Advanced Utility Networks Limited, referred to in this statement as “AUN”, “we” or the “Group”, is a provider of multi-utility infrastructure services operating nationally throughout the UK. The Group also includes Advanced Electricity Networks Ltd, Advanced Water Infrastructure Networks Ltd, eSmart Networks Ltd and TriConnex Ltd.
Background
This statement is made in pursuant of section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the ‘Act’) and constitutes the modern slavery statement for Advanced Utility Networks Limited for the financial year ending 2026.
The Act requires businesses to state the steps they have taken during the financial year to ensure modern slavery is not taking place in their operations or supply chains. Modern slavery incorporates offences of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking.
Scope
This policy applies to all persons working for AUN or on its behalf in any capacity, including all employees and agents, including but not limited to agency workers, contractors, external consultants and business partners, or any other person associated with AUN, wherever located. This policy does not form part of any employee’s contract of employment and we may change it from time to time.
Statement
AUN recognises our responsibility to take a robust approach to modern slavery and is committed to preventing modern slavery in all our activities and within our supply chain.
Our business does not operate outside of the UK and directly employs in the region of 400 employees, all of whom are based in the UK. This statement outlines our approach to tackling modern slavery.
Our Supply Chain and Due Diligence
Our supply chain includes sub-contractors and suppliers of goods and materials. We have a zerotolerance approach to modern slavery and require our supply chain to comply with this commitment.
- Suppliers of Goods and Materials – AUN have a procurement department that operates a database of approved goods and materials suppliers. As part of our due diligence, we require new suppliers to complete a New Supplier Form and confirm they conduct business within all applicable laws and regulations.
- Sub-contractors – We undertake due diligence on all sub-contractors. Each is required to complete a pre-qualification questionnaire before becoming an approved sub-contractor, and modern slavery forms part of this questionnaire. Sub-contractors are required to confirm they conduct business within all applicable laws and regulations, including the Modern Slavery Act.
Our Policies
We have several polices which seek to minimise the risk of modern slavery. These include:
- Right to Work Policy (prevention of illegal working) which sets out the requirement to conduct right to work checks for all employees to safeguard against modern slavery.
- Environmental, Social and Governance Policy which confirms that we actively look for opportunities to improve the environment and to contribute to the wellbeing of our employees and the communities in which we trade.
- Anti-Bribery and Gifts Policy which confirms that we do not tolerate any form of bribery, whether direct or indirect. The board and senior management are committed to preventing bribery, in accordance with the Bribery Act 2010.
- Whistle-blowing Policy which provides employees with guidance as to how to raise any concerns, and reassurance that they can raise concerns in good faith without fear of reprisals.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy which sets out our commitment to ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and are provided with a working environment, which promotes dignity and respect to all.
Communication & Training
This Statement is made available to all employees via the Company intranet site. Each employee and, where applicable, all other individuals covered by our policies, have responsibility to review our Modern Slavery Statement, as well as to ensure that they fully understand our obligations and the consequences associated with any breach of those obligations. Training on modern slavery is also provided on the Company eLearning platform.
Commitment
Looking ahead to the 2026 financial year, we are committed to:
- Developing a Supplier Code of Conduct and a Responsible Sourcing Policy that explicitly
address modern slavery and uphold ethical standards. - Conducting a comprehensive review of our supply chain and sourcing policies to identify
opportunities for enhancement.
Approval & Review
This policy has been approved by the Director of People and it will be reviewed annually or earlier in
light of any developments or legislative changes which may occur.
Any changes to this Privacy Policy will be posted so that you are always aware of the information that we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.
