Code of Conduct Template

# Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct establishes the ethical standards, behaviours, and expectations for all employees, contractors, and representatives of [Company Name].

Applies to all individuals associated with [Company Name] including employees, contractors, interns, vendors, and agents.

• Integrity: Honest and ethical in all dealings • Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and fairness • Accountability: Take responsibility for actions and decisions • Excellence: Strive for highest standards in work • Collaboration: Work together towards common goals

4.1 Honesty and Integrity • No falsification of records, timesheets, or expense claims • Accurate representation of qualifications and experience • No plagiarism or misrepresentation of work • Truthful communication with stakeholders 4.2 Conflicts of Interest • Disclose any personal interest that may conflict with company interest • No outside employment without prior written approval • No business relationships with competitors, suppliers, or clients without disclosure • No use of company position for personal gain 4.3 Confidentiality • Protect company confidential information • No disclosure of trade secrets, strategies, or proprietary data • Maintain confidentiality of customer and employee data (DPDP compliance) • No removal of confidential documents without authorisation • Return all confidential materials upon termination 4.4 Gifts and Hospitality • No gifts exceeding ₹5,000 from vendors/clients • No cash or cash equivalent gifts • Gifts to government officials: Strictly prohibited • All gifts to be reported to HR • No gifts that may influence business decisions 4.5 Anti-Bribery and Corruption • Zero tolerance for bribery in any form • No facilitation payments to government officials • No kickbacks or secret commissions • Compliance with Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 4.6 Anti-Discrimination • No discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, race, age, disability, or sexual orientation • Equal opportunity in hiring, promotion, and compensation • Zero tolerance for harassment or bullying • Compliance with Equal Remuneration Act, 1976

5.1 Professional Conduct • Punctual and regular attendance • Dress code adherence • Respectful language and behaviour • No violence or threatening behaviour • No consumption of alcohol/drugs during work hours 5.2 Social Media • No posting of confidential company information • No derogatory remarks about company, colleagues, or clients • Clarify that personal views do not represent company • No use of company logo without authorisation • No sharing of colleague photos/videos without consent 5.3 Use of Company Assets • Company assets for business purposes only • No personal use of company vehicles without approval • No installation of unauthorised software • Responsible use of internet and email • No cryptocurrency mining on company devices 5.4 Data Protection • Handle personal data per DPDP Act, 2023 • No sharing of passwords or access credentials • Lock screens when away from workstation • Report data breaches immediately • Secure disposal of sensitive documents

• All applicable central and state laws • Tax compliance (income tax, GST, TDS) • Labour law compliance (PF, ESI, minimum wages) • Environmental regulations • Industry-specific regulations

• Report suspected violations to HR, DPO, or Ethics Committee • Anonymous reporting mechanism available • No retaliation against whistleblowers • Protection of whistleblower identity

8.1 Minor Violations • Verbal warning • Written warning • Performance improvement plan 8.2 Major Violations • Suspension without pay • Demotion • Termination of employment • Legal action (where applicable) 8.3 Factors Considered • Severity of violation • Impact on company/others • Prior violations • Cooperation during investigation • Mitigating circumstances

All employees must sign acknowledgment of this code within 7 days of joining and annually thereafter.

This code is reviewed annually and updated as necessary.