1. Purpose
DPDgroup UK Ltd has a zero tolerance policy towards suppliers who abuse:-
its employees, other suppliers (including the supplier’s staff members) or customers; or
any member of the public when on DPD business or when wearing a DPD uniform or when driving a DPD vehicle.
DPD will not tolerate any incidents of violence, aggression and/or rudeness, whether physical, written
or spoken, including over the telephone.
If you or a member of your staff is violent, aggressive or rude towards any DPD employee, supplier to DPD (including the supplier’s staff members), DPD customer or member of the public, DPD will take the following action:-
In the most serious cases: DPD will be entitled to terminate all Franchise Agreements and Worker
Contracts you have with DPD.
In less serious cases:
DPD will write to you asking you to apologise in writing or personally to the individual concerned within 5 working days.
Unless and until you make an appropriate apology, you will not be asked to provide any further services to DPD.
If DPD records three incidents against you in any 12-month period, DPD will be entitled to terminate all Contracts for Services you have for services to DPD.
1. ABOUT THIS POLICY
1.1 It is our policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.
1.2 Any employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for gross misconduct. Any Service Provider or supplier who breaches this policy may have their contract terminated with immediate effect.
1.3 This policy does not form part of any employee’s or worker’s contract of employment or engagement and we may amend it at any time.
2. WHO MUST COMPLY WITH THIS POLICY?
2.1 This policy applies to all persons working for, or providing services to us, or on our behalf in any capacity, including employees at all levels, directors, officers, agency workers, seconded workers, volunteers, interns, agents, contractors, external consultants, third-party representatives and business partners.
3. WHAT IS BRIBERY?
3.1 ‘Bribe’ means a financial or other inducement or reward for action which is illegal, unethical, a breach of trust or improper in any way. Bribes can take the form of money, gifts, loans, fees, hospitality, services, discounts, the award of a contract or any other advantage or benefit.
3.2 ‘Bribery’ includes offering, promising, giving, accepting, or seeking a bribe.
3.3 All forms of bribery are strictly prohibited. If you are unsure about whether a particular act constitutes bribery, raise it with a representative of the Management Team either in person or by email to compliance@h2ologistics.co.uk.
3.4 Specifically, you must not:
a) give or offer any payment, gift, hospitality, or other benefit in the expectation that a business advantage will be received in return, or to reward any business received;
b) accept any offer from a third party that you know or suspect is made with the expectation that we will provide a business advantage for them or anyone else;
c) give or offer any payment (sometimes called a facilitation payment) to a government official in any country to facilitate or speed up a routine or necessary procedure;
3.5 You must not threaten or retaliate against another person who has refused to offer or accept a bribe or who has raised concerns about possible bribery or corruption.
4. GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY
4.1 This policy does not prohibit the giving or accepting of reasonable and appropriate hospitality for legitimate purposes such as building relationships, maintaining our image or reputation, or marketing our products and services.
4.2 A gift or hospitality will not be appropriate if it is unduly lavish or extravagant, or could be seen as an inducement or reward for any preferential treatment (for example, during contractual negotiations or a tender process).
4.3 Gifts must be of an appropriate type and value depending on the circumstances and taking account of the reason for the gift. Gifts must not include cash or cash equivalent (such as vouchers), or be given in secret. Gifts must be given in our name, not your name.
4.4 Promotional gifts of low value such as branded stationery may be given to or accepted from existing customers, suppliers, and business partners.
5. RECORD-KEEPING
5.1 You must declare and keep a written record of all hospitality or gifts given or received. You must also submit all expenses claims relating to hospitality, gifts or payments to third parties in accordance with our expenses policy and record the reason for expenditure.
5.2 All accounts, invoices, and other records relating to dealings with third parties including suppliers and customers should be prepared with strict accuracy and completeness. Accounts must not be kept “off-book” to facilitate or conceal improper payments.
6. HOW TO RAISE A CONCERN
6.1 If you are offered a bribe, or are asked to make one, or if you suspect that any bribery, corruption or other breach of this policy has occurred or may occur, you must notify a representative of the Management Team either in person or by email to compliance@h2ologistics.co.uk.