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<p>The Parliamentary Procurement and Commercial Service (PPCS), which manages procurement
processes for the Parliamentary Digital Service, has no explicit policies in place
associated with these matters primarily because, in keeping with wider HM Government
procurement policies, we source nearly all of our information and technology (ICT)
requirements through the digital marketplace managed by the Crown Commercial Service
(part of the Cabinet Office hosted Government Commercial Function).</p><p>Where a
bespoke PPCS contract is entered into (whether in ICT or other categories), our standard
terms include provisions enforcing the Living Wage and for certain Discrimination,
Safeguarding & Human Rights. These will shortly be supplemented by provisions
associated with the Modern Slavery Act where contractors will be obligated to assist
Parliament with an investigation should Parliament harbour a reasonable suspicion
that a “Specified Offence” has been or is being committed by any member of the supply
chain, directly or indirectly in connection with the performance of the contract in
question. Breach of this condition would entitle Parliament to terminate the contract
in question with immediate effect.</p><p>Additionally, the Parliamentary Procurement
and Commercial Service in partnership with the Parliamentary Digital Service, seeks
to ensure that suppliers evidence through their tender submissions and throughout
the duration of the contract:</p><ul><li>compliance with health and safety law and
best practice for the benefit of their staff and ours;</li><li>implementation of equal
opportunities, inclusivity and diversity policies in relation to staff when performing
the contract;</li><li>they ensure staff concerned with providing the goods and services
work in conditions that are beneficial to their welfare, including being paid a fair
wage for their work.</li></ul>
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