2gether Achieves Prompt Payment Code Approved Signatory

25/11/2009

The 2gether NHS Foundation Trust has successfully achieved Approved Signatory status to The Prompt Payment Code. Our decision to apply for approved signatory status demonstrates our commitment, especially to small businesses.

The Code is an initiative devised by the British Government with The Institute of Credit Management (ICM).  It is developed to tackle the crucial issue of late payment.

Approved signatories, now including 2gether, undertake to:

1. Pay suppliers on time
• within the terms agreed at the outset of the contract
• without attempting to change payment terms retrospectively
• without changing practice on length of payment for smaller companies on unreasonable grounds
2. Give clear guidance to suppliers
• providing suppliers with clear and easily accessible guidance on payment procedures
• ensuring there is a system for dealing with complaints and disputes which is communicated to suppliers
• advising them promptly if there is any reason why an invoice will not be paid to the agreed terms
3. Encourage good practice
   • By requesting that lead suppliers encourage adoption of the code throughout their own supply chains

For more information, please visit The Prompt Payment Code website at www.promptpaymentcode.org.uk/