It is essential that the employees of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (“IPG” or the “Company”) conduct themselves at all times with integrity and in full compliance with the laws and regulations that govern our global business activities. To that end, IPG has established a set of company standards of business practices and regulatory compliance that are set out in a Code of Conduct which applies to all IPG employees, directors and officers. The Code of Conduct is an extension of our values and reflects our commitment to ethical business practices and regulatory compliance.
As a majority owned company of IPG, Hellocomputer (“HC”) expects that its suppliers will share and embrace the letter and spirit of our commitment to integrity. By “supplier” we mean any firm or individual that provides a product or service to HC or indirectly to any of its clients.
HC understands that suppliers are independent entities, but the business practices and actions of a supplier may significantly impact and/or reflect upon us, our reputation and our brands, which is one of our most important assets. Because of this, HC expects all suppliers and their employees, agents and subcontractors (their representatives) to adhere to the IPG’s Code of Conduct while they are conducting business with and/or on behalf of HC. All suppliers should educate their representatives to ensure they understand and comply with the Code.
As in effect from time to time, the Code of Conduct is maintained on our public website at www.interpublic.com and, to the extent reasonably appropriate to the circumstances under which a supplier and their representatives are engaged, is incorporated into this Supplier Code of Conduct by this reference for all purposes. The supplier code of conduct is also a dynamic document and may change over time.
All HC suppliers and their representatives shall conduct their business activities in full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of their respective countries while conducting business with and/or on behalf of the Company. In addition to any specific obligations under the supplier’s agreement with the Company, all suppliers shall, without limitation:
HC suppliers and their representatives shall conduct their business interactions and activities with integrity and in accordance with their obligations under their specific agreements with the Company. In addition to those obligations, all of our suppliers shall, without limitation:
HC expects its suppliers to share its commitment to human rights and equal opportunity in the workplace. HC suppliers shall conduct their employment practices in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and shall, without limitation:
HC expects its suppliers to share the same social responsibility of growing business in a sustainable fashion. At HC, we believe that environmental stewardship and local business development are of utmost importance, and we constantly seek new ways to fulfill our responsibilities to the environment.
HC expects its suppliers to share its commitment to Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment and supplier diversity. HC suppliers shall implement supplier diversity programs that meet the requirements of the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good Conduct. At all times the supplier undertakes to ensure that they are in possession of a valid BBBEE certificate and that the rating does not fall below a level 5 rating.
It is the responsibility of the supplier to ensure that its representatives understand and comply with the IPG Code of Conduct and to inform its HC contact (or a member of Company management) if any situation develops that causes the supplier to operate in violation of the code set forth in this document. HC suppliers are expected to self-monitor their compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct. In addition to any other rights HC may have under its agreement with supplier, HC may request the immediate removal of any representative who behaves in a manner that is unlawful or inconsistent with this Code or any Company policy. HC retains the rights to audit suppliers at its sole discretion.
If you wish to report a questionable behavior or possible violation of this Supplier Code of Conduct, IPG has a variety of resources available to assist you. You are encouraged to work with your primary Company contact in resolving a business practice or compliance concern. However, IPG recognizes that there may be times when this is not possible or appropriate. In such instances, please contact any of the following:
HC will not tolerate any retribution or retaliation taken against any individual who has in good faith sought out advice or has reported questionable behavior or a possible violation.