Coventry University Statement on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
(in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015)
Introduction
Coventry University and its subsidiaries ("Coventry University Group") are committed to working with our supply chain to acquire goods and services without causing harm to others. This statement relates to the 2020/2021 financial year of Coventry University, and is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It sets out the steps that Coventry University Group has taken and is currently taking in this financial year to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in any of its supply chains or in any part of its own business.
Our organisation’s structure
Coventry University is a global university whose core business is teaching and research. The Coventry University Group comprises 4 academic faculties supported by professional services divisions and a number of established subsidiaries. Located principally in Coventry city centre, with campuses in London and Scarborough, the Coventry University Group has approximately 35,000 students and over 7,000 staff. The Group is supported by a centralised procurement and Legal Services with transactional purchasing devolved to individual departments.
Our policy on Modern slavery and Human Trafficking
Coventry University is committed to complying with the Modern Slavery Act of 2015. The University will not support suppliers or business who do not conduct their activity within the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Coventry University Group supports key principles of internationally recognised codes of labour practice, which include requirements that:
- Employment is freely chosen
- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
- Working conditions are safe and hygienic
- Child labour shall not be used
- Working hours are not excessive
- No unlawful discrimination is practiced
- No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
Our Supply Chains include:
Coventry University Group to carry out procedures to reduce the risk of engaging with non-compliant Businesses or Supplier’s.
The Coventry University Group’s supply chains are managed under the following pillars or categories (“the Procurement Pillars”):
- ICT equipment, services and major projects
- Estates Capital and Facilities Management
- Professional Services - Travel, Insurance, Print and Promotional Items
What we are doing now
In an ever-increasing global market, there is ownership on the In order to reduce risk to the Coventry University Group, measures are in place that include the following:
- The Procurement team request that selected suppliers complete the Net Positives Supplier Engagement Tool. This is requested at New Supplier Set Up stage and during a Tender process.
- Supplier Review Meetings (SRM) are conducted monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly intervals, the Procurement team discuss with suppliers their supply chain activity and their compliance with Modern Slavery Act 2015.
- The Procurement Team endeavours to work with Public Sector approved Consortia who are committed to supporting the UK Government’s approach to sourcing Goods and Services by complying by the UN Guiding Principle of Business and Human Trafficking
- The Procurement Team encourage the use of existing approved and framework suppliers, this reduces the risk of partnering with businesses who do not have secured supply chains.
Future plans
To continue to support existing suppliers with completing the Net Positives Supplier Engagement Tool.
To incorporate Category strategies to reduce the number of businesses Coventry University Group partners with and risk of Human Trafficking and Slavery issues.
To work with onboarding new suppliers in the GFS Finance System and ensuring they complete the Net Positives Supplier Engagement Tool.
To implement a Procurement Sustainability Policy that will incorporate a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) action plan.
Coventry University reserves the right to put on stop any supplier that fails to provide evidence that it is taking necessary measures to ensure the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking.
This statement was approved by the Group Leadership Team in January 2023 and will be reviewed at least once annually.
Coventry University Group’s financial year end was 31 July 2022.
If you have any questions, please contact procurement@coventry.ac.uk
