Ethical Policy

At Mustard Foods we recognise that while we are accountable to our shareholders we take into account the interests of all, including our employees, customers, suppliers and subcontractors, temporary and agency staff and the wider community and environment within the countries in which we operate.

Framework of core business values:

1. Ethical Conduct

• seek to be honest and fair in our relationships with our customers 
• provide the standards of products and services that have been agreed 
• take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and quality of the goods and services we provide 
• seek to be honest and fair in our relationships with our suppliers and subcontractors 
• have a policy not to offer, give or accept bribes, excess hospitality or substantial favours 
• pay suppliers and subcontractors in accordance with agreed terms 
• co-operate with customers and suppliers to increase quality and efficiency 
• encourage suppliers and subcontractors to abide by the principles of this Code 

2. Care for wellbeing of employees

• provide clear and fair terms of employment 
• provide clean, healthy, safe and secure conditions 
• have a fair remuneration policy everywhere we operate 
• strive for equal opportunities for all present and potential employees, temporary or agency staff and contractors 
• encourage employees to develop skills and progress in their careers on fair assessment of performance and potential 
• do not tolerate any sexual, physical or mental harassment including bullying or any other type of harassment of our employees, temporary or agency staff and contractors 
• do not discriminate on grounds of colour race, ethnic origin, gender, age, religion, political or other opinion or beliefs, disability or sexual orientation 
• do not employ underage staff or forced labour 
• respect human rights within our responsibility and contractual obligations 

3. Social responsibility to the community 

• respect the laws, culture, and international treaties of the home and overseas markets we serve 
• aim to make the communities in which we work better places to live and do business 
• aim to be sensitive to the local community’s cultural, social and economic needs 
• refrain from making company resources available to terrorists or rebels for political tribal and armed conflict 

4. Respect for the environment 

• protect the environment with sound stewardship and practices 
• Select construction materials from sustainable & recycled sources where possible.
• Follow best practice in regards to the recycling and disposal of waste generated by the company.
• Aim to reduce the company’s carbon footprint where possible.

5. Responsibility to shareholders and other suppliers of finance 

• financially accountable to our shareholders 
• maintain accurate records and prepare true and fair reports in line with reporting requirements 
• communicate to shareholders all matters that are material to an understanding of the future prospects of the organisation 
• aim to protect shareholders’ funds, manage risks and ensure that funds are used as agreed 

6. Samples, Credit Notes, Gifts and Gratuities

• Any sample, gift, promotional item, gratuity or credit note offered by a supplier, customer, or any other person must be accepted only on behalf of the Company.  No employee has any authority to personally accept any gift, promotional item, gratuity or credit note (however trifling) without prior approval from a manager or Director.  Any breach of this Policy will be regarded by the Company, subject to the usual Disciplinary Procedures, as gross misconduct.
• It is also prohibited for any employee to exchange any sample, gift or promotional item or credit note for any item form of stock for cash without prior approval in writing from a manager or Director.
• Approval in writing from a manager or director must be obtained prior to releasing, selling or disposing of any Company goods or property (excluding normal retail business).

The company is committed to conducting its business responsibly and in accordance with the law and regulations.

All employees and agents acting on behalf of the company are expected to follow this Code. There are no exceptions. There are detailed policies and codes of conduct which reflect our position regarding each employee’s responsibility for helping preserve our reputation and to maintain compliance with applicable laws. However these cannot address every issue which may arise. Each of us has an obligation to familiarise ourselves with applicable laws, company policies and practices, and to act responsibly, including taking advice if there is doubt on the appropriate course of action. All employees must take action to report potential or apparent violations of law, this Code, or any incident of questionable conduct to either their line manager or a company director without delay.

Likewise, questions concerning responsible or legal conduct will inevitably arise in the normal course of business. It is the responsibility of each employee to contact their line manager or a director before taking any action that may have legal consequences for the company or damage its reputation.