Graphcore strongly opposes the practices of slavery and human trafficking and commits to publicly disclose steps taken to ensure that modern slavery offences are not taking place either in its own business operations or its supply chain.
Graphcore maintains a Code of Social Responsibility which outlines standards to ensure that working conditions at Graphcore are safe, that workers are treated with respect, fairness and dignity, and that our operations are environmentally responsible. In addition, the Code of Social Responsibility prohibits involuntary, coercive, or unlawful labor practices. We declare that we do not use forced, bonded or indentured labor or involuntary prison labor; employees are not required to hand over government-issued identification, passports or work permits as a condition of employment; work is voluntary; and employees are free to leave upon reasonable notice.
To ensure the absence of slavery and human trafficking in its supply chain, Graphcore maintains a Supplier Ethics and Compliance Policy, which details important requirements for suppliers to maintain eligibility to conduct business with Graphcore. The standards set forth in this policy are substantially equivalent to those in the Code of Social Responsibility. This policy requires Graphcore’s suppliers to meet stated requirements of lawful and ethical behavior, and to ensure that any subcontractors, agents or other third parties they employ in work performed for Graphcore act consistently with the policy. The policy provides that suppliers are committed to uphold the human rights of workers, and to treat them with dignity and respect by international standards. This includes, among other principles, that all work shall be voluntary and workers will not be required to turn over identification materials as a condition of employment, no child labor will be used, working hours and wages shall be set fairly and in accordance with local laws, all employees shall be treated humanely without threat or harassment, coercion, or unlawful discrimination of any kind, and employees shall enjoy the freedom of association. Graphcore generally requires suppliers to comply with this policy and has obtained written acknowledgments and/or assurances from its key suppliers of adherence to its terms.
Graphcore has taken the following additional steps to minimise the risk of slavery and human trafficking from appearing in its supply chain:
Supply-chain verifications: Graphcore itself regularly conducts supply-chain verification activities to assess the risk of non-compliance with respect to the conduct of supplier business practices.
Supplier audits: Graphcore itself regularly performs on-site audits of supplier business, management and quality systems to evaluate supplier compliance with Graphcore standards. These audits may be announced or unannounced depending on the circumstances. Suppliers are required to perform corrective actions with respect to any deficiencies identified in the course of these ongoing audits.
Supplier assurances: Graphcore communicates with suppliers to ensure that our expectations are clear and up-to-date with regard to responsible social, ethical and environmental conduct. These communications require suppliers to comply with international standards, applicable laws and regulations. In addition, suppliers are required to attest to their compliance with Graphcore’s Corporate Supplier Manual following every update. Graphcore’s Corporate Supplier Manual was updated during the financial year ending on March 30, 2019. Graphcore’s Corporate Supplier Manual requires suppliers to disclose what actions they are taking, if any, to:
Accountability: In addition to risk assessments and audits, Graphcore management conducts periodic business reviews with suppliers to address actions needed to ensure conformance with Graphcore requirements as well as applicable laws and regulations. These reviews provide a venue to reinforce the importance of social, ethical and environmental conduct.
Information and Awareness: Employees who have direct responsibility for supply chain management have access to training associated with human trafficking and slavery, and all employees have access to Graphcore’s Supplier Ethics and Compliance Policy. Suppliers are required to review and attest to their compliance with the Supplier Ethics and Compliance Policy.
This statement is made on behalf of Graphcore and its subsidiaries in compliance with the obligations under section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 for the financial year ending March 30, 2019.
How to contact us
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at:
Email: info@graphcore.ai
Phone: +44 (0) 117 214 1420
Post: 11-19 Wine Street, Bristol, BS1 2PH, UK
About us
Graphcore.ai is a site operated by Graphcore Limited (company number 10185006), whose registered office is 107 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DN (Graphcore). VAT Number: 244987658.
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