Effective Date: October 2024
Contact: compliances@thebluetick.org | Phone: +91 81 97559755
1. Introduction
At The Blue Tick, we are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity in every aspect of our business. As a media branding, communication, and advertising agency based in India, we recognize that maintaining ethical practices is critical to building trust with our clients, partners, employees, and the broader community. This Ethics and Compliance Policy outlines our commitment to ethical conduct, legal compliance, and responsible business practices.
This document serves as a guide for all employees, contractors, and associates of The Blue Tick to ensure that their actions align with our core values and legal obligations. It highlights our ethical principles, compliance standards, and the procedures for addressing unethical behaviour or compliance violations.
This Ethics and Compliance Policy sets the foundation for a culture of ethics and compliance at The Blue Tick and reinforces our commitment to operating with the highest levels of integrity in every aspect of our business.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all employees, directors, officers, contractors, consultants, interns, freelancers, and any other person or entity acting on behalf of The Blue Tick (collectively referred to as “employees”). It covers all activities, interactions, and communications conducted on behalf of the company, whether internally or externally.
This policy applies to all locations where The Blue Tick operates, including our offices, client sites, and any other venues where business is conducted.
3. Ethical Principles
At The Blue Tick, our ethical principles are the foundation of our business culture. We expect all employees to adhere to the following core values:
3.1 Integrity and Honesty
We conduct our business with integrity, ensuring that all decisions and actions are honest, transparent, and aligned with our values. Employees are expected to be truthful in their dealings with clients, colleagues, and partners.
3.2 Fairness and Equality
We are committed to treating all individuals—whether clients, employees, or stakeholders—with fairness, dignity, and respect. Discrimination, harassment, or bias of any kind will not be tolerated.
3.3 Confidentiality and Data Protection
We respect the confidentiality of our clients, partners, and employees. All sensitive information, including client projects, intellectual property, and personal data, must be handled with care and in compliance with applicable data protection laws.
3.4 Conflict of Interest
Employees are required to avoid any activities or relationships that could create a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. Any potential conflicts must be disclosed immediately to management.
3.5 Social Responsibility
We are committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Through initiatives such as supporting artists and creative organisations, and using revenue generated from our digital footprint for philanthropic activities via LAKSHYA FOUNDATION, we ensure that social responsibility is integrated into our business model.
4. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
4.1 Legal Compliance
The Blue Tick is committed to complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, both in India and in any other jurisdictions where we operate. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with:
- The Companies Act, 2013 (India)
- The Information Technology Act, 2000 (India)
- The Indian Contract Act, 1872
- The Copyright Act, 1957
- Data Protection and Privacy Laws (e.g., General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU clients)
- Advertising Standards and Regulations
Employees must stay informed about the legal requirements that affect their work and seek guidance from legal counsel when necessary.
4.2 Anti-Corruption and Bribery
The Blue Tick has zero tolerance for corruption and bribery. Employees are strictly prohibited from offering, giving, soliciting, or accepting any form of bribe or unethical inducement in exchange for business favours or advantages. This applies to both government officials and private entities.
All dealings must adhere to anti-corruption laws, including but not limited to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (India) and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) where applicable.
4.3 Fair Competition
We are committed to upholding fair competition and complying with applicable antitrust and competition laws. Employees must avoid any form of anti-competitive behaviour, including price-fixing, bid-rigging, or sharing sensitive market information with competitors.
5. Workplace Ethics
5.1 Respect and Inclusion
The Blue Tick is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, colour, religion, gender, age, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.
5.2 Harassment-Free Workplace
Harassment of any kind—whether verbal, physical, or psychological—has no place at The Blue Tick. All employees are expected to behave professionally and treat their colleagues with respect. Any instances of harassment should be reported immediately to the Human Resources Department or via the compliance email at compliances@thebluetick.org.
5.3 Health and Safety
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. Employees must adhere to all safety protocols and immediately report any hazards or unsafe conditions to their supervisor or the Health & Safety Committee.
6. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
6.1 Ownership of Work
All work created by employees, contractors, or freelancers on behalf of The Blue Tick is the intellectual property of The Blue Tick, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Employees must respect the copyrights and intellectual property rights of others.
6.2 Use of Company Resources
Employees are expected to use The Blue Tick’s resources—including computers, software, and equipment—for business purposes only. Unauthorised use of company assets for personal gain or illegal activities is prohibited.
6.3 Confidentiality
All employees are bound by confidentiality obligations concerning any proprietary or sensitive information they may access during their employment. Disclosure or misuse of confidential information, including client information, project data, and internal strategies, is strictly forbidden.
7. Reporting Violations and Whistleblower Protection
7.1 Reporting Violations
If an employee becomes aware of any unethical behaviour, legal violations, or breaches of this policy, they must report it to management or the Compliance Officer at compliances@thebluetick.org. All reports will be treated confidentially, and investigations will be conducted promptly and impartially.
7.2 Whistleblower Protection
Employees who report violations in good faith will be protected from retaliation, including but not limited to termination, harassment, or demotion. The Blue Tick is committed to ensuring a safe environment for employees to raise ethical concerns without fear of reprisal.
8. Disciplinary Actions
Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract. The specific consequences will depend on the nature and severity of the violation. The Blue Tick reserves the right to pursue legal action against individuals or entities that breach ethical or legal obligations.
9. Training and Awareness
9.1 Ethics Training
The Blue Tick provides ethics and compliance training to all employees as part of their onboarding process. Regular refresher training will also be conducted to ensure ongoing awareness of ethical standards and compliance requirements.
9.2 Continuous Improvement
We are committed to regularly reviewing and updating this policy to reflect changes in laws, business practices, and ethical standards. Employees are encouraged to provide feedback on how we can continue to strengthen our commitment to ethical business practices.
10. Compliance Monitoring and Accountability
10.1 Internal Audits
To ensure that this policy is effectively implemented, The Blue Tick will conduct periodic audits and reviews of its operations, including financial transactions, compliance records, and employee adherence to ethical standards.
10.2 Leadership Accountability
All managers and team leaders are responsible for fostering a culture of ethical behaviour and compliance within their teams. Leaders will be held accountable for ensuring that their teams understand and follow this policy.
11. Policy Amendments
This Ethics and Compliance Policy may be updated or amended from time to time. Employees will be notified of any significant changes via official company communications, and the most current version of the policy will be made available on The Blue Tick’s website.
12. Contact Information
For questions or concerns about this policy or to report violations, please contact the Compliance Officer at:
- Email: compliances@thebluetick.org
- Phone: +91 81 97559755
We value integrity, accountability, and transparency in all that we do and expect the same from all who work with us.
Last Updated: October 2024
The Blue Tick – A Media Branding and Communication Agency Based in India
Registered Entity: India