In all dealings with suppliers and potential suppliers, contracting authorities must preserve the highest standards of honesty, integrity, impartiality and objectivity. In particular, those who engage in commissioning tenders/contracts must:
- Be fair, efficient, firm and courteous
- Maintain the highest possible standard of integrity in all business relationships
- Acquire and maintain current technical knowledge;
- Achieve appropriate professional standards in the management of contracts’
- Foster appropriate standard of professional competence amongst those for whom they are responsible;
- Comply with the law, guidance on professional practice and contractual obligations;
- Respect the confidentiality of information received in the course of duty and ensure that information given in the course of duty is honest and clear; and
- Respond promptly, courteously and efficiently to suggestions or enquiries, including handling Freedom of Information obligations according to organisational policies
The policy and procedures set out in this section will apply to all RoS staff. However it is specifically aimed at staff engaged directly or indirectly in the procurement process or where staff may be seen to be in a position to influence the outcome of any procurement. The procurement process includes; sourcing goods or service providers, obtaining quotations (including the use of procurement cards), tender preparation and issue, bid evaluation, the award of contract and ongoing management of supplier performance.
Directors and senior staff who are in a position to influence commercial decisions and Staff engaged in Business Development or Projects both abroad and in the UK where they may be involved in tendering for or undertaking project work or in establishing commercial relationships are required to sign a declaration that they have read, understand and will comply with the policy and procedures.
Breach of these of these policy and procedures is a serious disciplinary offence and further information can be found in the Staff Handbook