News story

Meet the Code Compliance Officer for TJ Morris Limited

Find out what happened when Ruth Clarke, CCO at TJ Morris Limited (trading as Home Bargains), answered News from the Adjudicator's questions.

Ruth Clarke, Code Compliance Officer at TJ Morris Limited.

Tell us something about yourself and your path to becoming a CCO?

I am a commercial solicitor and I sit within the legal function of Home Bargains. I report directly to our Group Legal Council and audit chair. Essentially, I am responsible for ensuring compliance with the Code. My role is to understand, and identify Code related issues.

What are the most challenging aspects of your CCO role?

Achieving effective compliance without excessive administration to ensure responsible business continuity.

If you could change one thing about the groceries market, what would it be?

To reduce the amount of unnecessary and non-recyclable packaging.

What achievement as CCO are you most proud of?

Having achieved 92% in first survey results of 2020. And having received an acknowledgement for that achievement from the Adjudicator.

What 3 things do you want to achieve in the next 12 months?

1) To maintain efficient and responsible business. 2) To reinforce the good work which we have started in achieving Code compliance. 3) To assist the buying team in maintaining good relations with our grocery supplier base. I believe that for compliance to be effective it must be simple. And I want to continue to develop and integrate a compliance function which relates to our strategic objectives.

Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of News from the Adjudicator?

My aim is to have an open dialogue with of all our grocery suppliers, to enable us to share knowledge and collaborate effectively to assist in Code compliance. You can contact me at gscop@tjmorris.co.uk.

Published 23 June 2020