Coventry University Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

(in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015)

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This statement has been approved by the Senior Group Leadership Team (29 April 2026) and will be reviewed at least once annually. If you have any questions, please contact procurement@coventry.ac.uk.

We continuously strive to improve our practices, ensuring details from previous statements remain relevant and act as a control mechanism for our global supply chains. This statement should be read as part of Coventry University’s wider commitment to ethical procurement and continuous improvement in managing modern slavery risks.

Coventry University is firmly committed to complying with the Modern Slavery Act of 2015. The University will only support suppliers and businesses who demonstrate adherence to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Recognising our responsibility within the global market, Coventry University implements a robust set of procedures to mitigate the risk of engaging with non-compliant businesses or suppliers.

The University operates primarily within the United Kingdom, with some international activities and supply chains. While our direct contractual relationships are generally with tier 1 suppliers*, we recognise that risks may exist further down the supply chain, particularly in higher-risk categories and global sourcing.

The Procurement Team has already incorporated the following measures into our processes:

• All Procurement Team members have undergone training on preventing modern slavery and human trafficking.
• CIPS-qualified members must undertake the CIPS Ethics Test to maintain their Chartered Status.
• We use the government Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) where appropriate in tender processes, which requires relevant potential suppliers to evidence and confirm compliance with the annual reporting requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
• We have implemented a Procurement Sustainability Policy that incorporates a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) action plan. This initiative further strengthens our commitment to ethical sourcing.
• We have incorporated questions on a supplier's Modern Slavery compliance into our regular Supplier Review Meetings, fostering deeper dialogue and transparency.

In addition, modern slavery considerations are embedded within tender evaluation, contract management, and supplier engagement activity. Where concerns are identified, suppliers may be required to implement corrective action plans, which are monitored through ongoing engagement.

In addition to the measures outlined above, ongoing efforts include:

• We continue to encourage existing suppliers to use the NETpositive Supplier Engagement Tool or an equivalent tool.
• We are actively using category strategies to streamline our supplier base, reducing the number of businesses we collaborate with, thereby enhancing overall control.
• The Procurement Team encourages potential suppliers to use the NETpositive Supplier Engagement Tool or an equivalent tool. This proactive approach assesses risk and promotes transparency within our supply chain.
• Procurement conducts regular (monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly) Supplier Review Meetings. Discussions with suppliers delve into their supply chain activities and compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
• The Procurement Team actively works with Public Sector approved consortia who share our commitment to ethical sourcing practices aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This collaboration strengthens our overall efforts.
• The Procurement Team encourages the use of pre-approved and framework suppliers to minimise risks. This helps reduce partnering with businesses who do not have secured supply chains.
• Coventry University reserves the right to suspend trading with any supplier who fails to provide evidence of necessary measures to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.

We monitor the effectiveness of these measures through supplier engagement activity, review meetings, and internal assurance processes, and we will continue to develop appropriate performance indicators to strengthen our approach over time.

Potential areas of risk in supply chains include:

• Externally funded research projects
• Science, Technical, Engineering Goods and Services
• Corporate Services (Travel and Hospitality)
• ICT Equipment and Services
• Estates Goods and Services
• Academic Services (warehouse and packaging risk)

Looking ahead

Coventry University remains committed to continuous improvement in addressing modern slavery risks. Future priorities include enhancing supply chain transparency beyond tier 1 suppliers* where practicable, strengthening effectiveness measures, and continuing to embed modern slavery considerations within category strategies and supplier management activity.