SBAC Calls on OECD to Recognise Defence Industry Progress on Ethics

The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) has today responded to the comments from the anti-bribery working group of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). As the UK aerospace and defence trade association, SBAC has been working with its European umbrella body, the ASD (AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe), to drive ethical business practices throughout the defence industry.>> SBAC believes that the UK defence sector has become a model for other industries to follow in terms of ethical business practices and is rolling out the ASD's agreed Common Industry Standards across the industry.>> Derek Marshall, SBAC Director of Aerospace Defence & Homeland Security, said:>> "The OECD highlights the need for industry to be vigilant on ethics. The UK defence industry welcomes the spotlight on business ethics because it allows us to demonstrate to the world the achievements and the work we are engaged in to lead the way on the subject. As part of the European umbrella body ASD we have joined the other member trade associations to sign up to Common Industry Standards (CIS) on ethics.>> "SBAC is also supporting ASD's work with US industry which is aimed at developing global ethics standards. We believe that these developments are a significant contribution to achieving the OECD's goals to combat corruption and encourage good ethical practice.>> "With help from Transparency International and other experts the defence industry has produced a toolkit for companies to use to embed ethical practices as set out in the CIS and we have worked with John Hutton to ensure the Government's involvement in the project. We look forward to a similar excellent working relationship with Jack Straw now that he has taken over responsibility for anti-corruption work in the Government.