BT Group is dedicated to conducting business with the highest ethical standards, operating legally and responsibly across the globe. Our commitment to integrity is embedded in every aspect of our operations, and we expect the same from our suppliers.  

Responsible sourcing is core to what BT Sourced does. We seek suppliers that are committed to ensuring that the products and services we buy from them are produced in a responsible way, with respect for human rights, labour rights, and the environment. 

Our approach to responsible sourcing includes:

1. Supplier Charter:

All suppliers are required to adhere to the guidelines set out in the Supplier Charter  and comply with relevant laws and regulations. By upholding these principles, we aim to build trust and maintain a responsible, sustainable business network. The Supplier Charter has been developed based on international standards such as the UN Global Compact, the ILO conventions, and ISO14001.

2. Policies and Standards:

Our expectations of suppliers are codified in the policies and standards listed on the Policies Portal. Ongoing compliance with these policies and standards is a base contractual requirement when doing business with BT. Suppliers are expected to apply these requirements throughout their own supply chains.

3. Due Diligence:

We take a risk-based approach to assessing suppliers throughout the sourcing and onboarding stages of the procurement process and conduct audits and assessments of our suppliers. BT Sourced have also developed a set of industry leading controls using AI-powered technology, machine learning and subject matter experts to conduct due diligence, track risks and act, as necessary.

Beyond due diligence, when running competitive sourcing events, a mandatory minimum weighting is applied for environmental and social sustainability criteria to allow suppliers to demonstrate best practice and innovative solutions to address existing environmental and social challenges.

4. Capacity Building:

We engage with our suppliers to enhance their capabilities, ensuring they meet and exceed our standards.

5. Collaboration:

We collaborate with industry initiatives such as the Joint Alliance for Corporate Social Responsibility (JAC) and other stakeholders to promote responsible sourcing.

6. Supporting Small Businesses:

BT is committed to supporting and partnering with small businesses across the UK. We actively welcome the agility and innovation smaller suppliers bring and encourage engagement at all levels. For businesses with annual sales to BT under £150k, the most effective way to connect is directly with colleagues within the BT ecosystem. To make this process simple, efficient, and fast, we facilitate onboarding and transactions through Candex, our dedicated platform for working with smaller suppliers. This streamlined approach ensures agility, transparency, and ease of collaboration, helping small businesses integrate seamlessly into our BT supply chain.