September 2022|

www.gold.org

Expectations of suppliersThis document sets out our expectations of our suppliers, including contractors,vendors, service providers and contingent labour (“Suppliers”). These expectations are
not replacements or substitutes for applicable laws, nor do they amend contractualobligations. We want our suppliers to strive for sustainability and good businesspractice in their supply chain, and innovation and excellence in their delivery. We ask
that you communicate these expectations to your employees, suppliers and business
partners who may provide goods or services to the World Gold Council.

We expect our suppliers to:Compliance and ethics

International trade law and sanction regimes

Bribery and corruption, money laundering,
conflicts of interests

Human rights and modern slavery

1. Comply with all laws and regulations applicable to
the goods and services being provided and conduct
their activities to a high standard of business ethics.

2.		Promote transparency and accountability in the
conduct of business, including having in place
effective processes and procedures toproactively prevent:• Bribery and corruption, including expressly
prohibiting the direct or indirect giving, paying,promising or accepting of anything of value toobtain, retain or direct business, to secure an
improper advantage or to influence someone
including government officials to improperly
perform their duties.
• Money laundering, including the act of hiding
illegal funds (especially those with possible links toterrorism or criminal activity) or giving such funds
apparent legitimacy.
• Actual or apparent conflicts of interest between
personal and business interests, including using
World Gold Council information and resources for
improper gains.

3.		Comply with applicable international trade laws
and sanctions regimes, including laws, regulations,orders regarding the export and import of goods andtechnology.

4.		Note the World Gold Council’s Human Rights
Statement, respect the human rights and dignity ofall people and meet the responsibilities of businessset out in the UN Guiding Principles on Business andHuman Rights including:• Ensuring no use of forced or compulsory labour,
human trafficking, child labour, slavery or servitude
and that all work is conducted voluntarily, without
threat of penalty or sanction and not based on
deception.
• Compliance with all applicable anti-slavery laws
and standards.
• Identifying, avoiding, minimizing or mitigating
and remedying any human rights impacts oncommunities.

• Inappropriate provision of gifts, entertainment,or meals to World Gold Council personnel or third
parties representing World Gold Council. Whenlegitimately required in rare cases, they should beof modest value and appropriately timed.

Expectations of Suppliers Policy 1

August 2022

Protecting confidential information

5.		Have effective policies and procedures in place
for securing and protecting World Gold Council’s
information including:• Respecting the proprietary and intellectual
property rights of World Gold Council.
• Having information classification protocols andadopting industry best practices, on sharing,protecting and securing information.
• Observing all data privacy legal requirementson the collection, processing and transfer of WorldGold Council personal data
• Reporting any suspected or actual information
security incidents that impact World Gold Council
information or systems to World Gold Council assoon as practically possible.
Non-discrimination, grievance processes andfreedom of association
6.		Provide a workplace which:|www.gold.org

Health, safety and the environment (“HSE”)

7.		Conduct business in a way that supports goals of
no accidents, no harm to people and no damage tothe environment by taking a systematic approachto managing operating activities and HSE risks,complying with applicable HSE laws and regulations,and seeking to continuously improve health, safetyand environmental performance.
Training and awareness

8.		Have a programme in place to promote awarenessand embed ethical business practices andcompliance with laws in your business.
Raising concerns

9.		Have in place a confidential mechanism throughwhich employees and others associated with its
activities may raise ethical concerns and which will
provide protection from retaliation for those whoraise concerns in good faith. We further expect oursuppliers to promptly raise with us any instancesof failure to meet these expectations.

• Is free from harassment, intimidation, inhumane
treatment and discrimination based on race,ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, age,sexual orientation, gender or marital status.
• Has mechanisms to allow workers to speak up
or raise grievances without fear of retaliation.
• Uphold the legal rights of workers to associatewith others and to join, or to refrain from joining,
labour organisations of their choice and to bargain
collectively without discrimination or retaliation;and to cooperate in good faith with any tradeunions, work councils or representative bodies.

Expectations of Suppliers Policy 2