Code of Conduct
The ethical standards and principles that guide how H.E.L Group operates as a business.
H.E.L Group has designed, manufactured and supported scientific instruments since 1987. Our customers work in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals, battery technology and energy — sectors where safety, integrity and trust matter. This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour we hold ourselves to, and that we expect of everyone who works with us and for us.
The Code is owned by our senior leadership team, is supported by the detailed policies listed at the end of this page, and is reviewed at least annually.
Who this Code applies to
This Code applies across our business and our value chain. It covers our employees, officers and directors, together with agency and temporary staff, contractors, consultants, interns, volunteers and anyone else authorised to act on our behalf. We also expect our suppliers, distributors and business partners to work to equivalent standards.
Our standards
| Integrity and anti-bribery | We conduct our business to the highest legal and ethical standards, and we will not be party to corruption or bribery in any form. No one acting for us may offer, promise, give, request or accept a bribe, or make a facilitation payment to a government official — anywhere in the world, directly or indirectly. As a UK-incorporated company we are subject to the Bribery Act 2010, and we comply with equivalent legislation in every market in which we operate. |
| Gifts and hospitality | Our people must not solicit gifts or hospitality in the course of their work. We prohibit anything unduly lavish or extravagant, anything given or received in secret, cash or cash equivalents such as vouchers, and anything that could reasonably be seen as an inducement or a reward for preferential treatment. All gifts and hospitality given or received must be declared and properly recorded in writing. |
| Accurate records | We keep full and accurate records of all our financial dealings. Accounts, invoices, credit notes, purchase orders and other records relating to third parties are prepared accurately and completely, and no account is kept off book. Transparency protects our customers, our suppliers and ourselves. |
| Equality, diversity and inclusion | We are committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion across our workforce and to eliminating unlawful discrimination. We do not discriminate on the basis of the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010, and decisions concerning our people are based on merit. This commitment extends beyond employment: in providing our goods and services we are equally committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or of the public. |
| Dignity at work | Everyone at H.E.L has the right to work in an environment free from harassment and bullying, and a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect. This applies in the workplace and equally at work-related social events, on business trips, at customer or supplier events, and online, including on social media. We will not tolerate the harassment of our colleagues by any third party; where it occurs we will investigate and may warn the client or supplier concerned, ban them from our premises, and report any alleged criminal acts to the police. |
| Data protection and privacy | We process personal information lawfully, fairly and transparently, collect only what is adequate and necessary for a specified purpose, keep it accurate and secure, and retain it no longer than is needed. We apply appropriate technical and organisational safeguards, place written obligations on any organisation processing personal information on our behalf, and report notifiable breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office without undue delay and within 72 hours where required. |
| Information security and communications | We expect professional standards in all business communications, and we do not tolerate messages that are offensive, discriminatory or inconsistent with our commitment to equality and inclusion. Confidential information about our customers, suppliers or our business is not placed on the internet or transmitted by insecure means, and sensitive material is encrypted or password-protected. We maintain controls over access to our systems, covering authorised equipment and secure remote access, password protection, anti-virus software and restrictions on unauthorised software. We comply with the copyright and licensing terms of the software and material we use. |
| Health, safety and the environment | We operate our business responsibly and in fulfilment of our compliance obligations. We work to assess and re-assess the environmental effects of our activities, minimise waste and material and energy wastage, promote recyclable and renewable materials, prevent pollution in all its forms, control noise emissions, and minimise risk to our employees and to the general public. H.E.L is accredited to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. |
| Speaking up | Each of us has a responsibility to speak out on discovering anything corrupt or otherwise improper in relation to the business. Concerns can be raised through a line manager or a member of the People Department, and may be raised anonymously. No one may threaten or retaliate against a person who has refused to offer or accept a bribe, or who has raised a concern in good faith — retaliation is itself treated as a serious disciplinary matter. |
Compliance
We take compliance with this Code seriously. Failure to meet these standards puts both individuals and the Company at risk, and in some cases may amount to a criminal offence. Breaches by our people are dealt with under our disciplinary procedures and may result in dismissal. Any non-employee who breaches this Code is liable to have their contract terminated.
Raising a concern
If you are a customer, supplier, partner or member of the public and you wish to raise a concern about conduct connected to H.E.L Group, please contact us and mark your message for the attention of the Managing Director. Concerns raised in good faith are treated seriously and in confidence.
Supporting policies
This Code is underpinned by our detailed company policies, which are available in full on our company policies page:
