Purchasing Policy

This policy provides Redstone with flexible and practical guidelines for the purchasing of goods and services. This policy is split into two main sections:

1. the Statutory Policies Section covers things that must be done pursuant to UK and EU legislation and regulation; and  
2. the Good Practice section explains the best practice that Redstone adopts and expects its suppliers to follow.

Statutory Policies

Various statutory requirements must be adhered to when purchasing goods and services.

Safety
Safety is our primary concern when procuring goods and services, as it is in all other aspects of our operations. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 imposes duties upon those procuring and providing goods and services and we have processes in place to ensure that these duties, together with those imposed by specific Regulations, are complied with.

Individual company safety managers and purchasing managers are responsible for administering these processes.

Legislation
The purchasing process is governed, or affected, by various UK and EU legislation and regulation, including in certain instances EU procurement legislation.

Purchasing managers must be mindful of all this legislation and, in the event of any doubt, seek clarification from the Finance Director.

Environment
The provision of goods and services must be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Redstone’s Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, Environmnetal Policy and corporate objectives. Goods and services must comply with all applicable environmental legislation and, where relevant, consideration should be given to the costs and benefits of any environmentally friendly alternatives.

Corporate Social Responsibility
Redstone is committed to operating in a socially responsible manner. Suppliers of goods and services must comply with all relevant legislation and international standards in particular relation to: trading policy, child and forced labour, health and safety of workers, non-discrimination, employment law, human rights and bribery and corruption.

Good Practice

This section identifies the good practice that Redstone endeavours to adheres to and expects its supply chain to operate to. These good practices must be followed unless specific agreement to deviate from these practices has been given by the Finance Director.

Ethical Purchasing Policy

Redstone strives to purchase goods and services which are produced and delivered under conditions which do not involve abuse or exploitation and which have the least negative impact on the environment. These principles form the basis of Redstone's Ethical Purchasing Policy (EPP). The globalisation of trade means that many of the goods on sale in the UK have been produced by people who experience dangerous or discriminatory working conditions.

Our suppliers are committed to meeting the following code of conduct, both in their own companies and in their supply chains:

• employment should be freely chosen; 
• freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining should be respected;
• working conditions should be safe and hygienic;
• there should be no exploitation of children;
• living wages should be paid;
• working hours should not be excessive;
• discrimination should not be practiced; and
• regular employment should be provided

Redstone relies on a combination of approved external independent certifications, supplier disclosures and certifications and public disclosure of information and production facilities to ensure that its suppliers comply with the EPP.

We evaluate on a case-by-case basis any instances where it is reasonably determined that supplier practices may differ from the EPP and may accept such supplier practices so long as the purpose and spirit of the EPP is always upheld.

We will work with suppliers who do not fully comply with the EPP in order to assist them to improve their workplace practices.

Redstone reserves the right to discontinue business with suppliers who are not responsive to our requests to address concerns relating to workplace practices and instances of non-compliance with the EPP.

Delegated Authorities
Redstone have established a framework of delegated authorities that define who is authorised to buy, or commit to, products and services within specified financial limits. It is mandatory for employees to adhere to their delegated authorities.

Terms and Conditions
Redstone has in place sets of terms and conditions for the purchasing of goods and services. Further information on our terms and conditions are available on our website. These terms and conditions are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with best practice, UK and EU legislation.

Summary 

Redstone shall:

• only source products from suitably approved suppliers, as detailed and recorded in Redstone's approved suppliers list;
• ensure that there is an appropriately experienced and qualified person(s) managing the procurement process and that the scope of the procurement process is appropriately and clearly defined; and
• ensure all individuals involved in the procurement process, in particular those directly responsible for procuring goods and services, operate to high ethical standard

Procurement personnel must declare in writing to their immediate superior any actual or potential conflict of interest and must not:

• use their position or authority for personal gain;
• divulge confidential or sensitive information to any unauthorised persons;
• accept gifts unless of a token value (e.g. diaries and pens); or
• accept hospitality which may be deemed to have influenced a business decision

Review
The group finance director is responsible for the regular review and furtherance of this purchasing policy.