Norske Backer AS takes the Transparency Act and responsible supply chains very seriously. Therefore, we conduct continuous due diligence assessments and set clear requirements for our suppliers and partners.
Norske Backer works systematically to ensure that fundamental human rights and decent working conditions are respected throughout the supply chain.
– It is important for us to have good insight into our supply chain and ensure that our suppliers follow the same ethical standards as we do
Own ethical guidelines
The work on transparency and responsible supply chains is not new for Norske Backer AS. As early as 2019, NIBE Industrier, the group of which we are a part, introduced its own code of conduct that sets clear requirements for ethics, human rights, working conditions, and business practices.
– This is a set of guidelines that all companies in the group and our suppliers must follow. We expect our suppliers and subcontractors to uphold the same high ethical standards as we do.
Suppliers and contractors play an important role in the quality of our products and services. Therefore, we expect them to comply with our requirements and to pass on corresponding requirements to their own suppliers and partners.
The vast majority of our suppliers are located outside of Norway, and it is therefore important to ensure that they comply with the same requirements regarding human rights and working conditions as we do.
The Norwegian Transparency Act
The Transparency Act entered into force on July 1, 2022. The purpose of the Act is to promote companies' respect for fundamental human rights and decent working conditions, as well as to ensure public access to information on how companies manage risk and negative impacts.
– The law requires us to map and assess risks in our supply chain. We follow up with suppliers through documentation, questionnaires, and dialogue to ensure that the requirements are met.
Surveys are sent, among others, to suppliers who have not signed our code of conduct, who have not updated previous signatures, or where we need additional information.
– These are suppliers we wish to investigate further to ensure they meet our requirements regarding working conditions, human rights, and ethical business practices.
Follow-up on deviations
So far, Norske Backer AS has not uncovered any significant negative deviations at its suppliers. Nevertheless, the company has clear procedures in place should risks or deviations be discovered.
– If a supplier does not respond to our inquiries, provides insufficient answers, or if negative conditions are uncovered, we will conduct further investigations and assess necessary measures.
The measures will depend on the severity. In the event of minor deviations, the supplier will be required to take corrective measures and improvements. If serious conditions are uncovered and not corrected, the cooperation may be terminated and alternative suppliers considered.
Norske Backer AS conducts ongoing due diligence assessments and imposes requirements on all new suppliers through our ethical guidelines to ensure responsible working conditions and compliance with applicable regulations.