Modern Slavery Statement 2024
Ipsos is committed to ensuring that all our employees, workers and contractors are treated fairly, and that their human rights are respected. Ipsos’ slavery and human trafficking statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 ("Statement"). This Statement sets out the steps Ipsos has taken to address the risk of slavery and human trafficking taking place within its own operations and supply chains. For the purposes of this Statement, Ipsos represents: Ipsos MORI UK Ltd and Ipsos (market research) Limited, formerly Market & Opinion Research International Ltd (collectively known and trading as “Ipsos”).
Furthermore, Ipsos is part of the group of companies operating globally under the control of Ipsos SA, a French listed company ("Ipsos Group").
Business sector and risks
Ipsos operates in the market research and public opinion sector, as well as ancillary services. As such, its supply chain for its main business operation is relatively straightforward. Management have identified data collection as the area with the greatest risk.
We are proud that the Ipsos Group was the first research business in the world to subscribe to the UN Global Compact, encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies.
Since 2008, the Ipsos Group has subscribed to the UN Global Compact for respecting ten universal principles concerning human rights, labour, the environment and combating corruption. This commitment has also been incorporated into the Ipsos Group global policies (“The Green Book”, the Ipsos Professional Code of Conduct), and a "Book of Policies and Procedures", all of which are supplemented by a whistle-blowing procedure.
Ipsos’ “Anti-Slavery Policy” has been in place since July 2016, supplementing the requirements set out in the Ipsos Group wide policies. All staff are required to comply with the policy, and we have a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or any of our supply chains.
Ipsos has taken steps to reduce the risk identified in the data collection element of our business. Each third-party provider of data collection services undergoes a vetting process by Ipsos’ internal Compliance Department before being accepted as a supplier. Ipsos currently implements a strict due diligence process to identify risks of modern slavery when working with suppliers. Ipsos has also worked with internal teams (inclusive of its in-house legal team) to establish a clear process for on-boarding of suppliers and to ensure that suppliers are subject to contractual requirements to comply with the Modern Slavery Act. Since 2018, Ipsos has introduced formal requirements within its standard supplier agreements, obligating suppliers to also implement controls aimed at preventing modern slavery; and to notify Ipsos if they become aware of any instances of modern slavery within their business or supply chains. Compliance with the Modern Slavery Act is a paramount consideration for Ipsos when engaging with clients as well as with respective subcontractors and third parties. Our global legal teams, data privacy professionals, supply chain and procurement teams regularly discuss the requirements for enhanced and up to date due diligence of suppliers.
Both whistleblowing and supplier reviews are seen as key requirements in Ipsos’ standard supplier agreements to help Ipsos identify risks of slavery and human trafficking taking place in its business or supply chains. Ipsos engages a hard-line approach of non-engagement and dismissal of suppliers if a breach of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 is found. Ipsos has not identified or received any notifications of incidences of non-compliance by Ipsos’ approved supply chain since the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Training
Ipsos has issued training to its staff to enable them to better recognise the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in the supply chain. Ipsos has also asked its staff to familiarise themselves with the "Anti-Slavery Policy". Ipsos has a dedicated compliance and legal team who continually strive to have a pro-active approach to legal updates and educate internal stakeholders of the same and the obligations Ipsos as an organisation must uphold.
This statement was approved by the Boards of Ipsos MORI UK Ltd and Ipsos (market research) Limited.
Signed by Kelly Beaver on 24 April 2024, Chief Executive Officer for Ipsos MORI UK Ltd and Ipsos (market research) Limited:
Kelly Beaver
Chief Executive Officer