UKAEA Modern Slavery Statement 2020
UKAEA's commitment to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities.
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Preface
This Modern Slavery Act statement (the “Statement”) is made pursuant to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 for the financial year ending 31 March 2021 and has been approved by the Chief Executive Officer of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.
Introduction
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is one of the world’s leading fusion research laboratories, where our scientists and engineers are working with partners around the globe to develop fusion as a new source of cleaner energy for tomorrow’s power stations.
Our mission is to deliver sustainable fusion energy and maximise scientific and economic impact. However, we also recognise that we currently live in a world where slavery and human trafficking happens, and we will take all necessary steps to eradicate the occurrence of these practices in our supply chain.
We will ensure our policies and procedures are robust, transparent and promote ethical business practices. We will work with our partners and suppliers to eliminate any activity that is connected to modern slavery or human trafficking, and to create an environment which does not tolerate these practices, in any shape or form.
Background
UKAEA is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Energy. The Authority is a research organisation which is responsible for the development of nuclear power through fusion reactions.
The Authority’s mission is to ‘deliver sustainable fusion power and maximise scientific and economic benefits’, which will deliver both scientific and economic benefits, driving growth and jobs in hi-tech industries, across the United Kingdom.
Supply Chain and Due Diligence
UKAEA has an international reputation for scientific excellence, safety and impartiality, championing a culture of quality, inclusion and diversity, valuing and harnessing this throughout the supply chain. All supplier contracts are required to comply with relevant UKAEA policies, UKAEA Supply Chain Charter, national and international legislation.
Procurement at UKAEA is managed by a dedicated department within the organisation, who work in accordance with established UKAEA policies and procedures which provide transparency and oversight of all transactions.
We use external specialists to regularly audit our systems and processes. UKAEA holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification and is committed to continuous improvement. As part of that commitment, we review our procurement processes to ensure they highlight any activities that might indicate the abuse of human rights or modern slavery and provide oversight of our supply chain.
Relevant Policies
We will not tolerate slavery or human trafficking in our business or supply chain. UKAEA maintains a suite of policies that set out our expectations and standards that all employees and contractors must adhere to. These policies are outlined below:
- Supply Chain Management – UKAEA will comply with all relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice and other requirements applicable to management of the supply chain including with the Bribery Act 2010 and the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
- Whistle Blowing – UKAEA encourages employees or others with serious concerns about any aspect of our work to come forward and express those concerns. Serious concerns include, but are not limited to:
- Fraud, corruption and malpractice;
- Criminal or illegal behaviour;
- Failure to deliver proper standards of service (e.g. fail to comply with legal obligations);
- An attempt to cover up any of the above.
- Ethics – UKAEA is committed to ensuring that there is no modern-day slavery or human trafficking in any part of its business and supply chain including any organisations with which UKAEA collaborates.
- Counter Fraud – UKAEA will take disciplinary action and/or criminal proceedings whenever and wherever fraud or malpractice is identified.
- Business Practices – UKAEA is committed to carrying out its research, engineering design, enterprise and other activities within a comprehensive ethical framework. It expects all those that undertake work on UKAEA’s behalf to demonstrate high standards of ethical and professional behaviour.
- People – We will clearly articulate our values, behavioural and performance expectations, incorporating these into our systems and practices and our interactions with government, industry and stakeholders. We actively promote equality and value diversity. We also believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion.
All polices are reviewed annually by the UKAEA Executive Committee.