At Fresh People, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct in every aspect of our business. As specialists in recruiting for the fresh produce ,food manufacturing and logistics sectors, we understand the importance of integrity, transparency, and ethical practices. Our Code of Conduct policy outlines the core principles that guide our behaviour and decision- making, ensuring that we consistently deliver value to our clients, candidates, and stakeholders.

1. Commitment to Ethical Recruitment

At Fresh People, we pride ourselves on being an ethical recruitment agency. To maintain the highest standards, we commit to:

– Recruiting candidates based solely on their skills, qualifications, and suitability for the role, without bias or discrimination.
– Providing transparent, honest, and accurate information to both candidates and clients.
– Maintaining confidentiality and privacy, protecting the personal data of both clients and candidates in line with GDPR and other applicable data protection laws.

2. Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for success in the industries we work with. Fresh People is committed to:

– Providing equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
– Promoting diversity and inclusion both in our recruitment practices and in the roles we fill.
– Rejecting any form of discrimination or harassment in the workplace.

3. Integrity and Transparency

We operate with honesty, openness, and integrity in all our dealings. Fresh People are required to:

– Conduct all interactions with clients and candidates in a professional and transparent manner.
– Ensure that all job advertisements, job descriptions, and candidate information are accurate and truthful.
– Disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could affect the recruitment process.
– Never misrepresent a candidate’s qualifications or a role’s requirements.

4. Confidentiality and Data Protection

The protection of sensitive and personal information is of paramount importance. Fresh People ensures that:

– All client and candidate data is handled in strict confidence and used only for legitimate recruitment purposes.
– We comply fully with GDPR and other relevant data protection regulations, ensuring secure storage, processing, and disposal of personal information.
– We obtain consent from candidates before sharing their details with potential employers by way of a data protection document

5. Compliance with Legal and Industry Standards

As recruiters we operate within a highly regulated environment. Fresh People is committed to:

– Adhering to all applicable laws and regulations, including employment laws, health and safety regulations, and industry-specific standards.
– Staying up to date with changes in legislation that may affect the sectors to whom we supply
– Ensuring that all candidates we place are eligible to work and meet any legal or regulatory requirements related to their roles.

6. Client and Candidate Relationships

We value long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and candidates. Fresh People strives to:

– Provide high-quality service and support to both candidates and clients throughout the recruitment process.
– Ensure timely, clear, and respectful communication with all parties.
– Encourage feedback and continuously improve our services based on the needs and expectations of our clients and candidates.

7. Professional Development

Fresh People is dedicated to maintaining a high level of expertise and knowledge in recruitment and in the fresh produce and food manufacturing sectors specifically amongst others. Our team commits to:

– Continuously developing their skills and staying informed about industry trends and changes.
– Providing clients with insights into market conditions, talent availability, and best practices in recruitment for their industries.
– Supporting candidates in their professional development by offering guidance, coaching, and advice throughout their job search and placement.

8. Conflict of Interest

To maintain impartiality and objectivity in our recruitment process, Fresh People ensures that:

– Any potential conflicts of interest are disclosed promptly, and appropriate steps are taken to mitigate them.
– Our recruitment consultants act in the best interests of both clients and candidates, avoiding situations that could lead to partiality or favouritism.

9. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

As recruiters Fresh People recognizes the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility. We commit to:

– Supporting clients and candidates who prioritize sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
– Promoting sustainability within our own operations by reducing waste, conserving energy, and using environmentally friendly materials wherever possible.
– Encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices within the industries we serve.

10. Respect and Professionalism

We believe in treating everyone we interact with—clients, candidates, colleagues, and suppliers—with respect, courtesy, and professionalism. Fresh People commits to:

– Acting with integrity and fairness in all business dealings.
– Promoting a positive and collaborative working environment.

– Respecting different perspectives, fostering open communication, and resolving disputes in a professional and constructive manner.

11. Complaints and Grievances

Fresh People takes any complaints or concerns seriously and is committed to addressing them promptly and effectively. We will:

– Provide a clear and accessible process for raising complaints, whether from clients, candidates, or employees.
– Investigate all complaints thoroughly and impartially.
– Take appropriate action where necessary to resolve issues and improve our practices.

Fresh People is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of conduct in recruitment. By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we aim to build lasting, positive relationships with our clients and candidates while promoting fairness, transparency, and professionalism.

For any questions or concerns regarding this Code of Conduct, please contact us at enquiries@freshpeople.co.uk

This policy serves as a framework to guide Fresh People’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that we consistently maintain the highest ethical and professional standards.