Supplier Code of Conduct

This is The Independent Buying Groups Supplier Code of Conduct. We expect our suppliers to commit to upholding the highest standards of business conduct and to give buyers complete confidence when choosing their services.

This code outlines the standards we expect from every supplier who has the CALM Verified Supplier Certification or a listing in our CALM Supplier Directory.

 

C - CLEAR Communication

Building trust through transparency and reliability. Our suppliers commit to:

Honest representation - accurate description of what you can and will deliver for any project.

Upfront pricing transparency - ensure your customer knows exactly what they are paying before work begins with no hidden fees. Any potential additional fees should be highlighted before a project begins.

 

A - ACCOUNTABLE Delivery

Delivering what is promised. Our suppliers commit to:

Work together in partnership - collaborate with your customer to meet agreed timelines and quality standards

Take responsibility - own your mistakes and work quickly to fix any issues that arise

 

L - LEGAL Standards

Operating with proper standards and protections. Our suppliers commit to:

Professional conduct - maintain adequate insurance, meet industry standards and follow all legal requirements

Confidentiality protection - keep your customers’ business and project information completely secure

 

M - MORAL & Ethical

Doing the right thing for customers, employees, and the environment. Our suppliers commit to:

Fair pricing - charge reasonable rates that reflect the quality and value of work provided

Environmental responsibility - consider environmental impact and contribute positively to communities

Ethical practices - fair treatment of employees and ethical business operations

 

When Things Go Wrong

If problems happen, suppliers commit to:

  • Fix issues quickly - respond fast and explain what they'll do to address the issue

  • Take responsibility - own their mistakes and make things right

  • Work with the buyer - find a solution that works for everyone

  • Use our Complaints Process to find a resolution if both parties can not resolve the issue between themselves

 

Consequences of breaching the Supplier Code of Conduct

Suppliers who breach the Supplier Code of Conduct could face:

  • A Warning for a small issue

  • A Final Warning for multiple small issues or a serious breach.

    A Final Warning will result in the removal of your CALM Verified Supplier Certification and removal from our CALM Supplier Directory.

 

The objective of our Code of Conduct for buyers

We maintain these standards so every CALM Verified Supplier delivers a Clear, Accountable, Legal, and Moral service. This ensures that buyers can work with you knowing you have committed to a fair and transparent relationship with them.

For questions about this code or to report concerns, please get in touch with us at hello@theindepenedentbuyinggroup.co.uk

This Code of Conduct applies to all Verified Suppliers and is effective as of 1st August 2025.