For our UK business suppliers, we aim to provide you with a clear set of information that will help you understand more about our business, as well as how to best prepare to work with us. The information and links below provide useful contextual information about working with BAE Systems Plc.
Company overview
Information on our areas of business, global suppliers, and our sustainability agenda can be found by accessing the pages linked below.
Fit for Business
BAE Systems operates a due diligence process for capturing and assessing appropriate supplier information from a number of sources. This includes 3rd party toolsets, as well as data gathering through supplier questionnaires. BAE Systems conducts risk-based due diligence for all our suppliers with whom we engage and we have a number of other procedures to satisfy ourselves that we only work with suppliers who have standards consistent with our own. Our due diligence activities determine both initial and ongoing approval status and it is important that all suppliers maintain the topicality of their due diligence information on a regular basis. We recognise that working with a large business comes with a wide range of requirements. Some of the key “fit for business” requirements related to working with BAE Systems are referenced below. Note that this is not an exhaustive list as specific additional requirements may exist, depending on specific products, services, programmes or businesses you may wish to work with.
Areas of interest
BAE Systems is a large and complex organisation and we welcome expressions of interest from suppliers. Where possible, we maintain a list of our current areas of interest (link below) and we will seek to progress conversations with prospective new suppliers based on this list and specific requirements at any particular time.
Our standards, behaviours and ethics
BAE Systems operates a Code of Conduct that reflects our minimum ethical values and behavioural standards and we expect and encourage suppliers to embrace comparable practices. We also expect suppliers to have read and understood our Supplier Code of Conduct (formerly Supplier Principles – Guidance for Responsible Business) and advise us promptly of any reason that would prevent them from working to any of the principles outlined in the document.
Compliance information
We expect suppliers to provide and maintain relevant, accurate and timely information related to performance and compliance. To streamline and standardise data collection and due diligence for suppliers across the industry, the majority of our UK businesses use the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR), reducing due diligence times and improving risk management practices.
Our Standard Conditions of Purchase
The UK Standard Conditions of Purchase (link below) form our minimum baseline standard. Depending on product or service supplied and the programme supplied to, there may be other applicable flowdown terms and conditions, as well as certification or compliance standards. These will be communicated as part of any specific engagement.
Financial health
Risk-based due diligence is undertaken for all parties with whom we engage, including our suppliers. This due diligence includes assessment of financial stability and any associated risks.
Reputational risk
Risk-based due diligence is undertaken for all parties with whom we engage, including our suppliers. Screening is undertaken against denied party and sanctions listings, including the review of any identified adverse media.
Standards of security
Working with us requires a heightened level of security awareness and control. Personnel vetting, site security and standards of Cyber Security accreditation will be considered based on the product / services being supplied. All suppliers are encouraged to ensure that their companies are resilient to both physical and cyber intrusion.
Trade controls and sanctions
BAE Systems expects all suppliers to conduct business in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing export, re-export, transfer and import of controlled hardware, technical data, software and services. This includes obtaining and being compliant with any and all export control authorisations. We also expect our suppliers to screen third parties with whom they do business and to be fully compliant with all relevant financial sanctions, trade embargoes and other restrictive measures imposed by any applicable government authority.
Labour standards and human rights
BAE Systems expects all suppliers to comply with applicable laws, including those related to human rights and modern slavery, and to uphold and protect human rights by treating their own employees with respect, promoting fair employment practices, providing fair and competitive wages and prohibiting harassment, bullying, discrimination, retaliation, modern slavery and human trafficking, as well as undertaking appropriate due diligence to identify such human rights risks, supported by systems and processes to minimise the risk of such abuses occurring. These are a fundamental part of our Supplier Code of Conduct.
Safety and quality standards
BAE Systems expects suppliers to clearly demonstrate oversight and proper management of product and personnel safety, as well as business and product quality. Underpinning standards such as ISO9001 (Quality Assurance) and ISO45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) may be a key consideration for certain scopes of supply.
Supporting Fit for Business
We recognise that the scope of regulatory and security requirements that underpin being a “Fit for Defence” business can be challenging and confusing. We work alongside a number of Industry Trade Bodies that can help a business on its journey of development.
Make UK Defence is a national not-for-profit, member owned defence trade association, part of Make UK – the manufacturers’ organisation. We champion and support the UK’s innovative and diverse defence manufacturers and the wider defence supply chain.
ADS is the UK trade association advancing leadership in aerospace, defence, security and space, to enable prosperity and clean, secure growth for our nation.
Contact the team
Please use this contact link for submitting general enquiries only. All enquiries related specifically to working with BAE Systems should be directed via the Expression of Interest link on the Areas of interest page