Principle 2: Equal Partnership

Build trust, two-way communication and joint problem-solving with your suppliers. 

Overview of Principle 2: Equal Partnership

Companies across the supply chain share responsibility for the treatment of people working within it. Responsible purchasing practices recognise this shared responsibility and embed it at the heart of how business is done.

Building trust and mutual respect with your suppliers lays the foundation for better practices. Long-term relationships, open and effective communication, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving all support shared responsibility for improving working conditions.

Principle 2 focuses on forming strong relationships with your suppliers by: 

• Building mutual respect and trust.
• Establishing long-term, secure sourcing relationships.
• Creating effective two-way communication.
• Developing partnership in problem solving.
• Sharing responsibility for improving working conditions.
• Agreeing mutual responsibilities for responsible purchasing.
• Only using force majeure clauses responsibly.
• When necessary, employing responsible exit strategies.

Read Principle 2 of the Common Framework