Need help reading this page? Click to activate Recite Me popup.

Policy compliance

We're committed to introducing responsible business practices that make it easier for our suppliers to do business with us.

To support this commitment, Lloyds Banking Group subscribes to the Financial Supplier Qualification System (FSQS). FSQS is designed to standardise and manage our requests for compliance and assurance data.

As the regulatory environment becomes more complex, it’s important that we can demonstrate to our stakeholders that we’re working responsibly with our suppliers to minimise risk and protect customers.

The use of the FSQS provides a standard and simple mechanism for collecting and managing supplier assurance information across the Group.

The FSQS is also an integral part of our sourcing process. Our Sourcing Specialists use the system to find pre-qualified suppliers to be considered for new business. Qualified supplier status gives visibility across Group Sourcing and, therefore, creates potential new business opportunities.

Financial Supplier Qualification System (FSQS) brochure

Benefits for suppliers

  • A single online process to submit assurance and compliance data - reducing duplicate requests from the Group.
  • Compliance requirements which are proportionate to the products and services being provided.
  • An online supplier profile which can be updated throughout the year to demonstrate your ongoing compliance with Lloyds Banking Group policies.
  • Qualification means you won't have to provide assurance information each time you bid for business with the Group.

How to gain qualification

Qualification on FSQS is by invitation only.


Stage 1 Qualification

Suppliers will receive an email invitation to complete an online questionnaire. The invitation will come from Hellios, an external partner, who the FSQS for the subscriber Banks in the FSQS Community. The questionnaire should take around one hour to complete.

This information will allow us to determine whether your organisation only requires Stage 1 Qualification, or is required to complete the Stage 2 assessment.

There are two levels of qualification. Stage 1 Qualification will be sufficient to cover most suppliers. However, some products and services are subject to additional compliance and policy requirements, dependent on the services provided to the Group.


Stage 2 Qualification

Stage 2 requires the completion of a more detailed online assessment and the provision of evidence to support your application. This stage typically covers your policies and practice in areas detailed under Third Party Policies.

Application for Stage 2 may incur an annual fee, which is payable directly to Hellios, to cover the operational costs of administering the system.

In support of the Group’s Helping Britain Prosper Plan, if your organisation is an autonomous small, medium or micro sized enterprise (SME)* then no fee will be charged to apply for Stage 2 Qualification.

Following Stage 2 qualification, the Bank may wish to conduct further assurance activities including an on-site audit. This will be conducted by Lloyds Banking Group and will incur no further fees.

*Aligned to the EU Recommendation 2003/361

Third party policies

Our Code of Supplier Responsibility, also accessible from Responsible Sourcing, sets out the minimum standards we expect all our suppliers to conform to. We assess all of our suppliers against the Code and its principles.

Suppliers are also asked to comply with the Third Party Supplier Policies when applicable to the services provided by that supplier to the Group. Third party policies are documents which:

  • articulate Lloyds Banking Group's expectations in regards to behaviours and decision making
  • address the primary areas of risk which Lloyds Banking Group faces
  • translate Lloyds Banking Group's risk appetite into mandatory requirements and Policy Key Controls.

If you, as a supplier to the Bank, are unclear which Third Party Policies apply to the service you are providing, then please contact your Lloyds Banking Group supplier contact for clarification.

To download the current versions of Lloyds Banking Group Third Party Policies, select the relevant link/s below.

To ensure you are viewing the latest versions, please delete any temporary internet files.

 

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions on the Supplier Qualification System (SQS).


Who is Hellios?

Hellios Information Management Ltd is a UK based company with extensive experience in collecting and maintaining supplier data on behalf of a number of global and UK companies.


What is the role of Hellios?

Lloyds Banking Group has appointed Hellios to collect and administer Supplier Assurance related data on behalf of the Group. Hellios will collect and check the data provided by suppliers and ensure the data is maintained on the Financial Supplier Qualification System.

Hellios is an approved supplier of Lloyds Banking Group. Hellios does not assess a supplier's suitability for qualification - that decision rests with Lloyds Banking Group.


Do we have to register each of our legal entities separately?

Yes, your organisation is required to register any legal entity that submits an invoice to Lloyds Banking Group.


Can any supplier apply for qualification?

No, qualification is by invitation only.


Will other suppliers have access to the information we provide?

No, other suppliers will not have access to the information you provide.


Will assurance information be available across Lloyds Banking Group?

Yes, one of the benefits of the new system is that suppliers' assurance information will be available to other areas in Lloyds Banking Group. This will reduce requests for duplicate information from the Group.


Will I be asked to provide pricing information on my company's products and services?

No, your organisation will not be asked to provide this or any other commercial information.


If I'm required to apply for Stage 2 Qualification, how do I pay the fee to Hellios?

Hellios will provide full details of the payment options available however we recommend suppliers make an online payment to Hellios for immediate access to the Stage 2 assessment.


Who can I contact for further information?

Please contact Hellios Supplier Support: email: fsqs@hellios.com or telephone 01865 959120 - 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.