Over 100 UK defence companies have adopted the Common Industry Standards model for ethical practice as laid out by Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), the organisation has revealed.
The Common Industry Standard is a moral code drawn up by collaboratively by ASD member organisations, designed to uphold integrity within the industry. It includes guidance on matters such as corruption, political donations and consultancy engagement.
ASD revealed last week that 116 UK defence companies have committed so far.
Rees Ward is director general of the Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA), a member of ASD. He 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.”
The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) is also a member of ASD.
“This process is not a matter of a company simply signing a document and then doing nothing,” added SBACs chief executive, Ian Godden. “Companies roll out the Common Industry Standards across their operations as well as committing to the standards on behalf of their business.”
Both trade associations were also keen strongly in favour of a new UK Bribery Bill to give a clearer legal base for tackling corruption.
The ASD consists of 30 trade associations from across Europe and represents a total of over 2,000 firms.
A PDF introducing the Common Industry Standards can be viewed by clicking here.
