BRANDING SCIENCE GROUP CODE OF CONDUCT AND SUPPLIER STANDARDS

Version 2.0

Introduction

Our mission is to enable pharma to make better decisions for better patient futures. We deliver on this mission through our company values: Self-Belief, Passion, Courage, Growth, Smarts, and Respect for Differences. These values underpin the way we conduct business and guide every decision we make.

This Code of Conduct and Supplier Standards sets out Branding Science Group’s expectations regarding ethical behaviour, legal compliance, integrity, human rights, environmental responsibility and business conduct. It applies to everyone acting for or on behalf of Branding Science and establishes the standards we expect from our employees, suppliers, contractors, consultants, agents, subcontractors and other business partners.

Business ethics is central to the sustainability and long-term success of Branding Science. We conduct our business honestly, responsibly and transparently, and we expect those who work with us to do the same.

To Whom This Code Applies

This Code applies to:

  • All Branding Science employees
  • Executive Management and Board Directors
  • Temporary workers and contractors
  • Suppliers and service providers
  • Subcontractors and agents
  • Third-Party Representatives acting on behalf of Branding Science
  • Any other individual or organisation conducting business for or on behalf of Branding Science Group
  • All individuals and organisations covered by this Code are expected to understand its requirements and conduct themselves accordingly.

Branding Science’s Commitment to Business Ethics

Branding Science is committed to the highest standards of ethical business conduct. We operate globally and comply with the laws, regulations, standards and industry requirements that apply to our activities. This includes anti-corruption legislation, human rights principles, labour standards, data privacy requirements and environmental obligations.

We are committed to:

  • Acting with integrity and transparency
  • Preventing corruption, bribery, fraud and unethical behaviour
  • Respecting internationally recognised human rights
  • Protecting confidential and personal information
  • Promoting sustainable business practices
  • Providing safe and respectful working environments
  • Preventing modern slavery and human trafficking throughout our operations and supply chains

Every person working for or with Branding Science shares responsibility for upholding these commitments.

Speaking Up

Branding Science encourages an open and honest culture of trust, integrity and accountability. Anyone who becomes aware of actual or suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour or violations of this Code is encouraged to raise their concerns promptly.

Concerns may relate to:

  • Bribery or corruption
  • Fraud or dishonesty
  • Human rights abuses
  • Modern slavery
  • Workplace or sexual harassment
  • Data privacy breaches
  • Health and safety concerns
  • Environmental violations
  • Any other unethical or unlawful conduct

Concerns should be raised through:

  • Management channels
  • People & Culture
  • Compliance
  • The Group Whistleblowing Process
  • Email: [email protected]. All reports made in good faith will be treated seriously and investigated appropriately.

Non-Retaliation

Branding Science does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who:

  • Raises a concern in good faith
  • Reports suspected misconduct
  • Refuses to engage in unethical conduct
  • Participates in an investigation

Any retaliation against an individual for speaking up will be treated as a serious breach of this Code.

General Business Ethics

Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Branding Science competes fairly and ethically. We do not offer, promise, provide or accept bribes, kickbacks or any other improper advantage. This prohibition applies whether payments are made directly or through third parties.

Improper advantages may include:

  • Cash payments
  • Gifts
  • Hospitality
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Accommodation
  • Services or other benefits intended to improperly influence a business decision

Facilitation payments are prohibited in all circumstances.

Fraud Prevention

We are committed to preventing, detecting and addressing fraud.

Fraud includes:

  • Theft of funds or assets
  • Falsification of records
  • False expense claims
  • Manipulation of financial data
  • Misuse or forgery of documents
  • Deliberate misrepresentation of information

Employees and business partners must act honestly and maintain the highest standards of integrity.

Books and Records

Business records must be complete, accurate, truthful and maintained appropriately.

Invoices, expenses, contracts, payments and all other business records must accurately reflect the nature and purpose of the transaction and must never be altered or falsified.

Conflicts of Interest

All decisions should be made in the best interests of Branding Science and our clients.

Personal, social, financial or political interests must never improperly influence business decisions. Any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest must be disclosed promptly.

Data Privacy and Confidentiality

Branding Science respects the personal data of employees, patients, healthcare professionals, suppliers and other stakeholders.

Everyone covered by this Code must:

  • Use only the minimum personal data required
  • Share personal data only where necessary
  • Store information securely
  • Protect confidential information
  • Comply with applicable data protection legislation
  • Delete information when no longer required by law or business need

All confidential information obtained through business activities must be safeguarded and not disclosed without proper authorisation. Further details on our data privacy policy can be found here: https://branding-science.com/privacy-policy/. If in any doubt on any data privacy issue, please reach out to [email protected].

Human Rights, Respect and Inclusion

Branding Science respects internationally recognised human rights and seeks to avoid adverse human rights impacts through both its operations and business relationships.

We are committed to:

  • Equal opportunities
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Fair treatment
  • Respectful behaviour
  • Freedom from discrimination
  • Freedom from harassment and abuse

Any form of bullying, harassment, victimisation, intimidation or discrimination is unacceptable.

Where concerns regarding harassment or inappropriate conduct are raised, Branding Science reserves the right to investigate promptly and take appropriate action.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Branding Science maintains a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to conducting business ethically and implementing systems and controls to prevent modern slavery in our operations and supply chains.

Although our service-based supply chain presents a relatively low risk, we recognise the importance of vigilance and effective controls.

All employees, suppliers and subcontractors must:

  • Prohibit forced labour, bonded labour and human trafficking
  • Ensure employment is freely chosen
  • Comply with labour laws
  • Respect workers’ rights
  • Maintain ethical recruitment practices
  • Report any suspected instances of modern slavery immediately

Branding Science may conduct supplier due diligence and additional scrutiny where modern slavery risks are identified.

Supplier and Third-Party Standards

Branding Science works with suppliers worldwide and expects suppliers to operate according to the standards outlined in this Code. Our supply chain primarily includes:

  • Recruitment and fieldwork providers
  • Professional service firms
  • Independent contractors
  • IT and software providers
  • Travel management providers
  • Facilities management providers
  • Security and cleaning providers
  • Other corporate service providers

Suppliers must:

  • Comply with all applicable laws
  • Operate ethically and transparently
  • Respect human rights
  • Prevent modern slavery
  • Maintain accurate records
  • Protect confidential information
  • Support environmental responsibility
  • Report concerns relating to this Code
  • Ensure subcontractors comply with equivalent standards

Supplier Due Diligence

Though our suppliers are deemed as low risk, this Code further supports our efforts to ensure we can reduce risk and support responsible sourcing, therefore Branding Science may conduct due diligence before and during supplier relationships. This may include questionnaires, risk assessments and requests for supporting information. Suppliers identified as presenting elevated risk may be subject to enhanced review procedures.

Social Media and Digital Solutions

We use social media and digital solutions in a compliant way, both for business communication and private purposes. We never use social media to improperly promote Branding Science products. For business-related communication, we only use digital solutions that are controlled or approved by Branding Science for business-related communication and if we have permission to do so from all relevant stakeholders. We support the responsible use of digital solutions and new technologies that contribute to better quality of work for our clients, and thereby ultimately patients.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Branding Science is committed to leading by example in sustainability and environmental responsibility. We seek to create value for our business, stakeholders and the planet through responsible business practices.

We are committed to:

  • Reducing environmental impacts
  • Lowering carbon emissions
  • Supporting sustainable procurement
  • Improving environmental performance
  • Continuously strengthening our sustainability programmes

We expect our suppliers and partners to pursue similar objectives and continuously improve their performance in:

  • Environmental management
  • Labour and human rights
  • Ethics and compliance
  • Sustainable procurement practices

Ethical Interactions with External Stakeholders

Public Officials

Interactions with public officials must be ethical, transparent and compliant with all applicable laws. We never offer anything of value to improperly influence a public official.

Healthcare Professionals and Healthcare Organisations

All interactions with healthcare professionals and healthcare organisations must have a legitimate business or scientific purpose and comply with applicable laws, regulations and industry codes. We never provide anything of value to improperly influence decisions.

Patients and Patient Organisations

We put patients at the heart of our business. We respect confidentiality, value patient insights and maintain high standards of transparency and ethical conduct in our interactions with patients and patient organisations.

Third-Party Representatives

Third parties acting on behalf of Branding Science must adhere to the same ethical and compliance standards expected of our employees.

Before engaging third-party representatives, Branding Science may evaluate their integrity and compliance credentials. Failure to meet the standards in this Code may result in corrective action or termination of the business relationship.

Governance and Accountability

Ultimate accountability for ethical business conduct, human rights and modern slavery prevention rests with Branding Science Leadership. Compliance is responsible for supporting implementation, monitoring compliance and reporting identified risks for appropriate action.

Questions regarding this Code should be directed to:

Global Compliance Officer
Email: [email protected]

Compliance With This Code

All individuals and organisations covered by this Code are expected to comply with its requirements.

Violations may result in:

  • Corrective actions
  • Additional training
  • Disciplinary measures
  • Contractual remedies
  • Termination of employment, engagement or supplier relationships where appropriate

Version Control

Document Owner: Branding Science Group

Review Frequency: Biennial, or sooner where legal, regulatory or business changes require review.

Version Date Description
2.0 October 2026 Merged Corporate Code of Conduct and Supplier Standards
1.0 May 2025 Original Code of Conduct issued

 

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