CONTRACTUAL CHALLENGES

The responsible management of business partners and suppliers is an integral part of Corporate Social Responsibility. The Danish government’s CSR Action Plan emphasises that businesses and investors play a central role in promoting social responsibility.  Leading by example, a number of state-owned or operated enterprises in Denmark currently use codes of ethics as a tool in their supplier-management strategies.

The demands that should be made on business partners and suppliers will be influenced by an evaluation of material considerations such as the type of industry the business operates in, its reputation and image, a risk assessment of suppliers, international relations, and specific customer requirements, among many others. Taken against the background of the overall CSR strategy of the business, these elements will shape the particular requirements to be placed on partners and suppliers.

Our assistance

Kromann Reumert's CSR group assists clients in preparing a business-specific Code of Conduct that outlines the expectations for the principles and values to be observed by business partners and suppliers.

We can assist on a range of legal matters, including drafting contracts to include CSR-related provisions, as well as advising on questions of contractual compliance and enforcement in connection with the implementation of CSR strategy.

We also provide advice on:

• the relationship to sub-contractors or suppliers
• auditing and inspections
• compliance reporting
• preparation of action plans
• follow-up/remedies to address non-compliance with CSR provisions.