SWEP Communique - Suppler Code of Conduct

29 August 2017

The Victorian Government has introduced a 'Supplier Code of Conduct' to support the State's commitment to ethical, sustainable and socially responsible procurement. 'The Supplier Code of Conduct' became effective on 1 July 2017.

All suppliers to Victorian State Government agencies, including Ballarat Health Services (BHS) and the State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP), are expected to commit to the Supplier Code of Conduct.

The Supplier Code of Conduct does not supersede or alter any supplier's regulatory and contractual obligations.

The Supplier Code of Conduct applies to all suppliers to BHS/SWEP, whether contracted for goods and services or engaged to supply on an ad hoc basis via purchase order, including the supply of equipment, services or home or vehicle modifications to SWEP clients and NDIS participants.

SWEP is unable to trade with suppliers who are not committed to the Supplier Code of Conduct,

What do you need to do?

Suppliers to BHS/SWEP should:

review the Supplier Code of Conduct and ensure that relevant areas of your business and supply chain meet these standards;

review their existing contracts, agreements and purchase orders as they may contain additional obligations or higher standards than those set out in the Supplier Code of Conduct;

communicate the Supplier Code of Conduct to their related entities, suppliers and subcontractors who support them in supplying goods and services, or construction works and services to the State, so they are aware of, understand and comply with the Supplier Code of Conduct.

Prescribing Therapists sourcing quotes for assistive technologies on behalf of clients and as part of an application for subsidy from SWEP should:

confirm with the relevant supplier(s) that they are committed to the Supplier Code of Conduct;
if a supplier is unable to commit to the Supplier Code of Conduct, seek a quote from an alternate supplier who is.

Further Information

The Supplier Code of Conduct, Frequently Asked Questions and Fact Sheets can be accessed at Supplier Code of Conduct | Victorian Government Purchasing Board - Achieving Excellence in Government Procurement (http://www.procurement.vic.gov.au/Suppliers/Supplier-Code-of-Conduct).

If you require further information or clarification on how the Supplier Code of Conduct applies to SWEP procurement, please contact Brendon Butler, SWEP Manager Procurement on 1300 747 937.

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