NHH (Novotech Health Holdings), a leading Asia-Pacific biotech specialist Clinical Research Organisation (CRO), is deeply committed to upholding human rights and eradicating modern slavery. This commitment extends throughout our operations and supply chain, ensuring ethical and responsible practices in every aspect of our business.
NHH’s Operations and Supply Chain Structure: A Focus on Transparency
NHH provides comprehensive clinical development services, encompassing all phases of clinical trials and various therapeutic areas. Our expertise includes feasibility assessments, ethical and regulatory submissions, data management, statistical analysis, medical monitoring, safety services, central lab services, and report generation adhering to ICH guidelines. We collaborate with a network of third-party health institutions and vendors, including laboratories and clinical service providers, forming a complex supply chain crucial to our operations.
Mitigating Modern Slavery Risks: A Multi-Layered Approach
NHH acknowledges the potential for modern slavery risks within the clinical research industry and has implemented robust measures to identify, assess, and mitigate these risks. Our approach involves:
Rigorous Vendor Management
Recognizing that our supply chain partners play a critical role in upholding ethical standards, NHH has established a stringent vendor management system. This includes:
- Comprehensive Vendor Assessments: All potential vendors undergo thorough assessments based on their location and service type before engagement. These assessments evaluate their adherence to ethical business practices, including compliance with anti-slavery laws.
- Continuous Monitoring and Audits: NHH regularly audits vendors to ensure ongoing compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and other relevant regulations, reinforcing our commitment to ethical conduct throughout our supply chain.
- Contractual Obligations: Contracts with vendors explicitly require adherence to high ethical standards and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including those prohibiting modern slavery. Breaches of these standards constitute a material breach of contract.
Robust Internal Policies and Procedures
NHH fosters a culture of ethical conduct and transparency within its own operations through a comprehensive framework of policies and procedures:
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Code of Conduct: NHH’s Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for ethical behavior, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery for all employees and contractors.
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Comprehensive Employment Policies: NHH maintains robust employment policies that promote fair labor practices, including policies addressing anti-discrimination, harassment, workplace safety, and equal opportunity employment. These policies ensure a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
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Whistleblower Protection: An independent whistleblowing channel, accessible through our website, empowers employees and stakeholders to report potential violations of the Code of Conduct, including instances of modern slavery, without fear of reprisal. This channel ensures accountability and promotes a culture of transparency.
NHH’s Ongoing Commitment
NHH recognizes that combating modern slavery is an ongoing effort. We continuously review and enhance our policies and procedures to remain aligned with evolving best practices. We are dedicated to:
- Regularly reviewing and updating our Code of Conduct and related policies.
- Providing ongoing training to employees on modern slavery awareness and prevention.
- Collaborating with industry partners to share best practices and promote ethical sourcing.
- Continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of our modern slavery framework.
NHH believes that its proactive approach to modern slavery risk mitigation reflects its unwavering commitment to human rights and responsible business practices. We are confident that our efforts contribute to a more ethical and sustainable clinical research industry. This statement encompasses Novotech (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 26 071 874 881 and has been approved by the Directors of the reporting entity.
