B Lab: Company Code of Conduct

B Lab values relationships built on empathy and respect among prospective and existing B Corps and employees and representatives of B Lab. These relationships occur with people from all over the world that work together to use business as a force for good virtually, on calls, and at times together in-person.This Code of Conduct outlines our guidelines for such relationships and applies to all interactions of representatives of companies using B Lab’s products and services with B Lab representatives. 

B Lab may update this Code and its internal enforcement process at any time based on feedback of B Lab representatives and company representatives. 

Our Ask of You

By interacting with B Lab representatives and using B Lab products and services, you agree to:

• Act in a professional, courteous and polite manner

• Respect different viewpoints and identities of B Lab representatives

• Treat counterparts with respect, including when giving and accepting constructive feedback with respect to, but not limited to, results in BIA score changes, and in some cases, inability to achieve or maintain the certification 

• Respect the time of all parties by adequately preparing for and being punctual in attending calls and meetings

By interacting with B Lab representatives and using B Lab products and services, you agree to refrain from:

• Using profane language or aggressive or hostile behavior

• Being uncooperative or unwilling to use appropriate channels for communication and adjudication (e.g. Leave Feedback survey tool, comments in the B Impact Assessment platform, standard appeals process)

• Harassing B Lab representatives (physically or verbally)

• Sharing explicit, implicit or oppressive insults or derogatory comments or other biased behavior based on the identity of the B Lab representative

• Disregarding, concealing or engaging in conflicts of interest

• Offering, soliciting or accepting bribes of any kind

• Interfering with B Lab’s practices to uphold our Privacy and Confidentiality policies (e.g. requesting workarounds for expedited service, inappropriately sharing personal data or privileged information)

• Engaging in any illegal behaviors that cause reputational risk and/or damage to B Lab

• Exhibiting other conduct that is inappropriate in a professional setting

Our Promise to You

All B Lab employees and representatives acknowledge this Code of Conduct before embarking on external relationships. You will be treated with professionalism and courtesy. We will share information with you transparently and honestly. We will come to meetings prepared, arrive punctually, and respect your time.

How to Report Conduct Violations

If you experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, report the instance via the Leave Feedback survey at any time. Employees or B Lab representatives who are alleged to have violated this Code of Conduct will be subject to an investigation and performance review led by the People  & Culture team per company policy.

B Lab representatives have the authority to provide company representatives verbal or written warnings, or feedback, before escalating an incident for investigation. B Lab representatives can report violations to this Code of Conduct to the B Lab Global Lead Executive. Companies who are alleged to have violated this Code of Conduct will be subject to an investigation by the B Lab Lead Executive. If behavior is found to violate this Code of Conduct, the company may be deemed ineligible for certification or the company’s review may be paused for six months. At that time the company can reapply (including paying any applicable resubmission fees).

Background

B Lab makes decisions on companies’ eligibility for certification, the answers that companies provide in the B Impact Assessment (BIA), and subsequent verified scores. Example interactions include, but are not limited to, phone calls and written communications during the B Corporation Certification process, customer support, and investigations of public complaints of Certified B Corporations. B Lab employs qualified analysts who complete in-depth training to make decisions in line with BIA and B Lab internal guidance or receive additional guidance when needed, and are subject to quality assurance mechanisms. These measures allow B Corps to benefit from the credibility of the certification.

As an organization transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet, B Lab takes seriously its responsibility as steward of the B Corp Certification and BIA standards. We are committed to creating  working  relationships that are centered on wellness and Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JEDI); supportive of our mission, and grounded in trust.See more information about our JEDI journey here. 

We invite prospective and existing B Corps to also engage in a JEDI learning journey to uphold the credibility and benefits of B Corp certification. We would be happy to share our experiences and resources with you.