1. Introduction and Purpose
LearnEra Ltd (“LearnEra”, “we”, “our”, or “the Company”) is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and in compliance with all applicable laws and ethical standards. This Supplier Code of Conduct (“Code”) establishes the minimum standards and expectations we require from all third-party suppliers, service providers, consultants, freelancers, and other external partners (“Suppliers”) who supply goods or services to LearnEra, including in relation to our online educational platform: [www.learnera.co.uk].
As a leading eLearning company operating in the United Kingdom, LearnEra upholds high ethical, environmental, and human rights standards, and requires that all Suppliers reflect these values in their operations and supply chains.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Suppliers shall fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, including but not limited to:
The Modern Slavery Act 2015
The Equality Act 2010
The Employment Rights Act 1996
The Bribery Act 2010
The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
Any applicable intellectual property and digital services laws
Suppliers shall also act in accordance with internationally recognised human rights standards and labour conventions, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO Core Conventions.
3. Prohibition of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
LearnEra maintains zero tolerance for modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, or servitude. All Suppliers must:
Have appropriate policies and procedures in place to prevent modern slavery and trafficking in their business and supply chains.
Ensure that all workers are employed voluntarily and without coercion, bonded labour, or deception.
Not charge recruitment fees or retain identity documents from workers.
Promptly investigate and remediate any instances of non-compliance.
Suppliers must conduct regular risk assessments and due diligence on their own supply chains and provide evidence upon request.
4. Child Labour
Suppliers must not employ individuals under the legal minimum working age as defined by applicable laws and ILO standards. In no event shall children be employed in hazardous work or in any way that may harm their development or education.
5. Employment Practices
Suppliers shall treat all workers with dignity and respect. The following minimum standards apply:
Fair Wages: Workers must be paid lawful wages, including overtime, without unlawful deductions.
Working Hours: Must comply with national laws and not exceed legal limits.
Contracts: All workers shall have written employment agreements outlining their terms of engagement.
Freedom of Association: Suppliers must respect workers’ rights to collective bargaining and unionisation.
6. Equality, Diversity and Non-Discrimination
Suppliers must not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, or abuse. Employment-related decisions (e.g., hiring, promotion, pay, training) shall be based on merit and qualifications and not on personal characteristics such as:
Age
Disability
Gender or gender identity
Marital or family status
Race, ethnicity, or nationality
Religion or belief
Sexual orientation
All workers must be provided with equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
7. Health and Safety
Suppliers shall provide a safe and healthy working environment for all personnel, including those working remotely or in digital environments. This includes:
Compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation.
Ensuring physical and digital workplaces are free from hazards.
Providing appropriate training, equipment, and systems for risk prevention.
8. Environmental Responsibility
Suppliers shall minimise their environmental footprint and comply with all relevant environmental legislation. This includes:
Efficient energy and resource use in digital services.
Minimising waste and adopting sustainable practices in office operations and logistics.
Avoiding use of materials or methods that damage the environment.
9. Business Integrity and Anti-Corruption
LearnEra prohibits all forms of bribery, corruption, fraud, and unethical conduct. Suppliers must:
Comply with the UK Bribery Act 2010 and all anti-corruption laws.
Avoid offering or accepting bribes, kickbacks, or improper payments.
Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Maintain accurate and transparent business and financial records.
10. Data Protection and Confidentiality
As a digital learning provider, LearnEra handles sensitive data and intellectual property. Suppliers must:
Comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Protect any confidential, proprietary, or personal data accessed during their engagement.
Only use data for the intended purpose and prevent unauthorised access or disclosure.
11. Intellectual Property and Digital Ethics
Suppliers working with LearnEra’s platform or content must respect our intellectual property rights and:
Not copy, share, or reproduce copyrighted material without permission.
Avoid using pirated software or unauthorised educational content.
Ensure all online assets, platforms, and services adhere to accessibility and ethical design standards.
12. Subcontracting and Supply Chain Responsibility
Suppliers shall not subcontract any part of their obligations without prior written approval from LearnEra. Suppliers are responsible for:
Ensuring their own suppliers, agents, and subcontractors comply with this Code.
Maintaining supply chain transparency and traceability.
Immediately reporting any breaches or suspected risks in their supply chains.
13. Monitoring and Compliance
LearnEra reserves the right to:
Conduct audits or site visits to verify compliance with this Code.
Request supporting documentation, declarations, or certifications.
Investigate complaints and allegations of non-compliance.
Breaches of this Code may result in contract termination, removal from our approved supplier list, or legal action where necessary.
14. Whistleblowing and Grievance Mechanisms
Suppliers must have procedures to allow employees to report unethical or unlawful behaviour anonymously and without retaliation.
Serious concerns, particularly relating to modern slavery, fraud, or abuse, must be reported to LearnEra via:
📩 compliance@learnera.co.uk (example – please confirm your contact)
15. Acknowledgement and Agreement
By conducting business with LearnEra, all Suppliers agree to comply with the principles outlined in this Code. Suppliers are required to confirm their understanding and adherence either by:
Signing a formal Supplier Declaration, or
Incorporating this Code into contractual agreements.
16. Review and Amendment
This Supplier Code of Conduct is subject to periodic review and may be updated at any time to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practices, or LearnEra’s operational priorities. Suppliers will be notified of any material changes.
Document Control
Document Owner: Legal & Compliance Officer, LearnEra Ltd
Approved By: Nigel Long, Compliance Manager
Effective Date: 01/01/2025
Next Review Date: 01/01/2026
Status: Final