Our Commitments

Our commitment to our people is to make the NOC a great place to be, where our people succeed and deliver great work. This is the goal of our People Strategy, which has been designed to support the achievement of the NOC’s purpose, and the vision of being one of the top three oceanographic institutes in the world.

We know that there are many reasons why our people enjoy working for the NOC, including:

• The significance and scale of our mission – ‘to make sense of changing seas, upon which future human wealth and wellbeing depend’
• Our ambition and reputation, supported with high-quality research facilities, equipment and technology
• The opportunity to collaborate with experienced, skilled, renowned and widely-networked colleagues
• Exciting projects and opportunities to make an impact.

In our 2016 Employee Engagement survey 81% said that they were proud to work for the NOC, and we recognise that to make the NOC ‘a great place to be’ also requires support for employees to do their best work. Our commitment is to strive to:

• Have a strong, vibrant culture, with clear leadership, values and expectations, where people are well managed (as reflected in our Investors in People accreditation) and employees are listened to
• Develop talent, through providing a variety of opportunities for learning and development, personal growth and career progression
• Build a positive workplace, with equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusiveness valued; welfare and wellbeing support; flexible working; family friendly policies, and excellent working conditions.
• Provide regular feedback, recognise and reward achievements fairly within the resources available, and offer a benefits package that include competitive pension and annual leave entitlements.

NOC – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Our vision at the National Oceanography Centre is to be the world’s most innovative ocean research institution, making sense of changing seas for the benefit of humanity. We recognise that we cannot successfully do this without a strong and shared commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion from our people which underpin all of NOC’s shared values. At NOC we value individual differences and the rich diversity that this brings. We want to ensure that no-one is at a disadvantage or feels excluded because of who they are, what they believe in or the experiences that they bring.

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across our organisation and in our approach to working with others outside the organisation. As such, we aim to have a diverse workforce with colleagues from all backgrounds. We are committed to equality in the workplace and to unlocking the creative and innovative potential that comes from diversity so all our people feel valued and are able to perform at their best by being able to be themselves at work – so all are included and no one feels left out because of their race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), age, gender identity, religion and beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, social background, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity. We will actively seek to avoid discrimination on the grounds of the above characteristics. NOC does not, and will not, tolerate racism nor any other forms of prejudice and discrimination, that ultimately undermines the dignity and value either of its colleagues or anyone else.

Our commitments extend beyond our duties and requirements under the Equality Act. They are a very cornerstone of who we are and why we exist. Through a dedicated and inclusive culture, strong human empathy, alongside the strength of our policies, procedures, expectations and ways of working, we continue to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone, allowing them in reaching their full potential and in bringing out their very best self.

Dignity at NOC for all

NOC is committed to protecting the dignity of all its staff, its visitors and its partners, both in their work and their interactions with others. This includes providing a working and learning environment that is free from discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation. It should be noted that discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation do not only take place face to face. They may also occur in written communications, by email, or by phone.

NOC recognises and takes seriously its duty of care to staff, understanding that inappropriate behaviour can result in stress and stress-related illness. All staff, and especially those who have responsibility for other members of staff, share this duty of care. NOC therefore expects all members of its community to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration. All staff have the right to expect professional behaviour from others and have a corresponding responsibility to behave professionally towards others.

Conduct in NOC Facilities and Premises

The NOC is a national science facility. In the direct or indirect delivery of its charitable purposes for its beneficiaries, the NOC opens its doors and provides access to its premises and its research ships to a wide range of people who may not be employed by the NOC such as those who use NOC-operated scientific facilities or who are collaborating with NOC staff. The NOC has a policy in place which sets out clear expectations of conduct for all who have access to NOC premises, facilities at its sites in Liverpool and Southampton and on the NOC managed research ships. In addition, it applies to the conduct of those with whom NOC staff are engaging in arranging for the use of NOC premises and facilities. All are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, respecting the dignity of all they work with.

The NOC also has a Code of Conduct Policy which applies to NOC staff and this policy aims to supplement that policy in respect of conduct involving persons who are not employed by NOC working in or with NOC-operated facilities, premises and research ships.
 

The Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations came into effect on 6 April 2017, which made it a legal requirement for any type of organisation with over 250 employees to publish a report on their gender pay gap. The regulations apply to public bodies as well as private companies, charities, and other organisations. Therefore, NOC are required to publish data each year in relation to the Gender Pay Gap.

There are specific requirements around which employees are included, how the data is calculated, and which data is provided.

What is the gender pay gap?

The gender pay gap represents the disparity in average hourly pay between men and women within an organisation, expressed as a percentage of men's earnings. A positive percentage indicates that women earn less on average per hour than men, while a negative percentage indicates the opposite.

Essentially, it provides a broad perspective on an organisation's gender pay distribution.

NOC Gender Pay Gap Narrative 2025

At the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all colleagues can thrive and progress. As a charity and world-leading research organisation, we recognise that diversity and equality are not only matters of fairness but also fundamental to delivering scientific excellence and innovation.

Our Gender Pay Gap report is an important part of our accountability to staff, stakeholders, and the wider public. The data reflects the structure of our workforce at a point in time and highlights areas where we are making progress, as well as those where we must do more.

Over the past year, we have:

• Continued to embed fair and transparent recruitment and promotion processes.
• Expanded flexible working arrangements to support work–life balance across all career stages.
• Introduced development programmes to encourage under-represented groups into leadership and technical roles.
• Reviewed pay and progression frameworks to ensure consistency and fairness.

We recognise that structural challenges remain, particularly in areas where women are under-represented in senior or specialist roles. We are committed to addressing these imbalances through targeted initiatives, mentoring, and continuous review of policies and practices.

Our Remuneration Committee provides oversight of this work, ensuring that progress is monitored and reported transparently each year. We see this as part of our responsibility not just to comply with statutory requirements, but to demonstrate leadership and integrity in how we manage our people.

You can find copies of NOC’s gender pay gap reports at the links below.
 

Modern Slavery Statement 2025/26

The National Oceanography Centre

Our planet is a blue planet. Most of its expanse is covered by the ocean. This vast space is the lifeblood of our world yet so much of the ocean is yet to be discovered and its value is so often overlooked and misunderstood.

The purpose of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is to gain a deeper knowledge of the ocean to address major challenges facing society and the natural world. We are uniquely placed, working with partners from around the world, to turn research and technological innovation into trusted knowledge for real action and solutions.

In 2025 we took an exciting step to further achieve our charitable objectives and launched a new 10-year strategy. This strategy outlines our vision and directs how NOC will impact the world’s oceans for the benefit of all life on Earth. Four major outcomes are detailed within the strategy that will support NOC’s ambitions and help us to continue to deliver world-class research and innovation.

1. Deeper Knowledge of the Ocean: We develop the capacity, for ourselves and for others, to deliver world-leading science that spans the spectrum from curiosity-driven to applied.
2. Value for Society: We must ensure that the knowledge gained is used to the benefit of society and planetary health.
3. A Vibrant and Healthy Organisation: We expect excellence in our science and impact activities, which is only possible if we are a vibrant and healthy organisation.
4. A Financially Resilient Organisation: To ensure we are robust to changes in the funding landscape, and to maximise the potential for our organisation, we must have a financially resilient organisation.

How NOC manages Governance

Governance is managed by the Executive team whilst the Board of Trustees maintain oversight and accountability. Executive and the Board are supported by various committees, advisory panels and working groups to ensure risk, ethics, and operational matters are given adequate oversight and ensures decisions are made at appropriate levels.

The Board and each Committee have written Terms of Reference which outline specific responsibilities and reporting lines. NOC also has a comprehensive organisational diagram which is updated routinely and a Schedule of Delegated Authority which is updated at least annually, both of which provide clear structure for organisational decisions.

NOC provides an all-inclusive set of documents to guide staff on legal requirements, regulations, and the organisation's strategy. People policies include the Contracts of Employment, which address human rights and trade union access, and the Flexibility Policy, which supports flexible working arrangements. The Overtime Policy covers exceptional circumstances, while the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy emphasises fair treatment and anti-discrimination. The Grievance Policy prohibits inappropriate behaviour, and the Seafarers Agreement aligns with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. Procurement policies, such as the Supplier Code of Conduct, comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, ensuring robust terms and audit trails. Legal policies include Anti-Slavery & Human Trafficking, Complaints, Safeguarding, and Whistleblowing, providing protection and reporting mechanisms for staff and visitors.

Staff at NOC

NOC is proud to employ 700+ staff all of whom provide a vital contribution to NOC objectives. With a mix of scientists, technicians & engineers, mariners, and professional & support staff, NOC benefits from a wide range of expertise and experience.

Starting with the recruitment, NOC’s strength in process ensures a focus on fairness, openness and responsibility. The recruitment process protects everyone’s rights and freedoms, keeps personal data secure and provides support to all applicants from first contact to appointment. Our onboarding process includes robust due diligence to verify identity, and there are measures in place that will recognise identity fraud. Staff recruited from outside of the UK will require additional processes and identity verification that satisfy UK VISA requirements and further ensure NOC are not employing anyone that is a victim to trafficking crimes.

During the 2024/25 financial year NOC recruited ~100 new staff with around 10% requiring a VISA to work within the UK. In addition to multiple successful recruitment campaigns, NOC used two recruitment agents during the year, both of which were subject to relevant due diligence checks and contractual terms. In some cases, relocation packages are offered to new staff which support the cost of moving and are only repayable when leaving NOC’s paid employment within 3 years.

Following an update in law related to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse in April 2025, relevant policies are being created, and staff training is being planned. The policy and training will seek to raise awareness of what this law means for staff, what inappropriate behaviour looks like and how this can be deemed exploitative, help staff understand their individual rights, where and how they may seek support, and how NOC implements prevention measures and responds to incidents.

Ships at NOC

NOC manages two Research Vessels, the RRS James Cook and the RRS Discovery. These ships are used to conduct scientific research across the globe and are integral to the delivery of NOC objectives. Both vessels are staffed with crew members, including officers and technicians responsible for operational management, as well as scientists and additional technical personnel dedicated to conducting scientific research. All personnel on board either research vessel have their rights protected in line with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC). This comprehensive set of rules ensures seafarers receive fair wages, paid annual leave, repatriation, safe and decent accommodation, regulated working hours and breaks and access to complaint mechanisms.

NOC policies include dedicated marine documents outlining how MLC requirements are met. This provision of documents includes how seafarers must follow the Maritime Coastguard Authority’s (MCA) Hours of Rest regime for UK flagged vessels and the compliance with minimum rest hours in any rolling 24-hour and 7-day period. The Schedule of Duties, detailing work and rest periods, is posted on board, and seafarers are instructed to accurately record their rest hours for future scrutiny. These polices, working practices and controls are routinely audited both via an internal provision and externally by the MCA. Actions for improvements are remedied appropriately and under the supervision of senior staff at NOC.

Both research vessels travel across the globe and dock at ports of countries that do not have equivalent Modern Slavery prevention laws. As a UK organisation, NOC continues to implement the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. NOC will only work with port agents registered with the Lloyds list of shipping agents because due diligence is conducted to ensure legal and regulatory compliance, including adhering to anti-slavery and human trafficking laws that are in place.

To align with recent publications related to smuggling within the maritime industry, NOC intend to deliver awareness campaigns related to the risks of smuggling and how proper export and import controls must be followed. Additionally, how the illegal wildlife trade and byproducts of this trade, could inadvertently be smuggled via souvenirs or other purchases made in countries around the world.

Procurement at NOC

The procurement of goods and services continues to be an area of risk under continuous monitoring. Processes are monitored routinely and updated to meet new legal requirements and best practice. NOC recognises this as an ongoing risk and is keen to constantly improve and meet best practices.

NOC’s dedicated team have been working hard to implement all that is needed to meet the new Procurement Act 2023 and are continuing to strengthen processes and controls. NOC works with just over 1,400 suppliers to meet the varied needs of the business and 80% of these are based in the UK. Close to a third of suppliers have signed NOC’s supplier Code of Conduct and the team continue to work with the remainder to ensure NOC can be satisfied that Modern Slavery links are mitigated against and our values are being met.

NOC continues to commit to fair payment terms and has a policy to pay all suppliers within 30 days. By making this commitment, NOC supports its supply chain and contributes to the prevention of adding unreasonable pressure to suppliers that could otherwise be exposed to unfair financial strain.

Training at NOC

Staff development and training is a key function at NOC, and which starts from day one of employment. New starters are provided with multiple inductions on key areas including Modern Slavery, staff benefits and support systems, and health & safety. We additionally provide annual training on important compliance areas including how to meet Modern Slavery laws and we deliver campaigns that raise awareness on the signs of Modern Slavery and how to report suspicions.

Our 2024/25 Achievements

During the 2024/25 financial year, NOC achieved the following:

• Materials were produced to engage with and increase awareness of our Modern Slavery commitments. These were shared with our NOC-Innovation Centre Members, our supply-chain, and our PhD Students. The intention of this activity was to show how NOC remains committed to achieving excellence without compromise and will do all that is possible to eradicate the risk of Modern Slavery links in all business activities.
• The dedicated NOC Procurement Team continue to implement a strategy in which all existing and new suppliers will meet the NOC Code of Conduct. As such, NOC expects all suppliers to adhere to the UK’s Modern Slavery law. This includes making reports to NOC should any links to Modern Slavery crimes be identified.
• A review was conducted of current practices based on the Governments Modern Slavery Assessment Tool. The information has been used to provide a basis for improvement and continues to be a source of information for best practice.
• This year’s Modern Slavery awareness campaign included posters displayed on our 2 research vessels and an address to the organisation via one of the monthly Open Staff Meetings. Both intended to raise awareness by presenting a key summary of what this law means for the organisation and how we can all contribute to ensuring its successful achievement.

Our 2025/26 Commitments

During the 2025/26 financial year, NOC aims to commit to the following:

• Update our Modern Slavery Policy to include how we prevent instances of smuggling via our Research Vessels.
• Provide specific training on anti-smuggling and how NOC staff can support this moving forward.
• Deliver updated policy and subsequent training related to the new Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse law.
• Progress measures within our procurement process to meet best practice in the prevention of Modern Slavery.

Approval

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes the slavery and human trafficking statement for NOC (including in respect of its subsidiary National Oceanography Centre Innovations Limited) for the financial year ending 30th September 2025. It was approved by the NOC Board in October 2025.

Signed: Jeremy Darroch

Board of Trustees Chair

Ensuring that the National Oceanography Centre is a safe place for staff, students, visitors and tenants is an absolute priority. The NOC Health and Safety Policy sets out the management framework we use to achieve that.

Being a safe organisation ultimately requires everyone to make health and safety their priority, so we ask that everyone associated with the NOC familiarises themselves with the content of this policy.

The Policy will be reviewed periodically by the Health and Safety Committee and published by the NOC Safety Advisor on behalf of the Executive Director.
 

The NOC is committed to continual environmental improvement, preventing pollution and being an environmentally conscientious organisation.

The NOC currently maintains an Environmental Management System (EMS) covering operations at both Southampton and Liverpool sites, certified to ISO 14001. The scope of our certification is as follows:

This policy covers the activities of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) at its research sites in Liverpool and Southampton. In addition, this policy covers the research and teaching activities of the University of Southampton and tenants at the Southampton site.”

The environmental management of our research vessels is captured by MARPOL requirements and our Ship Energy Efficiency Plans.

Our main significant environmental risks (aspects) are those associated with procurement, business travel and energy use.

Targets for both sites encompass a range of different environmental aspects, from reducing waste generation and energy use to promoting sustainable travel and safe oil storage.

Ways in which we aim to minimise our carbon footprint include:

Energy monitoring

There are over 200 energy meters across Liverpool and Southampton. These meters record and allow analysis of our gas, water and electricity consumption. The monitoring system is used to detect suspect energy/water use and to validate energy savings from our projects.

Solar PV

The NOC has installed a 157kW photo voltaic array in Southampton. The array consists of 594 solar panels. The array generates enough power over the year to meet the electricity demand of our Southampton workshops on which they are situated.

Waste management

Waste recycling regimes have been established at both Southampton and Liverpool. Staff and students are encouraged to follow the waste hierarchy, ‘eliminate, reduce, reuse, recycle’. Waste audits occur in Liverpool and Southampton annually; this provides the NOC with data on what materials are entering the general waste and helps us forward plan

Sea water cooling

The NOC has a unique Sea Water Cooling system in Southampton. In the winter months the dock water is used to indirectly cool the building. The system provides the NOC Southampton with approximately 16 weeks of free cooling a year.

Smarter travel options

The NOC actively encourages staff, students and visitors to the Centre to use public or active transport. Good cycling and walking routes can be found to each site in addition to free cycle parking.

At Southampton, the Uni-Link bus service links the Centre directly to the airport, railway stations and city centre. For information on travelling to the NOC sites visit our Contact Us page.

Free air cooling

Server rooms can be found in both Southampton and Liverpool. These house powerful computers and require lots of cooling. Thermal images have been used to ensure cooling is effective therefore reducing energy demand. Thermal containment curtains have been installed in the server rooms in addition to fresh air-cooling systems

Partnership working

The NOC works closely with its delivery partners, University of Liverpool and University of Southampton, to share best practice. The NOC is also involved with travel forums in both cities and the Energy Partnership in Southampton.

Commitment to the Ocean – plastic pollution

Marine plastic pollution is a big challenge facing our global oceans today. More than eight million tonnes of plastic waste enters the ocean each year and floating plastic has been estimated at 5.25 trillion particles weighing 268,940 tonnes. As a world leading centre in ocean science, technology and business, with a core value of Environmental Responsibility, the National Oceanography Centre is committed to:

1. Undertaking fundamental research into the fate and impacts of plastics in the ocean
2. Leading by example in ensuring that our own activities result in minimal release of plastics into the ocean
3. Supporting education and engagement with the public, government and business on actions to reduce their input of plastics into the ocean
    

Read more about ongoing research

Our approach to Corporate Responsibility is about achieving our mission in a way that reflects our values, connects our decisions to ethical, environmental and social concerns and meet the standards our stakeholders, customers and our own people expect of an organisation that aims to be one of the world’s top three oceanographic research institutions.

The National Oceanography Centre is committed to setting the highest standards for responsible practice and these standards underpin our mission:

• To undertake internationally competitive marine science in an Earth system context and especially with a long term focus – working with others for the effective translation of new and existing knowledge into demonstrably high societal benefit.
• To manage, develop, coordinate and innovate high quality, large research infrastructure, equipment pools, facilities, databases and other science enabling functions for the benefit of the whole UK science community to deliver excellent science with impact.

The National Oceanography Centre will conduct its business to the highest standards of honesty and integrity. We believe that this is the right thing to do, and it in our interests to protect our great name and deserved reputation for being the UK’s leading institution for sea level science, coastal and deep ocean research and technology development.

We have a legal and voluntary duty to consider the impact of our activities on the environment, on people and on our community. We believe that by adopting a responsible approach we can be credible and trustworthy, manage the social and environmental issues that impact on us, win business and use our resources wisely.

In defining the way we work through our approach to corporate responsibility, we set out the standards that the NOC sets of itself, all NOC employees and third parties acting on our behalf. We expect our values and corporate responsibility policy to be adopted by all employees when they are performing their day-to-day duties or where they are representing the NOC and to take personal responsibility for ensuring that our commitment to working ethically is followed.

Our people

We will:

• provide a safe working environment and promote and embrace a positive health and safety culture
• provide opportunities for all and support diversity in the workplace
• nuture our talent
• respect human rights and treat everyone with dignity

We will not:

• discriminate against employees, or any other individuals we meet while conducting our business

Our environment

We will:

• Focus our work to minimise the impact of activity on the planet and especially the ocean
• Limit our environmental impact and footprint
• Reduce our consumption of resources
• Comply with environmental laws and regulations

Our business

We will:

• comply with laws and regulations
• reject bribery and corruption
• avoid conflicts of interest
• recognise human rights and reject modern slavery
• manage risks
• have fair contractual practices and be transparent in our operations
• only disclose confidential information with approval or to satisfy a legal obligation
• act in a way which protects and promotes NOC’s good reputation at all times
• conduct research to the highest standards of rigour and integrity

Our community

We will:

• Foster a wider understanding of the ocean
• Engage with local schools and groups
• Encourage staff to engage in their community
• Develop our organisation to enable access to technology and the creation of jobs

We also follow the Seven Principles of Public Life

• Selflessness: Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
• Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
• Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
• Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
• Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
• Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
• Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
   

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is committed to supporting the development of the highest standards in organisational culture, systems and practice required to prevent and tackle all incidents of harm and abuse. We are working collectively, with our partners in the research and development community to strengthen our safeguarding practices and compliance processes. Our Safeguarding Policy is available to read through the following link.
 

The Purchase Order Terms and Conditions document details information relating to:

• contractor’s obligations,
• invoices and payment terms,
• data protection,
• sub-contracting,
• intellectual property rights,
• confidentiality,
• termination of contracts,
• general notices and
• compliance with anti-slavery and human trafficking laws.