Statement
Veon Scientific Ltd opposes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, human trafficking, child labour and other forms of exploitation. We are committed to doing business ethically and to taking proportionate steps to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chain.
Legal Position
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires commercial organisations that meet its criteria, including an annual turnover of £36 million or more, to publish an annual slavery and human trafficking statement. Veon Scientific Ltd is currently below that turnover threshold and is not required to publish one.
We publish this statement voluntarily, to set out our position clearly and what we expect of our suppliers.
Our Business and Supply Chain
We design, assemble, integrate, test and support laboratory automation and analytical equipment. We source specialist manufactured parts and finishes from external suppliers, along with proprietary electrical, electronic, mechanical and automation components. We buy both in the UK and internationally, reflecting the specialist nature and availability of the technologies we use.
Our Expectations
We expect our suppliers and business partners to comply with applicable laws on employment, human rights, forced labour, human trafficking and child labour. We do not knowingly do business with any organisation that uses forced, bonded, trafficked or child labour.
Supplier Selection and Risk
When selecting suppliers, we consider technical capability, quality, reliability, compliance, commercial suitability and, where relevant, ethical and environmental factors. We generally prefer suppliers with recognised or otherwise established quality-management systems where appropriate, while recognising that some long-standing specialist suppliers may not hold formal accreditation.
We take a proportionate, risk-based approach. We may ask for more information or evidence where a supplier, product, country of origin, manufacturing process or other circumstance points to a higher ethical or modern-slavery risk.
Reporting Concerns
Concerns about suspected modern slavery, exploitation or unethical supply-chain conduct connected with Veon can be raised confidentially with a Director. We will review credible concerns and take appropriate action, which may include further investigation, corrective action or reconsidering the commercial relationship.
Governance and Review
The Directors approve this voluntary statement and review it at least once a year. We will continue to develop our supplier-management arrangements in proportion to the growth of the company and its supply chain.