Supplier Code of Conduct
PURPOSE
SimpliSafe is committed to conducting its business in an ethical, legal and socially responsible manner. SimpliSafe engages with its suppliers to share this commitment and, therefore, has established this Supplier Code of Conduct (“Code”). Although there may be different legal and cultural environments applicable to its suppliers, SimpliSafe suppliers must comply with this Code in order to do business with SimpliSafe or any of its subsidiaries.
This Code along with standard SimpliSafe supplier agreement and purchase order terms supplement and reinforce the expectations set forth in the Responsible Business Alliance Code of Conduct (https://www.responsiblebusiness.org/code-of-conduct/) (“RBA Code”) and other internationally recognized standards. This Code sets the minimum standard on conduct expected of our Suppliers. Failure to meet the standards set forth herein can result in SimpliSafe terminating any existing relationship with said Supplier, at SimpliSafe’s sole discretion subject to any applicable contractual terms addressing termination. SimpliSafe encourages our suppliers to implement efficient management systems, utilizing the internationally recognized standards such as ISO14001, ISO45001, and SA8000.
SCOPE
This Code applies to all SimpliSafe vendors, service providers, business partners, and suppliers of services and products, as well as their suppliers, (collectively “Suppliers”). Any Suppliers who have ongoing supply relationships with SimpliSafe (as evidenced by active contractual agreements) as of the launch and publication date of this Code (including any earlier versions) will be required to come into compliance with the Code on a defined timeline to be determined at SimpliSafe’s discretion.
SIMPLISAFE SUPPLIER CODE OF CONDUCT
SimpliSafe’s mission is to keep every home secure. The company is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our customers, our employees, and our communities. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical, legal, and regulatory standards and expect all Suppliers to share the same commitment to doing the right thing, at all times. SimpliSafe’s Code is a reflection of our commitment to these core principles of responsible corporate citizenship, fairness, integrity, non-discrimination, and ethical business operations.
We expect all Suppliers to know and obey the laws of all jurisdictions that apply to their businesses. Suppliers must also adhere to the principles and values set forth in this Code and consistently apply them when conducting any business relating to SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe’s reputation and ability to deliver on our promises to our customers and stakeholders depends on conducting business in a fair, honest, and transparent manner; which in turn depends on proper conduct by our Suppliers.
This Code includes 7 key priorities. These priorities are not intended to be an exhaustive list for every potential situation or circumstance. We expect all Suppliers to use their very best judgment to adhere to the Code and do the right thing in situations that may not be specifically addressed here. Suppliers should have documented policies and procedures in place that demonstrate compliance with this Code. Suppliers should look to their own codes of conduct and ethics when necessary and seek advice from legal counsel as needed.
1. Advancing SimpliSafe’s Mission
At SimpliSafe, our mission is to make every home secure. Our customers trust us with the safety and security of their homes and families. We take these obligations seriously in everything we do.
Our reputation is the cornerstone of our success. Maintaining the trust of our investors, customers, partners, and employees is the foundation of our current and future growth. We maintain this trust by acting with integrity and ethics in all we do. We are committed to conducting our business in accordance with the highest standards of ethical behavior and legal compliance. Simply put, we do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
This trust with our customers builds loyalty, which is key to our success. We expect all Suppliers to deal with us fairly and honestly and alert SimpliSafe if they observe or suspect any material issues with regards to the goods and services they supply. This allows SimpliSafe to continue aiming high in our mission to provide the very best home security offerings available to protect our customers. We are one team with our suppliers, and are working together with no ego to realize this mission.
2. Understand and obey the law
We expect Suppliers to know and follow the laws that apply to them and their business; treat legal and regulatory requirements as a minimum standard; and to alert SimpliSafe to any material issues with the goods and services they supply. In addition, we expect Suppliers to adopt or establish a management system with a scope that is related to the content of this Code and section (E) of the RBA Code. The management system shall be designed to ensure: (a) compliance with applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements related to the participant’s operations and products; (b) conformance with this Code; and (c) identification and mitigation of operational risks related to this Code. The management system should also include periodic reviews and audits to identify non-compliance issues and corrective action processes to provide a means to provide notice and transparency to meet all obligations hereunder, including the need to promptly report any known or suspected concerns or noncompliance. The management system should also facilitate and drive continual improvement.
3. Conduct business ethically
We expect Suppliers to conduct business with SimpliSafe ethically and responsibility. This includes all of the Supplier’s business whether with SimpliSafe, our affiliates or agents, as well as other third parties. To meet social responsibilities and to achieve success in the marketplace, Suppliers are to uphold the highest standards of ethics such as expressed in section (B) of the RBA Code (Health and Safety), and in section (D) of the RBA Code (Ethics), including but not limited to: Business Integrity; No Improper Advantage; Disclosure of Information; Intellectual Property; Fair Business, Advertising and Competition; Protection of Identity and Non-retaliation; Responsible Sourcing of Materials; and Privacy. In addition, Suppliers shall comply with material and/or substance restrictions and any other product safety and compliance requirements set by applicable laws, regulations, or other agreements with SimpliSafe. To that end, we expect Suppliers to promptly communicate to us any safety or compliance concerns related to our products of their manufacture or use.
Our business relationships are grounded in mutual trust, and have been throughout SimpliSafe’s history. We build and maintain the trust and confidence of our customers, the public, regulators, and other business partners by communicating honestly, respecting information entrusted to us and standing behind our commitments. We expect our Suppliers to do the same and also respect and honor any and all legal (including third party intellectual property rights), regulatory, and ethical obligations that may apply. Importantly, we stand behind our promises and expect Suppliers to as well, including living up to their commitments and contractual obligations.
4. Treat people with respect and dignity
We expect Suppliers to foster a fair, safe, collaborative, inclusive work environment to facilitate innovation and deliver excellent business results.
Suppliers must comply with all relevant labor laws and regulations, including those related to minimum wages and benefits, working hours, age restrictions around young workers, freely chosen employment, and humane treatment and workplace safety. Supplier employment practices must also include clear policies around non-discrimination / non-harassment as well as any legally required minimum standards around non-retaliation policies.
Suppliers must be committed to uphold the human rights of workers, and to treat them with dignity and respect as understood by the international community. This applies to all workers including temporary, migrant, student, contract, direct employees, and any other type of worker. The recognized standards, as set out in the References of the RBA Code, were used in preparing the Code and may be useful sources of additional information. See RBA Code Section (A) for specific labor practices and requirements.
Suppliers must also prioritize a safe and healthy work environment that enhances the quality of products and services, consistency of production and worker retention and morale. Participants (as defined in the RBA Code) also recognize that ongoing worker input and education are essential to identifying and solving health and safety issues in the workplace. See RBA Code Section (B) for specific health and safety practices and requirements.
All Suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to any licensure, certification and/or accreditation requirements for anyone acting for or on the behalf of SimpliSafe, including but not limited to: the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Section 1502, regarding conflict minerals, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, the UK Bribery Act of 2010 and local anti-corruption regulations, and the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010, and without violating the rights of any third parties. SimpliSafe is also committed to uphold the principles set forth in United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) and expects Suppliers to similarly live up to those standards.
Diversity Practices for Suppliers based in North America or with operations and facilities therein - We expect our Suppliers to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment free of any discrimination, harassment, or other illegal, unethical, or otherwise improper employment practices. Suppliers are expected to have a thoughtful corporate policy on diversity practices, and agree to provide a copy to SimpliSafe upon request.
5. Protect company assets and interests
Where applicable, Suppliers must use SimpliSafe’s resources and property solely for the benefit of SimpliSafe. You must not misappropriate or misuse SimpliSafe assets, whether through theft, fraud, or other means, for personal benefit. SimpliSafe assets include anything (such as information, supplies, materials, finished goods, or work product) that is not generally available to the public and include, but are not limited to, physical resources, intellectual property, intangible assets and proprietary information, information concerning pricing, products and services being developed, and a prospective acquisition or sale. Suppliers must hold these assets in the strictest of confidence.
No use of Counterfeits or Off-Spec Components
SimpliSafe Suppliers should not perform their obligations in any way that would neither cause SimpliSafe nor themselves to be in violation of the U.S. nor International Sanctions or Import/Export Controls. Neither Suppliers nor any of their affiliates, nor any officer or director thereof, should be included on any lists of terrorists or terrorist organizations compiled by the U.S. government or any other national or international body.
Suppliers shall never use counterfeit components in any product built for or supplied to Simplisafe. Suppliers shall procure components from reputable sources who can provide all rights reasonably necessary to support their anticipated uses and minimize the risk of introducing diverted parts into their supply chain.
6. Be a responsible member of our global community
SimpliSafe is committed to protecting our planet, the environment, and the precious resources we all share. We expect our suppliers to share in this commitment. Suppliers understand that environmental responsibility is integral to producing world-class products. Suppliers shall identify the environmental impacts and minimize adverse effects on the community, environment, and natural resources within their manufacturing operations, while safeguarding the health and safety of the public. Relevant environmental standards include those identified in RBA Code section (C), including but not limited to: Environmental Permits and Reporting; Pollution Prevention and Resource Reduction; Hazardous Substances; Solid Waste; Air Emissions; Materials Restrictions Water Management; and Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
7. Know when to speak up and get help
It is our goal to build a fair and trust-based relationship with our Suppliers. We expect our Suppliers to perform periodic self-audits and to promptly report any known or suspected conflicts of interest, ethics, or compliance issues or any other violations of this Code. Results of self audits will be made available to SimpliSafe upon our written request.
We also expect our Suppliers to cooperate with our reasonable requests for information, certifications, and/or audit access. When there is a concern, our practice is to work with the Suppliers. Our preference is to work collaboratively towards solutions and progress, however, when an issue can’t be corrected or a Supplier is unwilling to engage, we reserve the right to terminate our relationship.
If you see or suspect any conduct or business practices that you reasonably suspect might violate this Code, please contact SimpliSafe directly (by contacting your SimpliSafe representative or by emailing us at Supplier_Code_Compliance@simplisafe.com).
Reporting potential issues early and quickly helps to ensure the best solutions can be achieved. We handle all reports promptly, fairly, and as confidentially as possible under the circumstances.
Published on: 11/16/2023