As the Paris Airshow gets under way the UK defence industry's hard work to implement ethical policies across the sector, in conjunction with the European trade body the AeroSpace and Defence industries association (ASD), is bearing fruit. It can be revealed today (Monday) that 116 UK companies have already adopted the ASD Common Industry Standards that are widely recognised as an excellent model for implementing ethical policies in defence companies.
The SBAC and DMA have worked closely together with their members to adopt the standards that require significant internal processes within the companies. Both trade associations are also strongly in favour of a new UK Bribery Bill to give a clearer legal base for tackling corruption.
Ian Godden, Chief Executive of the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC), said:
“UK defence companies are committed to ethical behaviour of the highest standard. We are very pleased to note the excellent progress of the UK industry in adopting formal ethical business standards. This process is not a matter of a company simply signing a document and then doing nothing. Companies roll out the Common Industry Standards across their operations as well as committing to the standards on behalf of their business.
“We are also pleased to note excellent progress is also being made between ASD in Europe and AIA in the US in developing principles for ethics that can be applied globally.”
Rees Ward, Director General of the Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA), said:
“With the strong commitment of the UK trade associations representing the British defence industry to act and be seen to act ethically it is tremendous news that so many firms have already signed up and rolled out the ASD Common Industry Standards. Larger firms have engaged their relevant departments to deliver the substance that underpins these signatures and as trade associations we have developed guidelines to assist smaller businesses that may not have this expertise in-house to do the same.”
ENDS
For more information and for photographs of Ian Godden and Rees Ward please see the documents below.
 UK defence industry surges ahead on European ethical standards.pdf
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