Supply chain standards

The UK and US have held separate but comprehensive supply chain principles and a large proportion of our suppliers have signed up to these principles (for example, 60% of 1,500 suppliers in the UK).

This year a new global procurement policy has been put in place. The following headings cover the scope of the new policy.

Openness and Fairness

Experian will provide all suppliers with opportunities to sell their products and services meeting the requirements of Experian. This will include not only those suppliers with past relationships with Experian, but newcomers as well.

Rational Selection Criteria

Selection of suppliers will be on the basis of rational and clear selection criteria, such as quality, price, delivery assurance and reliability, so as to purchase superior goods and services from the most competitive suppliers.

Ethical and Professional Standards

In dealing with any supplier, Experian employees will conduct themselves in compliance with Experian business ethics and in such a manner that does not bring Experian into disrepute or provide a conflict of interest or financial gain to either the employee or anyone associated with the employee.

Compliance with Laws and Environmental Protection

In conducting procurement activities, Experian will seek to fulfill its role as a good corporate citizen by observing all related laws and regulations and by taking into consideration such factors as conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

During 2007 Serasa re-launched its supply chain conditions including a revision of labour standards and a statement of environmental conditions based on criteria from the Ethos Institute (a leading CR organisation in Brazil and a global reference). The standards were promoted through a Supplier Relationship Meeting. Serasa also undertakes supplier audits.  Its supplier management approach is in compliance to Brazilian Social Responsibility Norm NBR 16001:2004 and was the first company in the country to sign up.