Corporate social responsibility

As part of the tender process suppliers are evaluated in a number of ways. This may include the supplier's approach to corporate social responsibility insofar as it is relevant to the goods or services being tendered.

View the BBC Corporate Responsibility Report.

The BBC's consideration of corporate social responsibility falls under three headings.

Environmental responsibility

The BBC takes its impact on the environment very seriously. BBC Procurement supports this by taking a holistic approach to procurement. We aim to ensure that:

• The whole length of the supply chain is considered, including sourcing and disposal.
• We seek out opportunities to create a more sustainable world.
• The overall cost is neutral.

View the BBC Sustainable Procurement Strategy.

Social and ethical responsibility

The BBC attaches great importance to its role as a corporate citizen. It seeks to meet the highest standards of social, ethical and employment practice. The BBC has a Code of Ethical Policy which encourages its suppliers to adopt similar principles. This applies to all direct suppliers, as well as their sub-contractors, to observe best practice in the following areas: general employment practices, the employment of appropriate workers, worker insurance, working environment, respect for the individual worker; equal opportunities and freedom of association.

Diversity and equal opportunities

The BBC is committed to equal opportunities for all, irrespective of colour, race, religious belief, ethnic or national origins, gender, marital status, sexuality, disability or age. The BBC is committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity and diversity. The BBC approach for the provision of goods and services is to look to build business relationships with those suppliers who support and apply similar principles.

Suppliers may be requested to provide a written statement of these policies and details of how they are implemented.