Supply Chain Responsibility

Supplier Code of Conduct

The Supplier Code of Conduct sets our guidelines, and other procedures aimed at effectively providing ethical and socially responsible delivery. While we recognise that our suppliers operate in different geographic and economic environments, we expect that products and services are delivered in a way that support Babcock’s high standards and contribute to the reputation of Babcock and our customers.

Supplier Code of Conduct

Health and Safety

Babcock is committed to creating a safe environment which enables all those on our operational sites to return ‘Home Safe Every Day”. We work with suppliers who are passionate and committed to health and safety, and demonstrate an ability to meet and promote our safety standards. Our teams work with suppliers on safety and share continuous improvement practices to reduce or prevent accidents and injuries.

Supply Chain Security

Protecting the information and physical assets of our customers is an important part of what we do. We always expect high standards of commercial confidentiality. For certain types of supply we have exacting standards of security compliance. For these companies we need to know that information is well managed and protected throughout the supply chain. Our approach is always under review to address cyber security threats.

Ethical working and values

We expect high standards of conduct from our suppliers and will not tolerate any behaviours that conflict with our strict compliance codes around:

  • Bribery
  • Corruption and fraud
  • Threats to health and safety
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Improper activities

We pre-qualify suppliers, for certain types of supply, and this involves satisfying ourselves that they can meet our standards. Certain suppliers will be selected for audit and close monitoring based on risk assessment or supplier performance. Planned reviews of supply chain risk are undertaken by our business.

Supplier Pre-Qualification Register

We pre-qualify suppliers, for certain types of supply, and this involves satisfying ourselves that they can meet our standards. Certain suppliers will be selected for audit and close monitoring based on risk assessment or supplier performance. Planned reviews of supply chain risk are undertaken by our business.

Our Procurement teams are working together to develop a group wide register of pre-qualified suppliers called JOSCAR.

Existing suppliers can be invited to complete the registration and qualification process ONCE and access the opportunity of supplying multiple parts of the Group.

There are some specific qualification requirements which our customers specify to us – so there may be some additional requirements from individual business units.

The toolkit is designed to support our suppliers in their own development activities – particularly useful for SMEs.

Supplier Diversity

When selecting suppliers, what matters most is

  • Credibility
  • Responsibility
  • Quality
  • Service performance
  • Cost efficiency

Many of our suppliers are small and medium sized enterprises. We select and manage suppliers to support our own experienced workforce in delivering complex engineering services.

Supplier diversification helps make our supply chain robust. The varied nature of what we do means that we depend on a wide range of talents and abilities from a wide range of suppliers.

We believe that the best way to support SMEs is to trade with them. The nature of Babcock services means that supplier selection can be complex with many factors contributing to the decision. Whilst we do judge each supply award on its own merits, our plan for all suppliers is:

  1. Measure and monitor use of SMEs
  2. Provide access to opportunities through fair procurement
  3. Engage suppliers through open and honest two-way communications
  4. Adoption of the Prompt Payment Code to support predictable supplier cash flows

Payment

We want to spend time talking to our suppliers about new ideas, operational performance and total cost opportunities – not about payment. We understand the importance of predictable customer payments when running a business.

Babcock is a signatory in the UK to the Prompt Payment Code and we would encourage others to do so.

Our suppliers have a critical responsibility for getting paid on time – by delivering on time and in full, following the required billing processes, and adhering to our standards for invoicing.

Supply Management and Development

We work in close collaboration with selected suppliers – big and small.

Our approach to Supply Management includes:

  • Contract management
  • Supplier performance management
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Supplier development

Supplier development activities target improvements that benefit both our operations and the capability of the supplier. These benefits will ultimately enhance performance standards that benefit our customers. Joint teams from Babcock and selected suppliers work together on a wide range of issues such as input costs, delivery performance, safety, product reliability and joint growth opportunities. Targeted supply relationships use data dashboards to monitor performance and progress. Babcock is actively involved with our suppliers in the Aerospace and Defence industry by working with the Security supply chain development programme SC21.

Babcock Sustainable Procurement Policy

At Babcock we focus on creating a safe and secure world, together with our customers, suppliers, communities and investors. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we work collaboratively to minimise the impact of our operations on the environment, mitigate climate change, ensure the safety of our people and make a positive impact on the communities in which we operate.

Please read our CEO endorsed Babcock Sustainable Procurement Policy and our expanded Supplier Guide for Sustainable Procurement.

Site Visits – Code of Practice

If you are a supplier or have any subcontractors or appointed agents and you require physical access to our secured premises, it is essential for you to familiarise yourself with our Code of Practice. This requirement applies specifically to those who need to be present on a specific site(s) to perform your activity. By doing so, you will ensure a smooth integration into our work environment while complying with our established standards. Additionally, please complete the Contractors, Safety, Health, and Environmental Questionnaire and attach it to your record in our supplier information management system (Coupa), along with your confirmation that you have read the Code of Practice for the site(s) of your visit, where applicable:

Code of Practice

Clyde Code of Practice

Devonport Code of Practice

Rosyth Code of Practice

Health & Safety Questionnaire

Contractors Safety, Health and Environmental Questionnaire