Code of Conduct for Partners & Customers 

 

Purpose and Goal 

At Woolman, our goal is to always act professionally, responsibly, and ethically in all our business activities. We are committed to providing high-quality development and consultation services that support the digital growth of our clients while minimizing environmental impact and fostering positive societal outcomes. This Code of Conduct (COC) is intended to guide our actions and those of our partners and clients, who are expected to share the values, principles, and standards outlined here. 

We believe that responsible business is not only about compliance with the law but also about creating long-term value for our stakeholders, including our clients, partners, and the communities we operate in. At Woolman, we are dedicated to operating ethically and responsibly across our entire value chain, with a focus on transparency, integrity, and fairness. We expect the same level of responsibility from our customers and partners, particularly regarding respecting labor rights, minimizing environmental impact, ensuring ethical behavior, and ensuring data privacy. (link to our DPA) 

By fostering responsible business practices, we aim to build relationships that are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable, mutually beneficial, and aligned with our core values of trust, respect, and continuous development. 

Woolman’s philosophy 

Woolman's basic principle is trust, which guides all of our actions. Trust works in both ways: between our company and customers and partners, employees, and management, as well as amongst colleagues. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and responsibility, respecting human rights, and promoting environmental protection. We expect our partners and customers to have the same level of commitment to an open and responsible collaboration. 

Business Ethics 

● Human Rights Commitment: Woolman and its partners are dedicated to respecting internationally recognized human rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We ensure the dignity and fair treatment of all individuals involved in our operations and expect the same from our partners and customers. 

● No Involuntary Labor: Woolman strictly prohibits any form of forced or compulsory labor, including human trafficking and modern slavery. All work must be voluntary, and workers must have the freedom to terminate their employment without coercion. 

● Child Rights: Our partners and customers must adhere to local and international standards on child labor, ensuring they do not employ anyone under the legal working age and supporting the well-being and education of children. 

● Fair Recruitment Practices: Woolman encourages responsible recruitment practices that avoid exploitation, such as debt bondage or unethical methods, ensuring transparency and fairness in the hiring process. 

● Fair Compensation: Partners and customers are expected to provide wages that meet or exceed legal minimums and are sufficient to cover basic living needs, in line with local labor laws. 

● Non-Discrimination: Woolman promotes diversity and equal opportunity. We expect our partners and customers to provide a work environment free of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other legally protected characteristic. 

● Occupational Health and Safety: Woolman and its partners are committed to maintaining safe and healthy working environments. This includes providing necessary protective equipment, training, and regular safety audits to prevent workplace accidents and health risks. 

Corporate Social Responsibility 

● Environmental Stewardship: Woolman is committed to sustainability and expects our partners to minimize their environmental impact. This includes reducing emissions, waste, and resource use while actively considering the effects of their operations on the climate and nature. 

● Biodiversity and Planetary Boundaries: We recognize the importance of protecting natural ecosystems and encourage our partners and customers to operate within planetary boundaries, avoiding practices that lead to resource depletion or biodiversity loss. 

● Sustainability Practices: Woolman supports partners and customers in adopting circular economy principles, including recycling, reuse, and sustainable sourcing practices. We also encourage transitioning to clean energy and reducing carbon footprints where possible. 

● Transparency and Reporting: We expect transparency in our partners' environmental and social efforts, including regular reporting on their progress toward sustainability goals and adherence to relevant laws and regulations. 

By embracing these values, Woolman seeks to build a business ecosystem founded on trust, integrity, and mutual respect, ensuring that ethical and sustainable practices are deeply embedded in every level of our operations and partnerships. 

National Legislation 

Our partners must comply with all applicable national and local laws, regulations, and industry standards. This includes but is not limited to, labor laws, environmental regulations, and consumer protection legislation. We expect our partners to stay informed and ensure compliance with any changes in the legal landscape of their operational regions. 

Environment 

Woolman is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations and expects its partners to do the same. Partners must actively assess their activities' environmental effects, strive to reduce waste, conserve resources, minimize emissions, and protect biodiversity. This includes adopting sustainable practices such as renewable energy use, waste reduction, and promoting environmental innovation. 

Well-being, Health and Safety 

At Woolman, we believe in the inherent goodness of people and provide our employees with the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and healthy working environment. Our partners are required to comply with all health and safety regulations, provide adequate protective equipment, and conduct regular safety training. Measures must be in place to prevent accidents, injuries, and health risks at the workplace. Work-life balance, well-being, equality, and diversity are well-being core values, and we encourage everyone to do their best while treating each other with respect and fairness. Insurance 

Woolman expects all business partners and customers to carry sufficient insurance to protect employees in case of workplace injuries or accidents. This includes coverage for health, safety, and occupational risks, as required by national laws and industry standards. 

Labor Practices 

We expect our partners and customers to uphold the highest standards of labor practices, respecting human rights and ensuring ethical treatment of workers. Forced labor, exploitation, and modern slavery are strictly prohibited. Partners and customers must promote fair employment practices, including responsible recruitment and the provision of decent working conditions. 

Working Hours and Pay 

Business partners must comply with local laws regarding working hours and overtime. Employees should not be subjected to excessive working hours that could negatively impact their well-being. Fair wages that meet or exceed local legal minimums must be paid, ensuring that employees can meet their basic living needs. 

Freedom of Association 

Woolman supports the right of all workers to form and join trade unions or other labor organizations and to engage in collective bargaining. Business partners are expected to respect and protect these rights and to engage in fair and transparent negotiations with worker representatives. 

Child Labor 

The use of child labor is strictly prohibited in any form. Business partners must comply with local and international laws regarding the minimum legal working age. Additionally, they should promote the education and well-being of children, ensuring that no exploitation takes place in their operations. 

Discrimination 

We require our partners and customers to foster an inclusive and non-discriminatory work environment. Discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic is strictly forbidden. All employees must be treated with fairness and respect. 

Business Ethics 

Woolman expects all partners and customers to conduct their business with the highest ethical standards. This includes preventing conflicts of interest, adhering to anti-corruption laws, and ensuring transparency in all dealings. Fair competition, respect for intellectual property, and a zero-tolerance policy for bribery or fraud are key ethical commitments. 

Application

Woolman expects all business partners to fully comply with this Code of Conduct. It applies to all levels of operation and decision-making processes, including relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and other third parties. Regular assessments and audits will ensure adherence to these standards, and corrective actions will be taken if necessary. 

Publish date: November 1st 2024 

Next check date: November 1st 2025