The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) wants to do business with ethically, environmentally and socially responsible suppliers.

This Supplier Code of Conduct (Code) sets out the expectations that UniSC has of businesses that want to sell their goods or services to UniSC, and outlines what constitutes a responsible supplier.

It enhances our commitment to support genuine local businesses by outlining clear standards and expectations.

Application

This Code applies to all procurement activities regardless of their value. Suppliers should refer to the Code when considering supplying to UniSC.

UniSC reserves the right to do business with suppliers who demonstrate compliance with this Code. Suppliers are expected to proactively self-assess compliance and take action to remedy any shortcomings.

In applying the Code, UniSC will consider both the value and complexity of the procurement activity and include questions on the Code in procurement documentation. Suppliers with queries on how the Code is applied in any procurement activity should contact procurement@usc.edu.au.

The Code complements existing UniSC policies and procedures. USC is also subject to the Queensland Procurement Policy 2021 (QPP) and the Queensland Government Ethical Supplier Mandate and breaches by suppliers may result in penalties under the Queensland Government Ethical Supplier Mandate.

Compliance with relevant legislation

In addition to any specific items mentioned elsewhere within this Code, you must comply with all relevant legislation and industry standards.

Environmental sustainability

UniSC is committed to environmental sustainability for the benefit of students, staff and the wider community. A goal has been set to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025.

We want to procure in a way that also protects and advances environmental priorities. You can show this by enhancing environmental sustainability.

Things you can do include, but are not limited to:

• waste minimisation and recycling
• reducing and/or offsetting carbon emissions
• using solar or other renewable energy where possible
• reducing the use of energy, water or other resources
• reducing the use of hazardous and toxic substances, and ensuring their correct disposal
• minimising packaging.

Ethical expectations

Our procurement is conducted in an environment of integrity, probity and accountability. We are committed to high ethical standards and expect our suppliers to commit to the same. You can show this by doing the following:

Meeting the Ethical Supplier Threshold

You must comply with the Ethical Supplier Threshold, as described within the Queensland Procurement Policy 2021 (clause 2.3).

Managing conflicts of interest

You must ensure that all conflicts of interest (whether actual, reasonably perceived or that could arise in the future) are disclosed as soon as possible.

Demonstrating high standards of conduct

You must ensure that your business’ behaviour is beyond reproach. You must not engage in fraudulent or corrupt activities including, for example, bribery or money laundering, or act in any manner which, by association, brings UniSC into disrepute.

Handling information

A diligent and practical approach must be taken to ensure sensitive information is appropriately managed in line with confidentiality agreements and any policies.

Not engaging in inappropriate supply market behaviours

You should encourage innovation and competition and must not act in a manner which involves a misuse of your market power or would be otherwise improper (e.g. collusive arrangements). This includes not procuring dumped goods.

Acting properly toward USC officers

You are expected to be respectful of the ethical and code of conduct requirements that our staff need to meet, and not engage in actions which run counter to these obligations. You must not try to influence decision making through the use of inducements (e.g. offering gifts and benefits). Your conduct should recognise the expected integrity and accountability of UniSC staff and their adherence to the UniSC Code of Conduct.

Model good business practices

Your business should be conducted in a way that shows best practice corporate management. This includes promoting a collaborative relationship where buyer and supplier work together to resolve issues in a timely and respectful manner. This helps to avoid contractual disputes and promotes good working relationships.

Sub-contractor payment terms

We want to do business with suppliers that offer payment terms to sub-contractors that are no less  favourable than those provided to you by UniSC (unless otherwise mutually agreed with the sub-contractor). This also includes meeting Project Bank Requirements under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) where applicable.

Meeting required standards

The goods and services provided should meet relevant compliance requirements and the Australian Standard (or an international standard in the absence of an Australian Standard) where specified. For building and construction this also includes using conforming products and materials.

Social expectations

We want to do business with suppliers who support the welfare of both their employees and the community generally. You can show this by doing the following:

Diversity and Inclusion

Our sourcing decisions, contracts and management of supplier relationships will reflect and promote the principles of the UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2023. Suppliers are encouraged to develop robust supplier diversity programs and policies to ensure equal employment opportunity for all.

Managing workplace health and safety

As well as complying with all workplace health and safety laws and regulations, you should also regularly manage and review workplace hazards and provide any required training to your employees.

Treating employees fairly

You must respect every worker’s workplace rights and entitlements and ensure compliance with all relevant workplace laws, regulations and instruments. This includes properly paying employees, giving them their entitlements, not discriminating unlawfully and committing to workplaces free of harassment. This includes recognising the right of employees to be members of trade unions.

Acting against human rights abuses in the supply chain

You should make all reasonable efforts to ensure that businesses within your supply chain are not engaged in, or complicit with, human rights abuses (including modern slavery) Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018.

Providing quality, secure local jobs

We value suppliers who provide quality, secure local jobs. These jobs provide:

• employment where people live
• permanency of employment
• certainty of hours
• fair wages and conditions
• superannuation and workers compensation
• genuine respect for the rights of workers to collectively bargain.

How to deal with SUSPECTED BREACHES of the code

Concerns should be directed to the procurement@usc.edu.au.

Any concerns regarding illegal activity or corruption should be immediately referred to either the Queensland Police Service or the Crime and Corruption Commission. Concerns regarding breaches of regulation should be referred to the relevant regulatory body. The expectations of the Code will assist in avoiding breaches of the UniSC and Queensland Procurement Policies.