iON Contractor Code of Conduct

Last updated: July 2024

Introduction

iON United Inc. (“iON”) mandates that all contractors adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards. This Contractor Code of Conduct (the “Code“) delineates these standards. While this Code is not exhaustive, it is intended to guide contractors in maintaining ethical and professional behavior. Compliance with the Code is obligatory, and any violation may result in the termination of the contract.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Code, the following definitions apply:

iON: iON United Inc.
Contractor: Any individual or entity engaged by iON under a contractual agreement.
Client: Any customer or client of iON.
Confidential Information: Any information regarding iON, its clients, suppliers, contractors, or employees that is not publicly available, including but not limited to trade secrets, intellectual property, marketing strategies, and financial data.
Intellectual Property: Includes patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights, inventions, drawings, computer programs, confidential information, and all rights of a similar nature whether registered or not.
Team Lead or Manager: The iON personnel assigned to oversee and provide technical guidance to contractors.

This Code comprises the following sections:

General Principles
Professional Conduct
Use of Company Property, Information, and Resources
Data Protection and Security
Personal Conduct
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Equal Employment Opportunities
Health and Safety
Environmental Responsibility
Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery
Obligation to Report Breaches
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Use of Social Media
Response to Breaches
Contractor Responsibilities
Ethical Decision-Making Framework
Harassment and Discrimination
Review and Update Procedure

Contractors should consult their assigned Team Lead or Manager for any uncertainties regarding this Code. All consultations will remain confidential.

1. General Principles

Contractors are expected to:

Act honestly and fairly in all business transactions.
Treat all individuals with courtesy and respect.
Act in the best interests of iON and its customers.
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

2. Professional Conduct

Conflicts of Interest: Contractors must avoid financial or business relationships that could conflict with iON’s interests. Disclosure is required for any potential conflicts, such as employment with a competitor or financial interests in competing businesses.

Other Employment: Contractors shall prioritize their duties at iON and disclose any external employment that may lead to conflicts of interest or affect job performance.

Gifts and Bribes: Contractors must act in the best interests of iON, avoiding any form of bribery or improper influence.

Fair Dealings: Contractors must ensure all statements and negotiations are truthful and accurate.

Media Comment: Contractors may not make unauthorized statements to the media regarding iON or its clients.

3. Use of Company Property, Information, and Resources

General Misuse: The use of iON’s property for non-business purposes is prohibited. Examples include unauthorized payments, alteration of data, misuse of equipment, and claiming false expenses.

Property Removal: Written permission is required to remove iON or client property from the premises.

Name and Stationery: The use of iON’s name or stationery is restricted to legitimate business purposes.

Electronic Communication: Email and computer systems should be used for legitimate business purposes only. Personal use must be minimal and non-interfering with business operations.

Confidentiality: Contractors must maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive information and not disclose it without proper authorization.

Intellectual Property: Intellectual property created during the contract period belongs to iON.

Documentation Use: Unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is prohibited.

Fraudulent Activities: Contractors must avoid any form of fraud, including falsification of records, bribery, and misrepresentation.

4. Data Protection and Security

Data Protection and Privacy: Contractors must comply with all relevant data protection and privacy laws. Personal data should be handled with the utmost care and only used for legitimate business purposes. Contractors must ensure the security and privacy of any data they handle in the course of their duties.

Digital Security: Contractors are responsible for maintaining digital security, including secure password management, recognizing phishing attempts, and ensuring devices are protected. All digital interactions must comply with iON’s cybersecurity policies.

5. Personal Conduct

Smoking: Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

Drugs and Alcohol: The use of drugs and alcohol on iON premises is prohibited, with exceptions for company-approved events.

Gambling: Gambling using iON’s equipment or on its premises is prohibited.

Dress and Grooming: Contractors must maintain a professional appearance consistent with their role.

Language: Contractors must refrain from using objectionable or obscene language.

Inappropriate Conduct: Contractors must not engage in behavior that adversely affects the work environment.

6. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Contractors must comply with all applicable laws and regulations relevant to iON’s business operations.

7. Equal Employment Opportunities

Contractors must treat all individuals fairly and without discrimination.

8. Health and Safety

Contractors are responsible for adhering to all health and safety regulations applicable to their work. This includes using provided safety equipment and reporting any unsafe conditions to iON’s health and safety officer.

9. Environmental Responsibility

Contractors are expected to conduct their activities in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes minimizing waste, recycling materials where possible, and adhering to iON’s environmental policies.

10. Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery

iON prohibits all forms of bribery and corruption. Contractors must not offer, give, receive, or solicit any bribes or improper payments.

11. Obligation to Report Breaches

Contractors must report any suspected violations of the Code to their assigned Team Lead or Manager. If uncomfortable reporting to these individuals, contractors may contact any member of iON’s Executive Leadership Team.

12. Non-Disclosure Agreement

Contractors may be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) as a condition of their contract with iON. This NDA is separate from, and in addition to, the confidentiality obligations outlined in this Code.

13. Use of Social Media

Contractors must represent themselves and iON appropriately on social media. Posting content that could harm iON’s reputation or disclose confidential information is strictly prohibited.

14. Response to Breaches

When a breach of the Code is reported, iON will conduct a thorough investigation. Contractors involved may be subject to disciplinary actions, including contract termination and legal proceedings.

15. Contractor Responsibilities

Contractors are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Code, seeking guidance when in doubt, and reporting any breaches or unethical behavior.

16. Ethical Decision-Making Framework

Contractors should follow an ethical decision-making process, including:

Identifying the ethical issue.
Considering the impact on all stakeholders.
Reviewing iON’s policies and legal obligations.
Seeking advice if needed.
Making a decision that upholds the highest ethical standards.

17. Harassment and Discrimination

iON is committed to providing a work environment free from harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and workplace discrimination. Contractors must not engage in any form of harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

18. Review and Update Procedure

iON will review this Code of Conduct annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Contractors will be notified of any significant changes, and it is their responsibility to stay informed about the current version of the Code.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct, please contact your Team Lead or Manager or contracts@ionunited.com.