Effective Date: March 13, 2025
Unum mandates that all entities providing goods or services to us, including vendors, service providers, and contractors (herein referred to as “Suppliers”), operate with the utmost integrity and adhere to sound ethical principles. This document, the Ethical Business Practices Guide for Suppliers (“Guide”), articulates the minimum standards Unum expects. It’s designed to work in conjunction with the Supplier’s own operational guidelines, legal obligations, and contractual agreements with Unum.
- Legal Compliance
Suppliers must rigorously respect and follow all relevant laws, rules, and regulatory mandates applicable to their operations, regardless of location.
- Commitment to Labor and Human Rights
Unum champions human rights and equitable treatment. We expect our Suppliers to share this dedication. Suppliers should implement and maintain policies and procedures that demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding human rights for all individuals within their workforce and throughout their supply networks. Essential principles include:
- Voluntary Labor: Suppliers are strictly prohibited from using or benefiting from any form of forced, involuntary, or compulsory labor, including slavery and human trafficking. Adherence to all laws and regulations aimed at eradicating these practices is mandatory.
- Just Compensation and Work Standards: Suppliers will provide employees with remuneration, benefits, and work schedules that meet or surpass all legal requirements and industry best practices.
- Dignity and Respect in the Workplace: Suppliers must foster a work environment free from harassment, unlawful discrimination, and any form of mistreatment. Employment practices must be equitable, based on qualifications and performance.
- Safe and Healthy Working Conditions: Suppliers bear the responsibility to establish and maintain a secure and healthy work environment, in full accordance with all relevant occupational health and safety laws and regulations.
- Upholding Ethical Standards
Unum insists that its Suppliers maintain the highest level of ethical conduct in all aspects of their business dealings. This entails:
- Business Probity: Suppliers must abstain from any form of corrupt practice, including bribery, extortion, embezzlement, or facilitation payments. Strict compliance with all anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), is essential.
- Protection of Intellectual Assets: Suppliers are obligated to respect and safeguard the intellectual property rights of Unum, as well as those of third parties. This includes trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. Use of Unum’s brand or trademarks is strictly prohibited without explicit written consent.
- Data Protection and Security: Suppliers handling personal data or Unum proprietary information must adhere to all pertinent data protection and security laws and regulations. Suppliers are required to implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of such information.
- Accurate Financial Records: Suppliers must keep precise and transparent financial books and records for all business activities and transactions.
- Appropriate Gifts and Hospitality: Suppliers should avoid offering gifts, hospitality, or other benefits that could create or appear to create undue influence in business relationships. Any interactions with Unum personnel must align with Unum’s policies regarding gifts and hospitality.
- Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: Suppliers must reveal any potential conflicts of interest, including familial or close personal connections with Unum employees or directors that might affect or appear to affect business decisions.
- Environmental Stewardship
Unum is dedicated to environmental sustainability and expects its Suppliers to demonstrate a similar commitment. Suppliers are expected to manage their operations in an environmentally responsible manner by:
- Assessing and minimizing the environmental impact of their activities.
- Complying with all relevant environmental laws and regulations.
- Promoting practices that safeguard the environment and support health and safety.
- Confidential Information
Suppliers have a duty to protect Unum’s confidential information. “Confidential Information” encompasses any non-public data pertaining to Unum that could be exploited by competitors or cause detriment to Unum or its users if revealed. Suppliers must not disclose or distribute Unum’s confidential information unless explicitly authorized by Unum in writing or legally compelled to do so. Confidential information must be utilized solely for the purpose of fulfilling the agreed-upon obligations to Unum. Specific confidentiality obligations may be further detailed in agreements with Unum.
- Raising Concerns
Unum urges Suppliers to report any inquiries, concerns, or suspected breaches of this Guide or any unethical business conduct. Suppliers should communicate such matters to their designated Unum contact or through [email protected]. Unum is committed to investigating all reports and taking appropriate action.
- Enforcement and Review
Unum retains the right to evaluate Supplier compliance with this Guide. Non-compliance may lead to the suspension or termination of the business relationship with Unum. This Guide may be updated periodically, and Unum will communicate revisions as necessary.