Code of Conduct

Purpose

The Social Workshop Ltd Code of Conduct (“Code”) is built around our belief that everything we do will be measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business conduct.  Our commitment to high standards helps us hire great people, build great products, and attract loyal customers.

 

Who must follow the Code?

We expect all employees to know and follow the Code.  Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. We also expect our contractors, consultants, and others who may be temporarily assigned to perform work or services for Social Workshop Ltd to follow the Code when they work with us.  Failure of a Social Workshop Ltd contractor, consultant, or other service provider to follow the Code can result in termination of their relationship with Social Workshop Ltd.

 

Who to ask about the Code?

If you have a question or concern about the Code, be proactive and contact your manager.  You can also submit a question or raise a concern regarding a suspected violation of our Code (or any other Social Workshop Ltd policy) to your manager.

 

No Retaliation

Social Workshop Ltd prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports, or participates in an investigation of, a possible violation of our Code, our policies, or the law.  Please contact a member of senior management if you believe that you are the subject of retaliation within Social Workshop Ltd.

 

Code of Conduct

As a Social Workshop Ltd employee, you’re expected to be honest, act ethically, and demonstrate integrity in all situations.  You have a duty to follow policies and procedures found in this Code of Conduct, as well as those that are specific to your job.  You must also comply with all laws that apply to our business.  Most of the time, common sense and good judgment provide excellent guideposts.  If you’re unsure about the right thing to do, ask someone on the management team.

Before you act, ask yourself:

• Is this the right thing to do?
• Is it legal?
• Do I have the authority to act?
• Does the action comply with the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures?
• If this action became public, how would it look in the news media?
• Would I be upset or embarrassed if other people found out about this action?

If your answer to any of these questions raises doubts, talk with your supervisor, anyone in management, or the Social Workshop Ltd Compliance Team. If you’re a supervisor or a manager, you’re responsible for knowing the rules and reviewing the Code of Conduct with the people who report to you to make sure they’re familiar with its contents. You’re also responsible for preventing violations of the Code, as well as detecting violations that may occur and reporting them appropriately.

You’re expected to:

• Lead with integrity.
• Encourage employees to ask questions and expand their knowledge of the rules.
• Demonstrate integrity by acting promptly and effectively when necessary.
• Educate employees on compliance policies specific to their job responsibilities.

 

Quality Work Environment

We are committed to a supportive work environment, where our employees have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.  Members of our Social Workshop Ltd team are expected to do their utmost to create a workplace culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias, and unlawful discrimination.

Equal opportunity employment

Employment at Social Workshop Ltd is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.  We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law.  We also make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.

Harassment, discrimination, and bullying

Social Workshop Ltd strictly prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying in any form – verbal, physical, or visual. If you believe that you’ve been bullied or harassed by anyone at Social Workshop Ltd, or anyone connected to Social Workshop Ltd (such as a partner or vendor), please immediately report the incident to your manager or to one of the Company Directors.  Social Workshop Ltd will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaints and take appropriate action.

Safe workplace

We are committed to a violence-free work environment.  We will not tolerate any level of violence or the threat of violence in the workplace.  No one should bring a weapon to work under any circumstances.  If you become aware of a violation of this policy, report it to a member of senior management immediately.

Avoid conflicts of interest

As Social Workshop Ltd employees, we should avoid conflicts of interest and circumstances that reasonably present the appearance of a conflict of interest, especially if it would create an incentive for you or present the appearance of an incentive for you, (whether directly or indirectly).

Here is list of areas where conflicts of interest often arise:

• Personal investments (e.g. with competitors)
• Outside employment, advisory roles, and board seats
• Business opportunities found through your work at Social Workshop Ltd
• Inventions influenced by your work at Social Workshop Ltd
• Business opportunities involving friends and relatives
• Acceptance of gifts, entertainment, and other business courtesies

If you are unsure if there is a conflict of interest, contact the Compliance Team to discuss.

 

Preserve confidentiality

Throughout its lifecycle, all nonpublic information that is processed, transmitted, and/ or stored by Social Workshop Ltd must be protected in a manner that is consistent with our contractual and legal requirements and reasonable and appropriate for the level of sensitivity, value, and risk.

Social Workshop Ltd does not currently operate a data classification model, and so all nonpublic information should be thought of as “commercial in confidence” unless explicitly agreed in writing with line managers or the Compliance Team.

All data must be secured against disclosure, modification, and access by unauthorized individuals.  Therefore, data and information must be:

• Secured at rest; and
• Secured in transit; and
• Securely destroyed in accordance with record retention policies and procedures.

 

Information Security

You’re responsible for using Social Workshop Ltd’s computer resources properly – especially with regard to information security – and you need to be thoroughly familiar with Social Workshop Ltd’s Information Security policies and procedures.

These steps can go a long way in preventing unauthorized access:

• Never share your login information.
• Lock your workstation when you step away.
• Log off your workstation when you leave for the day.
• Clear your workstation, waste can, printers and fax machines of sensitive information, such as PII or company-sensitive information.

 

Protect Social Workshop Ltd’s Assets

Intellectual property

Social Workshop Ltd’s intellectual property rights (e.g. patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and “know-how”) are valuable assets.  Unauthorized use can lead to their loss or serious loss of value.  You must comply with all intellectual property laws, including laws governing the fair use of copyrights and trademarks.  You must never use Social Workshop Ltd’s trademarks or other protected information or property for any business or commercial venture without pre-clearance from the COmpany Directors.  Report any suspected misuse of trademarks or other Social Workshop Ltd intellectual property to the Legal or compliance team.

Likewise, respect the intellectual property rights of others.  Inappropriate use of others’ intellectual property may expose Social Workshop Ltd and you to criminal and civil fines and penalties.  Seek advice from the Compliance team before you solicit, accept, or use proprietary information from individuals outside the company or allow them obtain access to Social Workshop Ltd proprietary information.  You should also check with the Compliance team if developing a product feature that uses content not belonging to Social Workshop Ltd.

Company Equipment

Social Workshop Ltd gives us the tools and equipment that we need to do our jobs effectively, but counts on us to be responsible and not wasteful.  Uncertain whether personal use of company assets is okay? Ask your manager.

Physical Security

Bad actors may steal company assets or personal assets used by employees and contractors for work purposes.  Always secure your laptop, important equipment, and your personal belongings.  Promptly report any suspicious activity to your manager or a member of the Compliance Team.

 

Ensure financial integrity and responsibility

Financial integrity and fiscal responsibility are core aspects of corporate professionalism. Each person at Social Workshop Ltd has a role in making sure that money is appropriately spent, our financial records are complete and accurate, and internal controls are honored.  This is applicable every time that we hire a new vendor, expense something to Social Workshop Ltd, or sign a new business contract.

It’s important that we also keep records for an appropriate length of time.  Social Workshop Ltd’s Data Retention Policy suggests minimum record retention periods for certain types of records.  These guidelines help keep in mind applicable legal requirements, accounting rules, and other external requirements.  Contractual obligations may sometimes specify longer retention periods for certain types of records.  In addition, if you are asked by the Legal team to retain records relevant to a litigation, audit, or investigation, do so until Legal tells you that retention is no longer necessary.  If you have any questions regarding the correct length of time to retain a record, contact the Compliance or Legal teams.

 

Obey the law

Social Workshop Ltd takes its responsibilities to comply with laws very seriously.  Every employee is expected to comply with applicable legal requirements and restrictions.  You should understand the laws and regulations that apply to your work.  Contact the Compliance team if you have any questions.

 

Policy Compliance

Compliance Measurement

The Compliance team will verify compliance with this Code through various methods (e.g. periodic manager reviews, tool reports, internal and external audits, and employee feedback).

Exceptions

Any exception to this Code must be approved by the Compliance team in writing.

Non-Compliance

Any employee who violates this Code may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment in addition to any civil and criminal liability.

Your Annual Acknowledgment of the Code of Conduct

Once each year, as a condition of your employment, you’re required to acknowledge that you have received the Code of Conduct and understand its rules.  New employees will sign an acknowledgment when they start with the company.  Basically, your annual acknowledgment confirms that:

• You’ve reviewed the Code of Conduct and you are required to comply with the Code of Conduct; you will comply with the compliance policies and procedures, as well as policies and procedures related to your job responsibilities;
• You will report any questions or concerns about suspected or actual violations of the Code to your supervisor, anyone in management or Social Workshop Ltd’s Compliance Team,
• To the best of your knowledge, you haven’t acted contrary to the Code of Conduct
• You have reported any potential conflicts of interest to the Compliance Team.

 

Revision History

Version	Date	Editor	Description of Changes
V1	August 15th, 2022	Social Workshop Ltd	Initial Creation