BAE Systems

A large part of our business relies on collaboration with our suppliers. These relationships are usually long-lasting and without them we would not be able to create the best-in-class products and services that we do. Companies that want to be suppliers to us need to share our values and embrace the same ethical behaviour that we do ourselves. To support and follow up on this we have an extensive governance structure with a strong focus on a responsible supply chain.

 

Governance of the supply chain

To support our governance in this area and to clarify what we expect from our suppliers and their supply chains, we have developed the Supplier Principles – Guidance for Responsible Business. The Supplier Principles expect compliance with all relevant national and international laws. They also set out best practice guidance in relation to matters such as anti-corruption behaviours, environmental issues, responsible payment, conflict minerals and how employees are treated.

 

Maintaining and improving the systems and processes to reduce the risk of slavery or human trafficking is also of the utmost importance when it comes to governance of the supply chain. We are strongly committed to this task and have published a response to the UK Modern Slavery Actand a statement in response to the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act that aligns with the rest of our supply chain governance framework.

 
 

Approving and on-boarding new suppliers

We use risk-based due diligence for all our suppliers with whom we engage and have a number of other procedures to satisfy ourselves that we only work with suppliers who have standards consistent with our own.

Supplier support and programmes

We value the relationships we have with our suppliers and the vital role they play in helping us to deliver equipment and services to our customers. We offer different kinds of support and programmes to help and collaborate with our suppliers.

2021 priorities

 
We will aim to:
Develop a Sustainable Procurement Charter which sets out our responsible environmental, social and economic procurement principles
Continue to extend coverage of Supplier Principles assurance
Continue to assess our business partners and suppliers on the adoption of our Supplier Principles
Read more about our ESG commitments
 
Image showing AA MSCI ESG rating   
 
As of 2021, BAE Systems received an MSCI ESG Rating of AA. | MSCI Disclaimer