Edition 24: News from the Adjudicator PDF (PDF, 695KB, 2 pages)
Welcome from the Groceries Code Adjudicator
As the GCA, I am here to support suppliers who experience issues related to the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (Code) with their designated retailers. I have the power and authority as the independent regulator to effect change. But I must know what is happening; I cannot act if suppliers do not tell me.
A major focus for me in these early days has been to develop ways to increase suppliers' trust that they can raise issues with me and the retailers' Code Compliance Officers (CCOs) in total confidence that their information will be treated confidentially. I want transparency to help dispel the fear of retaliation.
Soon after I was appointed, I raised this issue with the CCOs and they have all told me that their practice has been to maintain confidentiality in discussions with suppliers. However, in such an important area where concerns still persist, it is one thing to say something and another to have it in writing. I am very pleased to say that all the CCOs have formally confirmed to me that they will treat any discussions with suppliers in the strictest of confidence. The CCOs are not part of, and sit outside, the retailers' buying teams.
The CCOs have also confirmed that it will be up to the supplier to determine whether they can disclose any details about the subject matter of their Code-related discussion within their designated retailer. This commitment is now on the GCA website alongside the most up-to-date
