The purpose of our Code
At Adelaide University we’re committed to procurement activities that are environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, ethically sound, and economically sensible.
By putting these principles into practice, we build partnerships that reflect our values - trust, inclusivity, ambition, respect and discovery - and contribute positively to our community and broader society.
Who our Code applies to
At Adelaide University we rely on our suppliers to help us deliver exceptional teaching and research. This Code sets out the standards we expect from everyone who provides goods or services to us, whether in Australia or overseas. By sharing this Code with their related entities, suppliers and subcontractors, our suppliers help ensure these expectations are understood and upheld across the entire supply chain.
Our Supplier Code of Conduct principles
At Adelaide University we expect all suppliers, and their related entities, suppliers and subcontractors, to uphold the highest standards of ethical, lawful, and sustainable conduct in all business dealings. Our procurement partnerships must reflect the University’s purpose, values, and strategic priorities, and contribute positively to our community and reputation.
1. We require compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
At Adelaide University we expect suppliers to understand and meet all legal and regulatory requirements that apply to their operations and work with us. Suppliers must:
1.1. Comply with all relevant Australian laws, regulations, and industry standards, including international trade sanctions, export controls and embargoes, and keep up to date with changes to these requirements.
1.2. Apply the higher Australian standard, including anti-corruption and anti-bribery requirements, where laws differ across jurisdictions.
1.3. Understand that Adelaide University is a public authority, and that its staff and contractors are public officers under the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2012 (SA) and the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018 (SA).
1.4. Ensure employees understand their rights and obligations to report suspected corruption, serious misconduct or maladministration in public administration to the SA Office for Public Integrity.
1.5. Report suspected misconduct of Adelaide University staff to the Director of Procurement, or make a report under the [Public Interest Disclosure Procedure] if whistleblower protections are required.
2. We expect suppliers to act with social responsibility
At Adelaide University we expect suppliers to operate in a socially responsible way. Suppliers must:
2.1. Comply with all applicable human rights laws and standards, including the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth). Ensure operations and supply chains are free from forced labour, child labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
2.2. Encourage inclusive employment and procurement practices by engaging, where possible, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, social enterprises, and suppliers that promote gender equity and accessibility through their own diversity and inclusion policies.
2.3. Where possible, contribute to the social and economic development of local communities through employment, training, and community partnerships.
2.4. Provide fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. Discrimination, harassment, and abuse of any kind are not tolerated.
2.5. Comply with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), National Employment Standards (NES) and other legislation, awards or agreements relevant to the working conditions of employees, including the payment of wages, working hours, leave and employment benefits and superannuation entitlements.
2.6. Respect employees’ freedom of association and right to collective bargaining, ensuring they may join or be represented by a trade union or industrial organisation without coercion.
2.7. Undertake due diligence on supply chains to identify and address risks of modern slavery and labour standards, and provide supporting documentation upon request.
3. We expect the highest standards of ethical conduct
At Adelaide University we expect suppliers to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in all business dealings. Strong ethical practice underpins our procurement and reflects our commitment to integrity, transparency, and social responsibility. Suppliers must:
3.1. Act honestly, professionally, and fairly in all dealings with Adelaide University.
3.2. Operate with integrity, transparency and ethical conduct, avoiding corruption, bribery, and conflicts of interest.
3.3. Report any unethical behaviour or suspected breaches of this Code.
3.4. Not engage with sanctioned entities or individuals and comply with all trade restrictions.
3.5. Provide evidence of compliance with sanctions and other legal obligations upon request.
3.6. Disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest as soon as practicable.
3.7. Maintain accurate and complete records and provide documentation upon request.
3.8. Protect confidential, private, or sensitive information and use it only in accordance with contractual terms.
3.9. Ensure goods and services meet specified compliance requirements, are safe to use, and are fit for purpose.
3.10. Implement policies and procedures to manage risk and promote ethical behaviour.
3.11. Not engage in acts of corruption or bribery and not apply undue influence to affect business decisions.
3.12. Take reasonable steps to prevent harm resulting from business activities.
3.13. Model fair and sustainable business practices by applying equitable contract terms and selecting subcontractors through open and impartial processes.
3.14. Maintain whistleblower protections that allow staff to report misconduct safely and fairly.
3.15. Not offer gifts, hospitality, or benefits to Adelaide University staff that could be perceived as attempts to influence decisions, in line with the [Fraud and Corruption Policy].
4. We uphold sustainable and environmentally responsible practices
At Adelaide University we’re committed to sustainable procurement practices that minimise environmental impact and support ecological responsibility. We expect suppliers to demonstrate strong environmental stewardship and act in accordance with Adelaide University’s commitment to sustainability. They must:
4.1. Comply with environmental legislation and relevant industry standards (such as ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management systems).
4.2. Manage waste, emissions, and resource use responsibly in accordance with local and international regulations.
4.3. Ensure their suppliers also meet environmental and sustainability standards.
4.4. Take reasonable steps to prevent environmental damage and minimise negative impacts during the manufacture and supply of goods and services.
4.5. Minimise waste, recycle where possible and reducing landfill contributions.
4.6. Maintain an environmental management system, plans, or policies to reduce impact and pursue recognised environmental standards.
4.7. Promote positive environmental outcomes such as reduced emissions, renewable energy use, improved waste and water management, and pollution reduction.
4.8. Provide information on environmental and sustainability practices upon request, including data on scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions (as per the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol), where available.
5. We expect zero tolerance for corruption and bribery
At Adelaide University we expect suppliers to act lawfully, transparently and with integrity in all dealings. Suppliers must meet the highest applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery standards. Suppliers must:
5.1. Comply with all relevant anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations, including meeting Australian standards where these are higher.
5.2. Not use bribery, extortion and other forms of corrupt practices.
5.3. Develop policies and programs to address corruption throughout their operations and supply chains.
6. We require clear systems for managing compliance
At Adelaide University we expect suppliers to implement appropriate management systems, policies and controls to demonstrate effective and ongoing compliance with this Code. Suppliers must:
6.1. Develop, maintain and implement policies consistent with this Code and maintain appropriate management systems and documentation to demonstrate compliance with this Code.
6.2. Promote timely and balanced disclosure of material ethical, social and environmental matters, including those relating to this Code concerning the goods or services provided to Adelaide University.
6.3. Co-operate with Adelaide University audits and requests for evidence of compliance with this Code by providing information, documents, and access to staff or authorised third parties.
6.4. Acknowledge that failure to comply with this Code may result in corrective action, suspension, or termination of the supplier’s relationship with Adelaide University.
7. We investigate breaches of this code
At Adelaide University we take reports of misconduct seriously. Suppliers must:
7.1. Understand that Adelaide University investigates reported breaches of this Code. Confirmed breaches may result in contract termination, exclusion from future procurement opportunities, or referral of unlawful conduct to external authorities.
Definitions used in our code
Please refer to our Adelaide University Glossary for a full list of our definitions.
Conflict of interest refers to any situation where a supplier’s personal, financial, or other interests could improperly influence, or appear to influence, their ability to act in the best interests of Adelaide University. This includes circumstances where the supplier or its employees have a direct or indirect financial stake in decisions related to university contracts, maintain personal or business relationships with university staff that could compromise impartiality, or engage in activities that create the perception of favouritism or bias. Suppliers are required to promptly disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest and cooperate with the University to address and mitigate them.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business means a business that is at least 51 per cent Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander owned and controlled.
Modern slavery means situations where coercion, threats or deception are used to exploit people and undermine or deprive them of their freedom, as set out in the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth). It includes trafficking in persons, slavery, servitude, forced marriage, forced labour, debt bondage, deceptive recruiting for labour or services, and the worst forms of child labour; it does not include practices such as substandard working conditions or underpayment of workers.
Social enterprise means businesses that use commercial strategies to achieve social, cultural, community, or environmental purpose, rather than focusing solely on profit. They often provide employment for disadvantaged groups, including people with a disability, the long-term unemployed, refugees, former prisoners and recent migrants, creating transformational outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Subcontractor means any individual, company, or organisation engaged by a primary supplier to perform part of the work, services, or obligations under the supplier’s contract with Adelaide University. Subcontractors operate under an agreement with the supplier, not directly with the University.
Supply chain means the complete network of entities, resources, processes, and activities involved in producing, sourcing, and delivering goods or services from the initial supplier to the end customer. This includes manufacturers, distributors, subcontractors, logistics providers, and any other parties engaged by the vendor to fulfill contractual obligations.
Supplier means an individual, company or organisation that provides goods or services to Adelaide University under agreed terms and conditions, typically in exchange for payment.