Purpose
This document (the “Principles”) provides an overview for our customers, partners, vendors, and service providers of the principles that inspire our work. Our aim is to ensure our business operates legally, ethically, and securely in all aspects. While this document complements our internal Code of Conduct for employees, it serves a distinct purpose.
Scope
Sketch embraces and upholds a set of core principles throughout our organization.
These Principles apply to all non-employee stakeholders, including:
- Customers
- Partners
- Vendors
- Service Providers
(the “Stakeholders”).
We ensure these Principles remain accessible and transparent to all parties.
Core expectations for all stakeholders
Each Stakeholder working for or with Sketch:
- Is competent in their role.
- Identifies and reports unacceptable behavior and suggests improvements where needed.
- Complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Understands the importance of information security and privacy, and acts accordingly.
All Stakeholders shall:
- Not copy privacy-sensitive customer data to external media (digital or physical) or leave it visible on unattended screens.
- Secure their computer when unattended to prevent unauthorized access.
- Protect their user credentials (e.g., username, password).
- Safeguard classified materials according to their level of classification.
- Verify recipient email addresses before sending sensitive information, and use BCC when emailing multiple recipients.
- Immediately report any suspected or confirmed information security incidents or vulnerabilities.
- Never bypass or subvert system security controls.
- Avoid introducing malware or viruses into Sketch systems or networks.
- Comply with all legal, statutory, and contractual obligations as communicated by Sketch.
Ethical business conduct
Sketch is committed to conducting all business with integrity and in compliance with applicable ethical and legal standards.
All Stakeholders can expect fair treatment from Sketch and are expected to:
- Conduct business ethically and legally, globally.
- Abide by international anti-corruption laws, including those prohibiting:
- Bribes, both public and private
- Improper payments
- Kickbacks
- Facilitating payments, regardless of local custom
- Avoid any improper payments and conduct due diligence when engaging third-party representatives.
- Never allow or authorize third parties to engage in unethical conduct on Sketch’s behalf.
Violations of these standards may result in civil or criminal penalties. Stakeholders are expected to report concerns in good faith. Sketch prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who report misconduct.
Public bribe — Anything of value offered to a public official to gain an improper advantage.
Private bribe — A concealed gift or promise offered to someone in breach of good faith.
Kickback — Money or benefit returned as a reward for awarding or influencing business.
Facilitating payment — A small payment to expedite a routine service is prohibited by Sketch.
Compliance with Trade and Financial regulations
Sketch is committed to ensuring all trade and financial activities follow international laws and regulatory requirements.
All Stakeholders must:
- Follow all laws regarding imports and exports, where applicable, and as directed by Sketch.
- Be mindful of international sanctions imposed by authorities such as the UN, EU, and US, which may restrict or prohibit certain activities.
- Avoid engaging in restricted transactions involving prohibited countries, entities, or individuals, when applicable.
- Comply with anti-boycott laws and regulations where applicable.
- Take part in preventing money laundering, ensuring that all business dealings are legitimate and lawful.
Stakeholders must confirm business partners’ identity, legality, and the origin of the funds.
Anti-Boycott Laws — Laws preventing companies from joining unauthorized foreign boycotts.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) — Laws requiring businesses to verify identities and report suspicious financial activity to prevent concealing illegal funds.
Sanctions — Government-imposed restrictions on trade and financial dealings with specific countries, entities, or individuals.
Export Controls — Laws governing the international transfer of goods, technology, and software for security and policy reasons.
Restricted Transactions — Business activities prohibited by law with sanctioned parties or embargoed regions.
Import/Export Compliance — Following laws that control the cross-border movement of goods and services.
Human rights and Social responsibility
Sketch is committed to upholding human dignity and fair labor practices in all areas of operation.
Stakeholders must support and adhere to these commitments:
- Prohibit the use of child labor, in alignment with ILO standards:
- General minimum working age: 15 years (13 for light work)
- Minimum age for hazardous work: 18 years (or 16 under strict conditions)
- Oppose all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking.
- Maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment free from discrimination and harassment.
Living Wage Compliance
Sketch is committed to upholding fair labor standards and expects the same of its partners.
All stakeholders — particularly vendors, suppliers, and service providers — are required to:
- Maintain a formal process for ensuring that all workers involved in their operations, as well as the operations of their suppliers or subcontractors, are paid at least a living wage.
- Document and monitor compliance with this requirement and be able to provide evidence upon request.
- Understand that Sketch reserves the right to audit or request independent verification of these processes as part of our commitment to ethical sourcing and human rights.
- Commit to best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas, including:
- Health, safety, and well-being
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Personal development
- Environmental sustainability — supported by our remote-first model
Living Wage — The minimum income necessary for a worker to meet their basic needs, including food, housing, healthcare, and other essential living costs, without requiring government assistance.
ESG — A framework used to assess a company’s legal and ethical performance in three areas: Environmental (impact on the natural environment), Social (treatment of people and communities), and Governance (corporate leadership, ethics, and compliance).
Conflicts of Interest and Business Integrity
Sketch seeks to avoid all conflicts of interest.
Stakeholders must:
- Disclose any situations that could impair objective judgment or create an appearance of bias, including:
- Personal or family relationships
- Acceptance or offering of extravagant gifts or hospitality
- Never enter into unauthorized “side letters” or verbal agreements that amend the terms of a formal contract. Doing so is grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of the relationship.
Reporting concerns and irregularities
Stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspected violations of these Principles. Reports can be made anonymously and confidentially using Sketch’s dedicated reporting form.
Sketch treats all reports seriously and prohibits retaliation against individuals. Stakeholders with questions or concerns about this document are invited to contact us at legal@sketch.com.
These Principles may be updated periodically by Sketch.
