Introduction

This Supplier Code of Conduct reflects our values and sets out what we expect from our partners.

This Code applies to all suppliers, vendors, contractors, and service providers working with Outhire. We're building something meaningful, and we need partners who share our commitment to ethical business practices.

What this Code covers:

• Core Business Principles

• People & Labor Practices

• Ethical Business Conduct

• Data & Security

• Business Continuity

• Accountability

1. Core Business Principles

Legal Compliance

We're building our reputation through integrity and compliance. We follow all applicable laws and regulations, and we expect the same from our suppliers. This includes laws related to:

• Employment and labor rights

• Data protection and privacy

• Anti-corruption and bribery

• Competition and fair trading

• Tax and financial reporting obligations

Sustainability & Responsible Business

We're committed to building a sustainable business. We expect our suppliers to:

• Take reasonable steps to reduce environmental impact

• Treat workers fairly and with dignity

• Operate transparently and ethically

• Consider the social impact of their business decisions

Human Rights

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We absolutely prohibit:

• Forced labor, child labor, or human trafficking of any kind

• Discrimination based on any protected characteristic

• Unsafe or exploitative working conditions

• Any form of modern slavery in operations or supply chains

If you see something concerning, speak up immediately.

Zero Tolerance for Corruption

We have zero tolerance for fraud, bribery, or corruption. This means:

• No bribes, kickbacks, or improper payments to anyone

• No gifts or hospitality that could influence business decisions

• Transparent and accurate record-keeping

• No facilitation payments, even where they might be common practice

Fair Competition

We compete fairly and expect our suppliers to do the same. This means:

• No anti-competitive agreements or price-fixing

• No abuse of market position

• No misrepresentation of competitors

• Honest and truthful marketing and communications

2. People & Labor Practices

Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination

We embrace diversity and are building an inclusive workplace. We expect suppliers to:

• Provide equal opportunities regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic

• Actively promote diversity and inclusion

• Prohibit harassment, bullying, or victimisation of any kind

• Make decisions based on merit, not bias

Health & Safety

Worker safety is non-negotiable. Suppliers must:

• Provide a safe and healthy working environment

• Comply with all applicable health and safety regulations

• Identify and mitigate workplace risks

• Provide appropriate training and protective equipment

• Report accidents and incidents promptly

Fair Employment Practices

We expect suppliers to:

• Pay fair wages that meet or exceed legal minimums

• Respect workers' rights to reasonable working hours and rest periods

• Provide clear employment terms and conditions

• Respect freedom of association and collective bargaining rights

• Ensure all work is voluntary

3. Ethical Business Conduct

Conflicts of Interest

Business decisions should be made objectively. Suppliers must:

• Avoid situations where personal interests conflict with business duties

• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest immediately

• Not use their position for personal gain

• Ensure fair and impartial decision-making

Confidentiality & Intellectual Property

We trust our suppliers with sensitive information. You must:

• Protect Outhire's confidential and proprietary information

• Use our information only for authorised purposes

• Respect our intellectual property rights

• Return or destroy confidential information when requested

Whistleblowing & Raising Concerns

We want to hear about problems before they become bigger problems. Suppliers should:

• Report any concerns about violations of this Code

• Establish their own channels for employees to raise concerns

• Protect whistleblowers from retaliation

• Cooperate with any investigations

How to report concerns: Contact us at legal@outhire.ai All reports will be treated confidentially.

4. Data & Security

Data Privacy

We take privacy seriously. When handling personal data on our behalf, suppliers must:

• Comply with all applicable data protection laws (GDPR, etc.)

• Only collect and process data that's necessary

• Keep data accurate, secure, and confidential

• Delete data when it's no longer needed

• Report any data breaches to us immediately

In case of a data breach: Notify us within 24 hours at security@outhire.ai

Information Security

Protect information like it's your own. Suppliers must:

• Implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures

• Protect against unauthorised access, loss, or theft

• Use encryption for sensitive data

• Maintain secure access controls

• Monitor for security incidents

AI & Emerging Technology

If you use AI or automated decision-making, ensure that:

• Systems are transparent and explainable

• Human oversight is maintained for critical decisions

• Bias and discrimination are actively prevented

• Privacy rights are respected

5. Business Continuity

Operational Resilience

We're counting on you to deliver. Suppliers should:

• Have plans in place to maintain service during disruptions

• Identify and manage risks to service delivery

• Notify us promptly of any issues that could affect our business

• Have backup arrangements where critical services are involved

Risk Management

Understand and manage the risks in your business:

• Identify potential risks in your operations

• Implement controls to mitigate those risks

• Monitor and review risks regularly

• Be transparent with us about material risks

6. Accountability

Our Expectations

We expect suppliers to:

• Read, understand, and comply with this Code

• Ensure your employees and subcontractors comply

• Implement your own policies that align with these principles

• Continuously improve your practices

Compliance & Monitoring

We may:

• Request information or documentation to verify compliance

• Conduct audits or assessments (with reasonable notice)

• Require corrective action if issues are identified

• Terminate relationships in cases of serious violations

Working Together

We're not looking to create unnecessary bureaucracy. We understand that different businesses have different capabilities. What we care about is:

• Good faith efforts to comply with this Code

• Transparency when issues arise

• Willingness to improve over time

• Open communication with us

If you're struggling with any aspect of this Code, talk to us. We'd rather work through challenges together than be surprised later.

Disclaimer

This Code supplements but doesn't replace any contractual agreements between Outhire and suppliers. In cases where local laws impose higher standards than this Code, the law prevails. If any part of this Code becomes invalid or unenforceable, the remainder stays in effect.