Code of Conduct

Sound business ethics and integrity, and effective and transparent governance, are core to the Group’s values and are fundamental for the success of our strategy.

Melrose is a listed company with strong, established financial and non-financial controls that are continually assessed, tested and reviewed.

The Melrose Board oversees this robust governance framework at a Group level, with risk ownership decentralised across GKN Aerospace’s business lines and functions. This is supported by independent internal audit and risk functions, regular public disclosure and financial reporting, external audits, public accountability and conformance with leading benchmarks set by the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”). The framework is also supported by direct engagement with investors, corporate governance and proxy advisors and the Group’s wider stakeholders to ensure best market practice is being implemented.

Our commitment to maintaining a responsible and ethical corporate environment is underscored by a framework that includes robust financial and non financial controls. This framework is further reinforced by a strong governance structure that is subject to regular internal reviews and, when necessary, external assessments to ensure compliance at every level of the Group.

Directors, officers, employees and contractors, whether they are part of our permanent or temporary workforce, are obligated to uphold the highest standards of conduct. This entails strict adherence to Melrose’s Code of Ethics and compliance policies, which are continually refined to reflect the latest industry best practices and to uphold the principles of corporate citizenship.

Each individual business line is tasked with the responsibility of not only complying with our Code of Ethics and compliance policies but also promoting and embedding them within their day to day operations. This approach ensures that every facet of our business is conducted with integrity, responsibility, and sustainability at its core, reinforcing our commitment to ethical and responsible corporate practices.

Any employee who is or becomes aware of a possible violation of any of the above policies should disclose relevant details via the Group’s whistleblowing platform, which is designed to ensure that employees feel comfortable about raising concerns. All employees have access to a multi-lingual online portal, together with local hotline numbers that are available 24/7, in order to raise concerns, confidentially and anonymously, about possible wrongdoing in any aspect of their business, including financial and non-financial matters. The Group takes a number of actions to raise employees’ awareness of the whistleblowing platform, using online and offline media as appropriate, including through its six dedicated employee resource groups: Connected Women, Future GKN, LGBTQ+, African Black Caribbean Professionals, Mastering Neurodiverse Strengths and Veterans & Reservists. Employees who come forward with a genuine concern are treated with respect and dignity and do not face retaliation. 

The Code of Ethics and compliance policies, as approved by the Board, cover best practice with respect to anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, anti-facilitation of tax evasion, competition, conflict minerals, trade compliance, data privacy, whistleblowing, treasury and financial controls, anti-slavery and human trafficking, document retention, joint ventures, diversity and inclusion, environmental, human rights, supply chain, biodiversity and water and can be found on our Documents and Policies page.