Innovation Network

Trust Centre

Policies and assurance for procurement and due diligence.

Innovation Network works with organisations where trust, pace and professional judgement matter. This Trust Centre brings together our policies and operating commitments to make supplier due diligence faster and clearer.

Our trust principles

  1. 01

    Protect client information

    We treat client information as confidential by default. We only collect, access, store and share information where there is a clear business purpose.

  2. 02

    Use technology responsibly

    We use digital and AI tools to improve productivity and quality, but human judgement remains central. We do not rely on AI outputs without review.

  3. 03

    Work transparently

    We are clear about how we operate, what we can evidence, and where client-specific controls are required.

  4. 04

    Deliver proportionate assurance

    We are a specialist SME. Our controls are designed to be practical, proportionate and appropriate to the type of work we deliver.

  5. 05

    Leave capability behind

    Our work is designed to build client capability, not dependency. We transfer tools, methods, templates and confidence to the teams we support.

Security and data protection

Information security statement

Innovation Network takes information security seriously. We work with clients in sectors where confidentiality, trust and professional discipline are essential, including public sector, defence, education and enterprise environments.

Our information security approach includes

  • Secure cloud-based systems, strong passwords and multi-factor authentication where available
  • Restricted access to client information, device security and software updates
  • Endpoint protection where appropriate and secure handling of files and workshop outputs
  • Limiting access on a need-to-know basis and avoiding unnecessary local storage of client material
  • Use of client-approved systems where required and regular review of key accounts and permissions

We treat client information as confidential unless it is clearly public or agreed otherwise. We do not knowingly process classified, secret or highly sensitive client material unless an appropriate contractual, technical and security framework has been agreed in advance.

Cyber security statement

Innovation Network maintains proportionate cyber security controls for the nature and scale of its work.

Our controls include

  • Password management, multi-factor authentication, secure devices and regular patching
  • Endpoint protection, cloud-based file storage and controlled access to business systems
  • Phishing awareness, secure use of collaboration platforms and incident reporting and escalation

We hold Cyber Essentials certification and maintain controls aligned with UK public sector expectations. Cyber Essentials Plus certification is currently underway. Where required, we provide evidence of cyber controls during onboarding or tender processes.

Data protection policy

Innovation Network follows the core UK GDPR data protection principles: lawfulness, fairness and transparency; purpose limitation; data minimisation; accuracy; storage limitation; integrity and confidentiality; and accountability.

Our working principles

  • Collect only what we need, explain why we need it and use data only for clear purposes
  • Keep data accurate where practical, protect it appropriately and limit access
  • Retain it only as long as needed, respect individual rights and review our practices periodically

We apply these principles to client records, delegate data, supplier records, marketing lists, financial information and workshop-related information.

Client confidentiality statement

Innovation Network protects confidential client information. This includes commercial information, programme designs, workshop outputs, participant comments, strategy documents, internal challenges, operating models, unpublished ideas, procurement information and sensitive organisational priorities.

We do not publish client work, logos, names, case studies or testimonials without permission. Where a client cannot be named publicly, we use appropriate anonymised descriptions such as “a UK government department”, “a leading university” or “a major international bank”.

Responsible AI

Responsible AI policy

Innovation Network uses AI tools to support productivity, research, drafting, learning design, analysis, ideation and workshop preparation. We use AI as an accelerator, not a substitute for professional judgement.

Our principles

  • Human accountability remains central and AI outputs are reviewed before use
  • Confidential client information is not entered into public AI tools unless authorised
  • Sensitive information is handled only in approved systems
  • AI is not used to make significant decisions about individuals without appropriate review
  • Sources and claims are checked where accuracy matters
  • Hallucination, bias and overclaiming risks are actively managed
  • Client AI policies are followed and AI use is disclosed where required by a tender, contract or client policy

For defence, public sector or sensitive client work, we follow the client’s data, AI and information-handling requirements.

Ethical business

Modern slavery statement

Innovation Training Network Ltd is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in its business and supply chains. We publish this statement voluntarily as part of our commitment to ethical business practice; we are below the £36m turnover threshold requiring a statutory statement under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Our direct operations are low risk. We recognise that risk can exist in wider supply chains, which may include freelance trainers and facilitators, associate consultants, software and cloud service providers, venues and professional advisers.

Our commitments

  • Act ethically and transparently and avoid knowingly working with suppliers involved in modern slavery
  • Apply proportionate checks to higher-risk suppliers and ensure contractors and associates work voluntarily
  • Pay suppliers and associates fairly and in line with agreed terms
  • Investigate concerns promptly and terminate supplier relationships where serious concerns are substantiated
  • Review this statement annually

Concerns can be reported to grant@innovation-network.co.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Innovation Network is committed to fair, respectful and inclusive working and learning environments. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Our commitments include

  • Designing workshops that encourage broad participation and giving quieter voices structured ways to contribute
  • Using inclusive facilitation techniques and offering reasonable adjustments where practical
  • Challenging inappropriate behaviour and making recruitment and supplier decisions fairly
  • Using clear and accessible language and creating psychologically safe environments for learning and experimentation

Innovation works best when different perspectives are surfaced, respected and tested.

Anti-bribery and corruption policy

Innovation Network has a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. We do not offer, give, request or accept bribes, kickbacks or improper inducements. This applies to employees, directors, associates, contractors, suppliers and delivery partners.

Our commitments include

  • Acting honestly and transparently and avoiding improper influence
  • Declaring actual or potential conflicts of interest and keeping appropriate records
  • Refusing improper gifts or hospitality, complying with applicable anti-bribery laws and reporting concerns promptly

Gifts and hospitality statement

Innovation Network does not offer or accept gifts or hospitality that could improperly influence business decisions. Modest, proportionate and transparent hospitality may be acceptable where it supports a legitimate business relationship and does not create a conflict of interest. We do not offer gifts, hospitality or incentives during active procurement processes where this could be seen as influencing a decision.

Ethical procurement policy

Innovation Network aims to buy goods and services responsibly. We seek suppliers that demonstrate lawful and ethical conduct, fair treatment of workers, respect for human rights, appropriate data protection practices, appropriate information security controls, environmental responsibility, reliability and quality, and value for money. For higher-risk work or sensitive client engagements, we may carry out additional supplier checks.

Whistleblowing and speak-up statement

Innovation Network encourages concerns about wrongdoing, unethical behaviour or serious risk to be raised promptly. Concerns may include fraud, bribery or corruption, modern slavery, discrimination or harassment, data protection breaches, security concerns, health and safety risks, serious misconduct and concealment of wrongdoing. Concerns can be raised confidentially by contacting grant@innovation-network.co. We will take concerns seriously and respond appropriately.

Sustainability and social value

Sustainability policy

Innovation Network is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its work and helping clients consider sustainability in innovation and transformation. As a digitally enabled business, we aim to operate with a low-waste, low-paper and travel-conscious model.

Our commitments include

  • Using digital materials instead of printed workbooks where practical and using online collaboration tools
  • Offering virtual and hybrid delivery where appropriate and reducing unnecessary travel
  • Choosing venues with credible sustainability practices where possible
  • Minimising single-use materials in workshops and reusing and improving learning assets
  • Using cloud-based systems to reduce paper administration and encouraging sustainable procurement choices

Carbon reduction and net zero statement

Innovation Network recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions. As a small professional services business, our main environmental impacts come from business travel, venue-based delivery, digital services, supplier activity, and office and home-working energy use.

Our carbon reduction priorities

  • Avoid unnecessary travel and use remote and hybrid delivery where suitable
  • Group delivery activities to reduce repeated travel and use public transport where practical
  • Minimise printed materials and select lower-impact suppliers where reasonable
  • Review our environmental approach annually

Where a client requires specific carbon reporting or contract-level sustainability commitments, we will agree these during mobilisation.

Social value statement

Innovation Network aims to create value beyond the immediate delivery of a contract. Our work is designed to build capability, confidence and practical momentum inside client organisations.

Our social value priorities include

  • Improving public sector productivity and supporting innovation capability in defence, education and enterprise
  • Helping teams solve meaningful organisational and societal problems
  • Increasing access to practical AI and innovation skills and supporting regional delivery rather than London-only models
  • Making workshops inclusive and participative and transferring templates, tools and repeatable methods
  • Supporting SMEs, startups and early-stage innovators where appropriate

For public sector contracts, we align our social value approach to the client’s specific outcomes and reporting requirements.

Delivery, quality and client care

Quality policy

Innovation Network is committed to delivering high-quality training, facilitation and consulting services. Our work is practical, structured and outcome-focused.

Our quality approach includes

  • Clear scoping before delivery, agreed objectives and outputs, and experienced facilitators and trainers
  • Practical tools and frameworks, well-designed participant journeys and clear communication
  • Feedback collection, post-delivery reflection and continuous improvement

We aim to leave every client with stronger capability, clearer thinking and practical next steps.

Complaints procedure

We aim to deliver excellent service. If something falls short, we want to know so we can address it properly. Complaints can be sent to grant@innovation-network.co. Please include your name, organisation, the service or programme involved, a summary of the issue, relevant dates, any supporting evidence and the outcome you are seeking. We will acknowledge complaints as soon as reasonably practical, review the issue fairly and provide a clear response. Where appropriate, we will identify corrective actions and use complaints to improve our services.

Business continuity statement

Innovation Network maintains proportionate business continuity arrangements to support reliable client delivery.

Our approach includes

  • Cloud-based document storage, secure access to key systems, and online and hybrid delivery capability
  • Backup facilitators or associates where appropriate, and documented workshop designs and delivery plans
  • Contingency planning for illness, travel or venue disruption, and alternative delivery formats where practical
  • Clear communication with clients during disruption

For larger programmes, specific continuity arrangements can be agreed during mobilisation.

Health and safety statement

Innovation Network is committed to safe working and learning environments. For in-person work, we follow client and venue health and safety requirements.

Our approach includes

  • Sensible room setup, safe facilitation activities, appropriate breaks and attention to participant wellbeing
  • Reporting incidents or risks promptly, respecting client site rules and avoiding unnecessary physical risks

For online delivery, we consider digital fatigue, participant engagement and reasonable break patterns.

Safeguarding statement

Innovation Network may work with universities, schools, early-career learners, young people or vulnerable participants in certain contexts. We are committed to safe, respectful and appropriate learning environments.

Our safeguarding commitments include

  • Acting professionally at all times and following client safeguarding policies where applicable
  • Escalating concerns to the client’s safeguarding lead and maintaining appropriate boundaries
  • Avoiding unsupervised one-to-one contact with minors unless formally agreed and appropriately controlled
  • Ensuring facilitators understand expected conduct

Where a programme involves children, young people or vulnerable adults, safeguarding requirements are agreed with the client before delivery.

Procurement information

Insurance and certifications

Innovation Network can provide relevant supplier due diligence information during procurement or onboarding. Available on request:

  • Professional indemnity insurance, public liability insurance and employer’s liability insurance where applicable
  • Cyber security evidence, company registration details and VAT registration details
  • Policy documents, supplier questionnaires and data protection information
  • Health and safety information, modern slavery statement and sustainability statement

Client references and case studies

Innovation Network works with public sector, defence, education, enterprise and international clients. Where permission has been granted, we may publish client names, testimonials or case studies. Where permission has not been granted, or where confidentiality applies, we describe work in anonymised terms. We do not use client logos, names or quotes publicly without permission.

Procurement or due diligence enquiry?

Contact Grant Vernon, Founder. We provide policy documents, insurance certificates and supplier questionnaires on request.