Code of Conduct
This code of conduct defines the basic standards that our entire team should follow. It applies to directors, employees, collaborators and partners, as well as to contractors producing Free Society products.
Mission
To enhance and enrich our customer´s life experience.
Our Core Values
Business with Integrity
Honest and ethical conduct is fundamental in every aspect of our relationship with clients, suppliers, contractors and partners. At Free Society we see it as the way of conducting daily business. To do “the right thing” is an obligation of every employee, collaborator and partner.
Sustainability
Sustainability has always been a key priority for Free Society. It is embedded in our product development from the initial stage, not only through the large use of recycled materials, but also as a design orientation translated in the “Minimum Possible Use of Resources” philosophy. The clean and sober aesthetic of our products is not only the design handwriting of Free Society, but also the result of our effort to offer great value with minimum impact on the environment.
Inclusivity and diversity
At FREE SOCIETY we're dedicated to providing a diverse range of products that resonate with the unique expressions of every individual.
Depending on the style, we offer from 6 to 7 sizes. During development all styles are fit tested on different bodies and sizes to make sure the comfort is kept across the size grade.
Business integrity
1.1 Fair business practices are fundamental for a healthy market and competition. All directors, employees and collaborators of Free Society must take every business decision with honesty and in good faith, in the best interest of Free Society and its customers and observing the following minimum requirements:
1) It does not violate applicable laws.
2) It’s based on the available information and facts.
3) No personal interests are involved.
4) It’s made in good faith and within the individual authority level.
1.2 Anti-corruption
Corruption will it be tolerated within our organization in any shape or form. Our directors, employees, and collaborators are obligated to promptly report any practices or requests suggestive of misconduct, whether originating internally or from suppliers and contractors. Furthermore, they are prohibited from making or accepting any payments or gifts from personnel of current or prospective customers, suppliers, or partners.
1.3 Procurement
Suppliers, contractors and partners are selected based on the best value for our customers, translated in quality, competitive price, accurate delivery, and environmental protection and sustainability. Free Society expects its suppliers and contractors to adapt and follow similar practices, with transparency and objectiveness.
Transparency on our supply chain is an ongoing priority which we will continue to implement by working closely with our main suppliers.
Product compliance and security
Free Society complies with the regulations and laws applicable to our products. We won’t knowingly release a product which does not comply with the regulations, and we strive to keep our team aware of the industry best practices and improvements.
Fair Labour and employment conduct
Our employees and collaborators are the creative force behind our products, and we strive to provide them with the adequate environment for their talent to develop.
While doing that it’s important to remind ourselves of the basic principles in which that environment exists, and which should be adapt and surpassed by our suppliers and contractors.
1.1 NO TYPE OF DISCRIMINATION WILL BE PRACTICED
There will be no discrimination as to hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion or dismissal based on race, social class, nationality, religion, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, membership in trade unions or political parties.
1.2 Gender Equality
Despite the predominant presence of women in the garment industry workforce, gender-based discriminations still exist and require ongoing efforts to foster gender equality. It is imperative that all suppliers and contractors actively cultivate a workplace environment that is free of any form of gender discrimination:
• Prohibit discrimination based on gender, marital status, or sexual orientation within their organizations
• Promote equal pay for equal positions, irrespective of gender.
• Implement comprehensive policies and procedures to prevent gender-based discrimination in areas such as wages, promotions, support for pregnant workers, post-maternity leave arrangements, training opportunities, and retirement benefits
• Protect workers from all forms of bullying, harassment, or physical abuse
1.3 NO FORCED OR CHILD LABOR WILL BE USED
No form of forced, involuntary or compulsory labour is acceptable, including forms of slavery, resulting from trafficking or carried out in prisons.
- All workers must have the right to enter and leave the employment voluntarily, without any physical or monetary threats or any other barriers.
- The use or hiring of child labour is totally unacceptable. Suppliers and subcontractors may not employ anyone below 15 years of age, unless the local law stipulates a higher minimum age for work, or compulsory schooling, in which case the higher age will apply.
- Employees under 18 must not be subjected to hazardous working conditions.
- Freedom of Movement: Workers must enjoy freedom of movement and cannot be constrained within the workplace or provided accommodations. Furthermore, all workers must retain control of their citizenship documents at all times.
1.4 LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT PRATICES
Employees and collaborators must be treated fairly and in accordance with the applicable local law and regulations, and the best practices of the industry.
1.4.1 Freedom of association and collective bargaining
Suppliers and contractors must guarantee the right of their employees to join unions and to bargain collectively, as well as freedom of association to work unions.
1.4.2 Suppliers and contractors must pay at least the legal minimum wage on a timely manner, and all the legally mandated benefits including holidays and leaves, and statutory severance when employment ends. Disciplinary deductions from pay are not tolerated. When applied, efficiency bonus and piece rate incentives must be added to the base salary and never part as part of the minimum wage or base salary.
1.4.3 No excessive working hours. Workers must not be obliged to work in excess of the regular workweek and maximum overtime set by local law. A regular workweek shall not exceed 48 hours and one day off shall be guaranteed for every seven-day period. The sum of regular hours and overtime should not exceed 60 hours per week and/or local law maximum permitted. Overtime shall be voluntary and compensated at a premium rate and not be requested on a regular basis. 1.4.4 All workers from a contractor/factory working on our products must be employees of the contractor/factory with a contractual relationship which can be verified, and which complies with local law.
1.6. WORKING CONDITIONS AND HEALTH & SAFETY
All workers should be treated with dignity and respect. Physical or verbal abuse, as well as any form of harassment or any kind of intimidation are unacceptable.
A safe working environment must be provided taking into account the prevailing knowledge of the industry. Adequate measures should be taken to prevent accidents associated with, or caused in the course of work, minimizing as far as possible the causes of the hazards inherent to the work place. Workers should receive regular training in health and safety.
All suppliers and contractors must comply with local government’s licencing regulations in respect to building safety and fire safety. They should also maintain a accident insurance for all their workers.
Free Society expects its suppliers, contractors and partners to adapt and follow similar practices as a minimum standard. In order to verify this, the production sites making our products are regularly audited under a SMETA 2 pillar audit or equivalent, carried out by a 3rd party recognized entity, and/or directly by our team.
Jorge César
Managing Director
Beach Mode, Lda.