Supplier Standards

Supplier Code of Conduct

This Code sets out the minimum standards we expect of every organisation that provides goods, services, or labour to TalaStar Digital. It reflects our belief that ethical responsibility extends beyond our own walls — into every relationship that supports our work.

Effective: 1 April 2026 · Version 1.0

Context & Proportionality

TalaStar Digital Ltd is an early-stage technology company with a small, primarily digital supply chain. We publish this Supplier Code of Conduct not because we manage a complex global supply network, but because we believe the right time to establish ethical expectations is before they become urgent — not after. As we grow, this Code will grow with us. We apply it proportionately, recognising that a cloud hosting provider and a freelance designer present different risk profiles.

Scope

This Code applies to all organisations and individuals that supply goods, services, technology, or labour to TalaStar Digital Ltd, including but not limited to:

Cloud infrastructure and hosting providers
Software-as-a-service vendors
AI and machine learning service providers
Data annotation and labelling services
Professional services (legal, accounting, advisory)
Payment processing providers
Freelance contractors and consultants
Marketing and communications agencies

We also expect our suppliers to communicate these principles to their own subcontractors and supply chains, proportionate to the nature of their engagement.

Our Six Principles

PRINCIPLE 01

Human Rights & Dignity

Respect the dignity and human rights of all workers, including temporary, contract, and agency staff.
Prohibit all forms of forced labour, bonded labour, indentured servitude, and human trafficking.
Prohibit child labour in accordance with ILO Convention 138 (minimum age) and Convention 182 (worst forms).
Ensure freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining where legally permitted.
Prohibit discrimination in hiring, compensation, advancement, or termination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

PRINCIPLE 02

Fair Labour Practices

Pay workers at least the applicable minimum wage, and aspire to living wage standards as defined by the Living Wage Foundation (UK) or equivalent local bodies.
Maintain working hours that comply with applicable laws and do not exceed 60 hours per week, including overtime, except in extraordinary circumstances.
Provide workers with at least one day off per seven-day period.
Ensure all overtime is voluntary and compensated at premium rates as required by law.
Provide safe, clean, and adequate working conditions that meet or exceed applicable health and safety regulations.

PRINCIPLE 03

Data Protection & Privacy

Process personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or destruction.
Never sell, trade, or share personal data for purposes beyond the agreed scope of the supplier relationship.
Notify TalaStar Digital within 24 hours of any data breach that may affect our users, employees, or operations.
Maintain data processing records and cooperate with any data protection audits or assessments we may reasonably request.

PRINCIPLE 04

Environmental Responsibility

Comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where you operate.
Measure and work to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, and waste generation where practicable.
Prefer renewable energy sources and sustainable materials where commercially reasonable alternatives exist.
Dispose of electronic waste and hazardous materials in accordance with applicable regulations.
Be transparent about environmental impact when requested, and support TalaStar Digital's own sustainability reporting.

PRINCIPLE 05

Ethical Business Conduct

Conduct business with integrity, honesty, and transparency in all dealings with TalaStar Digital and third parties.
Prohibit bribery, corruption, and facilitation payments in accordance with the UK Bribery Act 2010.
Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any actual or potential conflicts promptly.
Maintain accurate and complete business records and financial accounts.
Comply with all applicable trade sanctions, export controls, and anti-money laundering regulations.

PRINCIPLE 06

AI & Technology Ethics

If providing AI, machine learning, or data annotation services: ensure all workers involved in data labelling, content moderation, or model training are fairly compensated and work in humane conditions.
Be transparent about the use of automated decision-making systems that may affect individuals' rights or wellbeing.
Ensure AI systems provided to TalaStar Digital are developed with appropriate bias testing and fairness assessments.
Protect the intellectual property and confidential information of TalaStar Digital and its users.
Support TalaStar Digital's commitment to responsible AI development as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Compliance Process

1

Self-Assessment

Upon engagement, suppliers are invited to complete a self-assessment questionnaire covering each principle area. This is not a pass/fail gate — it is a starting point for dialogue.

2

Proportionate Due Diligence

We assess supplier risk proportionate to the nature, value, and sensitivity of the engagement. A cloud hosting provider faces different scrutiny than a data annotation service.

3

Ongoing Dialogue

We prefer collaborative improvement over punitive enforcement. If a supplier falls short of our expectations, we will work with them to develop a remediation plan with reasonable timelines.

4

Escalation & Termination

Where a supplier demonstrates unwillingness to address material non-compliance, or where violations involve forced labour, child labour, or serious data breaches, we reserve the right to terminate the relationship immediately.

Reporting Concerns

If you are a supplier, a worker within a supplier organisation, or a member of the public, and you have concerns about a violation of this Code, we encourage you to report it:

Email: [email protected]

Modern Slavery Concerns: UK Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700)

All reports will be treated confidentially. We will not tolerate retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith.

This Supplier Code of Conduct has been approved by the sole director of TalaStar Digital Ltd. It will be reviewed annually and updated as our operations and supply chain evolve.

Kristal Jane Apurado

Founder, Sole Director

TalaStar Digital Ltd (Co. No. 17060305)

Date: 1 April 2026