Partner & Supplier Code of Conduct

Last updated 16 April 2026.

Statement of Purpose

At Vertex, we are committed to conducting our business ethically, sustainably, and with the utmost integrity. We believe that our responsibilities extend beyond our own team and into our wider network.

This Code of Conduct outlines the minimum standards and expectations we have for all vendors, contractors, consultants, channel partners, resellers, and technology alliances (collectively referred to as “Suppliers and Partners”) who do business with us or represent us. By partnering with Vertex, you agree to uphold these principles and operate in a manner that aligns with our core values.

1. Ethical Business Practices & Representation

We expect our Suppliers and Partners to conduct their business with honesty and integrity, complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption: You must not engage in any form of bribery, corruption, extortion, or embezzlement. No gifts, favours, or entertainment should be offered or accepted if they could improperly influence a business decision.
Conflicts of Interest: You must avoid any situations that create a conflict of interest between your business and Vertex, and must disclose any potential conflicts immediately.
Accurate Representation: Partners who act as resellers, distributors, or referral agents must accurately and honestly represent Vertex’s products, services, and capabilities to third parties. You must not make false claims, unauthorised guarantees, or overstate our security features to mutual prospects or clients.
Fair Competition: You will conduct your business in line with fair competition and antitrust laws, avoiding any anti-competitive practices.

2. Information Security & Data Protection

As a cybersecurity company, safeguarding data and maintaining the highest security standards is the foundation of our business and our clients’ trust. We require our Suppliers and Partners to demonstrate and maintain a robust, verifiable security posture.

Data Security & Access Controls: You must implement and maintain industry-standard technical and organisational measures to protect Vertex, employee, and joint-client data against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
Verifiable Certifications: If you have disclosed specific security certifications, accreditations, or frameworks (such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, or ASD Essential Eight compliance) to Vertex, we expect this representation to be entirely truthful. You must actively maintain these credentials and provide verifiable proof, certificates, or audit reports upon request.
Mandatory Incident Notification: In the event of an actual or suspected data breach, security incident, or unauthorised access that could potentially impact Vertex or our clients’ data, you must notify Vertex immediately and without undue delay. You must cooperate fully with any subsequent investigation, forensic analysis, and remediation efforts.
Confidentiality and Privacy: You must strictly protect the confidential information of Vertex and our clients. Personal information must be handled strictly in accordance with applicable privacy legislation, including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and only used for the legitimate business purposes for which it was shared.

3. Brand & Intellectual Property

We trust our partners to respect the assets that make Vertex unique.

Protection of IP: You must respect and protect Vertex’s intellectual property rights.
Authorised Use: Any use of Vertex’s name, logo, trademarks, or marketing materials must be strictly limited to the agreed-upon terms of our partnership and must comply with our brand guidelines.

4. Labour & Human Rights

Vertex is committed to fair labour practices and human rights. We expect our network to treat their workforce with dignity and respect.

Voluntary Employment: All labour must be voluntary. You must not use forced, bonded, indentured, or child labour, and must take reasonable steps to ensure modern slavery is not occurring within your operations or supply chains.
Fair Wages and Hours: You must comply with all applicable wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and maximum hour regulations.
Anti-Discrimination and Harassment: You must provide a workplace free from harassment and discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class.
Health and Safety: You must provide a safe and healthy working environment for your employees, complying with all applicable occupational health and safety regulations.

5. Environmental Responsibility

We value sustainability and expect our partners to help minimise our collective environmental footprint.

Regulatory Compliance: You must comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and standards.
Waste and Resource Management: We encourage you to actively work to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and minimise the environmental impact of your operations, products, and services.

6. Compliance & Collaboration

We view this Code as a foundation for a collaborative and secure partnership.

Adherence: By entering into a business agreement with Vertex, you agree to adhere to the standards set out in this Code.
Subcontractors: You are expected to cascade these principles down to your own suppliers and subcontractors who are involved in providing goods or services to Vertex or our mutual clients.
Reporting Concerns: If you become aware of a breach of this Code within your operations that impacts Vertex, you are expected to report it to your primary Vertex contact promptly so we can work together on a resolution. Vertex reserves the right to terminate partnerships if severe, undisclosed, or continuous violations of this Code occur.