Supplier Code of Conduct

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Introduction

Maximus has earned a reputation for service excellence and an unwavering commitment to the highest ethical principles and values. To maintain this reputation, we must consistently demonstrate the highest standards of accountability, integrity, responsibility, and ethics in our daily activities, across the organization and around the world, and across all disciplines, including procurement and subcontracting; compliance with laws and regulation; privacy and security; organizational and personal conflicts of interest; accounting, time-keeping, expense reporting, and billing; and equal opportunity and non-discrimination.  Ethics at Maximus is more than simply following a particular rule or law; it’s a shared commitment to hold to the highest standards of conduct.

These standards are based on a common-sense principle—do the right thing all the time.  Maximus requires all of its suppliers, vendors, teaming partners, and subcontractors (“Suppliers”) to meet these same standards and to comply with this Supplier Code of Conduct.

Maximus is committed to:

  • Partner only with Suppliers who comply with an ethical code of conduct
  • Exclude Suppliers who commit acts of misconduct
  • Improve social outcomes for those we serve

About this guide

Section 1 Gives basic information about the Maximus philosophy and explains our Company’s commitment to ethical conduct

Section 2 Lists the eight principles of professional, ethical conduct that all Maximus Suppliers must follow

Section 3 Gives detailed information for each of the four Standards of the Supplier Code of Conduct

Section 4 Lists resources and key contacts for reporting violations and getting guidance

Section 1: Overview

Introduction

This Supplier Code of Conduct aligns with the Maximus standards for its business operations.

Maximus requires that all Suppliers implement the ethical principles set forth in are this Code of Conduct with respect to all goods, services, and deliverables the Suppliers provide to Maximus, its subsidiaries, and affiliates. The Code is incorporated by reference into all Maximus Supplier contracts and agreements.

Section 2: Principles of the Maximus supplier ethical conduct

Maximus requires its Suppliers to (i) maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism in their business dealings, (ii) adhering to the laws of the countries where they operate, and (iii) take action to minimize negative impacts and risks to Maximus business operations, to Maximus customers and their operations, and to the general public.

Therefore, the principles of the Maximus Supplier Code of Conduct are to:

  1. Conduct business affairs honestly, fairly, and ethically;
  2. Follow all applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations when conducting business
  3. Avoid any actions that may create the appearance of unethical or illegal behavior
  4. Maintain a high level of integrity and ethics in your interactions with one another, with your customers and clients, and with the general public
  5. Maintain a safe workplace
  6. Accept other Suppliers as valuable members of the Maximus team and treat them with loyalty, respect, and dignity
  7. Extend fair employment practices to every member of your community
  8. Avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest in both company and personal affairs

Section 3: Supplier Code of Conduct Standards

Standard 1

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Maximus Suppliers must always follow all applicable laws and regulations. When a law or regulation is violated, there may be severe financial penalties or other sanctions for Maximus and the Suppliers and personnel involved.

You must promptly report any activity that appears to violate applicable laws and regulations, contract obligations, or Maximus policies and procedures.

To report a violation or for assistance in assessing a possible violation, promptly contact your Maximus procurement point of contact.

Standard 2

Employment Practices

Maximus Suppliers must comply with all labor and employment laws, including laws concerning freedom of association, collective bargaining, immigration, working time, and wages and hour laws.

Maximus Suppliers must obey laws prohibiting employment discrimination and must provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnic background, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

Maximus encourages Suppliers to provide training and development opportunities to help raise their employees’ skills through training and access to professional development as befits their role.

Maximus Suppliers must support the prohibition and elimination of child labor and comply with all applicable child labor laws.

Standard 3

Fair and Safe Workplace

Maximus Suppliers must implement appropriate health and safety policies and procedures overseen by an individual responsible for compliance and monitoring and ensure that employees have the necessary training and health and safety equipment. This includes providing comfortable and hygienic working conditions with clean facilities and water suitable for drinking and washing. This also includes a work environment free of discrimination, harassment, threats, sexual harassment, and violence.

Employee health and wellbeing is instrumental to a safe working environment. Maximus Suppliers are encouraged to prioritize employee wellbeing by investing in measures to provide for a healthier employee and provide a better quality of life.

Grievance mechanisms and dispute procedure

Suppliers must provide clear and accessible processes for resolving disputes with their employees and enabling their employees to file grievances in a confidential manner. Supplier grievance mechanisms should include assurance that the Supplier will not tolerate retaliation against an employee who has reported a grievance in good faith.

Standard 4

Protecting Confidential and Proprietary Information

Suppliers must respect the privacy of individuals (whether a customer, client or employee) and handle personalized data appropriately and by the letter of the law. Many countries have strict rules about the collection and use of personal data. Personal data may include, but is not limited to:

  • Name
  • Home address
  • Office contact information
  • Identification number
  • Health or financial information

Maximus Suppliers must handle personal data responsibly and for legitimate business purposes only and must secure the data as required by applicable laws and regulations and the terms of the Supplier’s agreements with Maximus. Suppliers must obey privacy laws. Suppliers must immediately report suspected violations of the handling of personal data per supplier’s policy and in accordance with their contractual obligations to Maximus. Reporting breaches directly to Maximus is imperative and usually a contractual requirement.

Section 4: Resources and key points of contact

Compliance

Each employee, consultant, contractor, and Supplier of Maximus is responsible for ensuring compliance with this Code of Conduct.

Reporting ethical violations

Suppliers must report any suspected ethical violations related to Maximus. You may speak to your procurement team point of contact or report to Maximus Ethics Hotline here: maximus.ethicspoint.com. Or call:

  • U.S. and Canada: 844.592.2218
  • Australia: 1.800.319.521
  • Italy: 800146986
  • Saudi Arabia: dial 1-800-10, dial 844.592.2218 at the English prompt
  • Singapore: ITFS hotline, 800.110.2311
  • U.K.: 0808.234.6400

If you’re not sure where to send your report, email the Corporate Compliance Officer at

chiefcomplianceofficer@maximus.com.

Maximus takes investigations very seriously and will try to maintain confidentiality to the greatest extent possible consistent with our obligation to investigate and remedy any matters.

Maximus prohibits retribution or retaliation against anyone who reports suspected human rights violations in good faith and will take remedial or disciplinary action against anyone who violates related laws.

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Acknowledgement

All Suppliers must read and understand this document at the time of contract signatures or renewal.