Supplier Code of Conduct

Introduction

Vertex believes that the highest standard of integrity is necessary in establishing productive relationships between its employees and the community. As a result, Vertex has established a Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook to provide guidelines in fostering ethical business practices within its organization. In addition, Vertex has created a Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure the Vertex values are represented by its suppliers, contractors, consortium partners, and consultants (“Suppliers”) with any dealings on behalf of Vertex.

Suppliers are responsible to ensure that they and their employees, workers, representatives, suppliers and subcontractors comply with the standards of conduct set out in this Code of Conduct and other contractual obligations to Vertex. Please read through this Code of Conduct and implement the requirements throughout your organization. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Vertex Legal Team at Legal@vertexvis.com.

As a Supplier to Vertex, you agree to the following obligations:

Fair Employment Practices: To (i) observe applicable laws and regulations governing wages and hours, recruitment and employment contracts; (ii) allow workers to choose freely whether to organize or join associations of their own choosing for the purpose of collective bargaining as provided by local law or regulation; (iii) prohibit discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

Environment, Health & Safety: To comply with applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and to provide workers a safe and healthy workplace.

Human Rights: (i) To respect human rights of your employees and others in your business operations and your activities for Vertex; (ii) not to employ workers younger than sixteen (16) years of age or below the applicable minimum age, whichever is higher; (iii) not to use forced, prison or indentured labor, or workers subject to any form of physical, sexual or psychological compulsion, exploitation or coercion, or to engage in or abet trafficking in persons.

Working with Governments, Improper Payments and Dealings with Vertex Employees and Representatives: (i) To maintain and enforce a policy requiring adherence to lawful business practices, including a prohibition against bribery of government officials, (ii) not to offer or provide, directly or indirectly, anything of value, including cash, bribes, gifts, entertainment or kickbacks to any Vertex employee, representative or Vertex customer or to any government official in connection with any Vertex procurement, transaction or business dealings.

Competition Law: Not to share or exchange any price, cost or other competitive information or engage in any collusive conduct with any third party with respect to any proposed, pending or current Vertex procurement.

Intellectual Property: To respect the intellectual and other property rights of Vertex and of third parties, including all patents, trademarks and copyrights.

Security and Privacy: (i) To respect the privacy rights and secure the data of Vertex employees, customers, and suppliers (collectively, “Vertex Data”); (ii) to implement and maintain physical, organizational and technical measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of Vertex Data in order to prevent accidental, unauthorized or unlawful destruction, alteration, modification or loss of Vertex Data, misuse of Vertex Data, or unlawful processing of Vertex Data; and (iii) protect and implement appropriate security measures to Supplier operations and facilities.

Trade Controls & Customs Matters: Not to transfer Vertex technical information to any third party without the express, written permission of Vertex, and to comply with all applicable trade control laws and regulations in the import, export, re-export or transfer of goods, services, software, technology, or technical data including any restrictions on access or use by unauthorized persons or entities.

On-Site Work: Suppliers using Vertex properties or facilities will comply with all of Vertex’s applicable policies and requirements.

Compliance: In addition to these responsibilities, suppliers must comply with all applicable laws; legal regulations, directives, and guidelines; and all obligations in any contract a supplier may have with us.

How to Raise a Question or Concern

Vertex prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports or participates in an investigation of a possible violation of our policies (whistleblowing). Vertex aims to provide protections for you if you raise concerns regarding:

  • incorrect financial reporting;
  • unlawful activity;
  • activities that are not in line with Vertex policies, including its code of conduct; or
  • activities that amount to serious improper conduct.
Raising Concerns - Vertex Ethics and Conduct Team

Suppliers can submit a concern to a member of the Ethics and Conduct Team:
Brian Beckett, brian.beckett@vertexvis.com, 515-207-0111
Eileen Witt, eileen.witt@vertexvis.com, 515-598-7080
Dan Murray, dan.murray@vertexvis.com, 515-446-9311
Email: ethics@vertexvis.com

If you are aware of behaviors that could compromise Vertex, other employees, Suppliers, or our customers, please contact a member of the Ethics and Conduct Team. The Ethics and Conduct Team will take appropriate action to resolve the matter.

Raising Concerns - Third Party Anonymous Reporting

We have engaged Lighthouse Services to provide an anonymous ethics and compliance hotline for all Vertex Software employees and Suppliers. The purpose of the service is to ensure that any employee or Supplier wishing to submit a report anonymously can do so without the fear of retaliation.

Employees or Suppliers are encouraged to use the hotline service in cases where their anonymity is desired.

Please note that the information provided by you may be the basis of an internal and/or external investigation into the issue you are reporting and your anonymity will be protected by Lighthouse to the extent possible by law. However, your identity may become known during the course of the investigation because of the information you have provided. Reports are submitted by Lighthouse to the Vertex Ethics and Conduct Team for investigation according to our company policies.

Lighthouse Services toll free number and other methods of reporting are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for use by employees and staff.

Website: www.lighthouse-services.com/vertexvis

Toll-Free Telephone:

  • English speaking USA and Canada: 833-330-0070
  • Spanish speaking USA and Canada: 800-216-1288
  • Spanish speaking Mexico: 01-800-681-5340
  • French speaking Canada: 855-725-0002

E-mail: reports@lighthouse-services.com (must include company name with report)

Confidentiality

Every effort will be made to protect the complainant's identity with appropriate regard for confidentiality.