-bribery, modern slavery, health and safety, environment, data protection, continuity and flow-down to sub-tiers.
Why buyers ask for this
Buyers commonly ask how you make sure your own suppliers meet the standards they expect, such as ethical conduct, modern slavery, health and safety and data protection. A supplier code of conduct sets and flows down those expectations.
Who needs it
Businesses with their own supply chain who need to show buyers they manage supplier standards.
Where it comes up in a PQQ, SQ or PSQ
Under the Procurement Act 2023, supplier selection uses the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) plus each buyer's own conditions of participation and quality questions. Typical questions this policy supports:
- "How do you ensure your supply chain meets the standards required by this contract?"
- Modern slavery questions on supplier due diligence
- Social value questions on responsible supply-chain management
- – Supports supply chain, modern slavery and social value questions
What's inside
The full supplier code of conduct runs to about 5 pages (including the branded cover and document control page) across 17 sections:
- Policy statement
- Purpose & Scope
- Legal Compliance & Ethics
- Anti-Bribery & Corruption
- Human Rights, Labour Standards & Modern Slavery
- Health, Safety & Welfare
- Environmental Management & Sustainability
- Product Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Data Protection, Information Security & Confidentiality
- Business Continuity & Supply Resilience
- Ethical Sourcing & Responsible Materials
- Payments, Competition & Trade
- Monitoring, Audits & Cooperation
- Reporting Concerns (Speak Up)
- Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Flow-Down Requirement
- Policy Governance
Key points covered
- Legal compliance and ethics
- Anti-bribery
- Human rights and modern slavery
- Health, safety and environment
- Data protection
- Monitoring and flow-down
Every document carries your logo, company name, version number, approval signatory and next review date, in branded PDF plus editable Word.
UK legislation, standards and guidance it references
Excerpt preview
24th October 2025 This Code sets the minimum standards the Company requires from all Suppliers—including manufacturers/OEMs, service providers, agents, distributors, logistics partners, and any sub-suppliers involved in the goods or services provided to the Company. Suppliers must ensure their workers and sub-suppliers understand and comply with this Code and all applicable laws.
Get your supplier code of conduct in minutes
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. One-off payment.
Tender deadline this week? Download in 10 minutes.
How to adapt it
- Read every section and remove anything that doesn’t reflect how your organisation actually works.
- Complete the bracketed [ADAPT] prompts with your own arrangements, people and data.
- Have the policy approved and signed by a director or equivalent, and communicate it to staff.
- Keep evidence that you follow it, and review it by the date shown.
Supplier Code of Conduct FAQs
Should suppliers sign the code?
Yes, ideally. Asking key suppliers to acknowledge the code, or referencing it in purchase terms, creates a clear record that expectations were communicated.
How is a supplier code different from a supply chain policy?
The supplier code sets out standards for suppliers to meet. The supply chain management policy explains your internal process for selecting, managing and paying them.
How is compliance with the code monitored?
Through supplier questionnaires, periodic review of key suppliers, audits where risk justifies it, and clear steps if a breach is found, from improvement plans through to termination.
How much does the Supplier Code of Conduct template cost?
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. It is a one-off payment with no subscription, and you download branded PDF and editable Word files straight away.
Free guides
General information, not legal advice. Requirements differ between buyers and change over time; always check the tender documents.