Updated Your Supplier Code of Conduct? Here's What Comes Next

Our Modern Slavery and Human Rights Principal, Nick Dexter, shares how to engage suppliers, foster ethical partnerships, and embed sustainability into your supply chain with practical tips and strategies.

Crafting a robust Supplier Code of Conduct is a critical first step in setting the standards and expectations for your suppliers. It’s a vital tool that articulates your business values, ensuring that your supply chain aligns with your commitment to ethical practices and sustainability.

But here’s the thing: simply having a Supplier Code of Conduct isn’t enough. It’s what comes next that really counts—how you communicate and embed those standards with your suppliers. This is where a well-considered communication plan becomes essential.

Why? Because you’re in a partnership, not a transaction.

Your suppliers are your partners.

They need to understand that the Code isn’t just demands but a shared commitment to improvement. It’s usually okay if they’re not meeting every standard on day one (particularly when you are setting new standards).

For a broader perspective on creating cohesive supply chain strategies that align with your Supplier Code of Conduct, check out our article on Piecing Together the Supply Chain Puzzle for Sustainability Managers. This will give you the tools and insights to strengthen your approach even further.

Here’s how you can effectively communicate your Supplier Code of Conduct:

1. Engage with your suppliers early and often. Explain the ‘why’ behind your Code, making sure they see it as a mutual goal rather than a set of rigid rules.
2. Let your suppliers know it’s okay if they’re not fully compliant from day one. Offer them the resources and support they need to improve. Remember, this is about building capacity and fostering a long-term relationship.
3. Keep the lines of communication open. Regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and updates ensure that your suppliers are not only aware of the standards but also have the opportunity to voice concerns and seek clarification.
4. Acknowledge and celebrate the milestones your suppliers achieve in aligning with your Code. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in motivating continuous improvement.

By pairing your Supplier Code of Conduct with a thoughtful communication plan, you’re not just setting expectations—you’re building stronger, more resilient partnerships that can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Remember, the goal is not just compliance, but collaboration and growth.

Ready to take the next step?

At Edge Impact, we help businesses like yours move beyond compliance by embedding sustainability into every layer of your operations—from defining material issues to crafting supplier engagement strategies and building impactful communication plans.