our supplier code of conduct

Our Commitment

As a CALM Verified Supplier, we expect our suppliers to commit to upholding the highest standards of business conduct & to give customers complete confidence when choosing their services.

This code outlines the standards we expect from every supplier who has the Verified Supplier accreditation.

 

Transparent and Fair Pricing

Our suppliers commit to:

  • Clear upfront pricing - you'll know exactly what you're paying before work begins

  • No hidden fees – all costs will be clearly communicated and agreed upon

  • Written estimates - all pricing will be provided in writing if requested

 

Professional Service Delivery

Our suppliers commit to:

  • Accurate service descriptions – honestly represent what will be delivered

  • Realistic timelines - set achievable deadlines and stick to them

  • Quality workmanship - work to professional industry standards

  • Clear communication - keeping you informed throughout your project

  • Prompt responses - responding to your inquiries in a timely manner

 

Reliable Business Practices

Our suppliers commit to:

  • Honor agreements - delivering exactly what was promised

  • Respect your confidentiality - business & project information is confidential

  • Professional conduct - all interactions will be respectful and courteous

  • Proper documentation - provide clear terms and conditions upfront

  • Accountability - take responsibility for work and any issues

 

Ethical Business Standards

Our suppliers commit to:

  • Honest representation - won't misrepresent qualifications or experience

  • Fair treatment - treating all customers with equal respect and professionalism

  • Integrity - conduct all business activities honestly and transparently

  • Compliance - following all applicable laws and regulations

  • Environmental responsibility - consider environmental impact in our work

 

When Things Go Wrong

If issues arise, you can expect suppliers to:

  • Address problems promptly - respond quickly to any concerns

  • Communicate openly - explain what happened and how they'll fix it

  • Take responsibility - own mistakes and make them right

  • Work toward resolution - actively seek solutions that work for you

  • Learn and improve - use feedback to enhance services

 

Your Protection

As a customer working with CALM Verified Suppliers, you have:

  • Clear recourse - A defined process for raising concerns

  • Quality assurance - Regular monitoring of supplier performance

  • Standards enforcement - Consequences for suppliers who don't meet commitments with the removal of their Verified Supplier status.

 

Reporting Concerns

If a CALM Verified Supplier doesn't meet these commitments:

  1. Raise the issue directly with the supplier first

  2. Contact us if the issue isn't resolved satisfactorily

  3. Provide details about what happened

  4. Expect follow-up - We'll investigate and take appropriate action

 

Our Promise to You

Every CALM Verified Supplier has agreed to these standards because we believe you deserve:

  • Complete transparency in all business dealings

  • Professional service that meets your expectations

  • Fair treatment regardless of your business size

  • Quality outcomes that add value to your business

  • Peace of mind knowing you're working with verified professionals

 

Maintaining Standards

Suppliers who fail to uphold these commitments may face:

  • Formal warnings for minor violations

  • Suspension from our verification program

  • Removal of CALM Verified Supplier status & Permanent exclusion

 

When you see the CALM Verified Supplier mark, you can be confident that supplier has committed to these standards and will be held accountable for maintaining them.

For questions about this code or to report concerns, please contact us at hello@theindepenedentbuyinggroup.co.uk

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