The five values of the BESA Code of Practice

Every BESA member signs up to our formal Code of Practice as a condition of membership.

While responsibility for individual products and services remains with the supplier, the Code of Practice sets clear expectations within the five categories outlined below – allowing schools to feel confident when choosing suppliers.

These trusted standards sit behind every supplier that is Backed by BESA – shaping how they operate and how they work with schools and educators. This page outlines what that commitment means for you, with the full Code of Practice available to read here.

The BESA Code of Practice –
what its five values mean for you

Quality and Standards

BESA members are formally committed to maintaining high standards across their products
and services. For schools, this means:

• Products that are safe and suitable for educational use
• Services that are delivered fairly, professionally, transparently and responsibly
• Continuous improvement in the quality and reliability of products and services
• Suppliers that meet recognised UK and relevant international standards.

Adherence to this value is a commitment to the safe, effective and long-term support of
learning environments.

Integrity

Our members commit to acting with integrity – in dealings with potential, current and past
customers, as well as wider stakeholders.

This includes:

• Delivering high standards of customer service
• Responding to concerns or complaints promptly
• Acting in the best interests of learners, educators and wider school communities
• Never offering inappropriate inducements or incentives to influence decision-making.

Educators can feel confident that professional conduct will be upheld at all times, and that
supplier/customer relationships will be conducted fairly and responsibly.

Transparency and Openness

BESA members must communicate clearly and accurately about who they are and what they
provide. For schools, that means:

• Products and services described honestly and fairly
• Transparent product pricing and service charges – outlined within clear T&Cs and customer contracts
• No knowingly false or misleading claims
• Respect for the reputation of the wider education sector.

This ensures clarity, honesty and openness at every stage of the supplier relationship –
allowing you to make informed decisions based on clear, accurate and reliable information.

Safeguarding and Data Security

BESA members understand that safeguarding and data protection are a critical part of
school life. Through their mandatory membership commitment they agree to uphold the very
highest standards by:

• Adhering to statutory safeguarding responsibilities relevant to their work in education settings
• Respecting individual school safeguarding and visitor policies
• Complying with UK data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and Data
• Protection Act 2018, and relevant international requirements where applicable
• Honouring all school data-sharing agreements.

This element of the Code of Practice ensures that when you work with a BESA member, the
safety and security of your school community come first. It reinforces a culture of care and
responsibility among all BESA members, helping schools to find suppliers they can trust.

Fair and Respectful Conduct

BESA members are expected to carry out their professional duties without discrimination or
unacceptable conduct.

This means treating educators, learners and school communities with fairness and respect,
regardless of gender, race, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. It reflects
a commitment to inclusive practice and to upholding the values that underpin the education
sector.

BESA members have made a commitment to doing business the right way – with professionalism, integrity and accountability.