UK Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This statement is made by 2U Group (UK) Limited, 2U GetSmarter (UK) Limited, GetSmarter Online Limited and edX Boot Camps (UK) Limited (collectively, the “2U UK Entities” and each a “2U UK Entity”) in accordance with its obligations under s. 54 Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the “Modern Slavery Act”) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.
For the purposes of this statement, any reference to “2U” or “we” is a reference to 2U and all its subsidiaries (including the 2U UK Entities), as we uphold the values set out in this statement, regardless of geographic location. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards, and complying with relevant laws and regulations, including ensuring the prevention of modern slavery in our supply chain.
Company Structure and Business Overview
2U is headquartered in the United States in Arlington, VA, and has a presence in a number of other markets around the world. We employ over 6,000 full-time and part-time employees across several jurisdictions. Each 2U UK Entity is a direct or indirect subsidiary of 2U.
2U is a leading online education platform company. Our mission is to expand access to high-quality educational opportunities that unlock human potential. We provide 76 million people worldwide with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 250 top-ranked global universities and other leading organizations. Through edX, our education consumer marketplace, we offer more than 4,200 high-quality online learning opportunities, including open courses, executive education offerings, boot camps, micro-credentials, professional certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degree programs. We believe our platform and robust consumer marketplace provide our clients with the digital infrastructure to launch world-class online education offerings and allow students to easily access high-quality, job-relevant education offerings without the barriers of cost or location.
Modern Slavery Risks
Based on the nature of our business, workforce, and the services we provide, we consider the risk of modern slavery in our business to be minimal. If a risk of modern slavery, or a potential modern slavery incident, was identified in our business or supply chain, we would investigate that risk or incident in accordance with our Code (as described below).
Policies and Training
2U maintains a “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” (the “Code”, a copy of which can be found on our investor relations website at http://investor.2u.com) that applies to all subsidiaries and prohibits, among other things, our directors, officers, employees and independent contractors from engaging in any unlawful activity in conducting 2U’s business or in performing their day-to-day duties. The Code also requires directors, officers, employees, and independent contractors to engage with our partners, suppliers, competitors, and employees fairly and ethically in all business dealings on 2U’s behalf. This includes acting in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act. All 2U employees receive annual training on the Code and are required to certify that they have received and reviewed a copy of the Code. If an employee becomes aware of an actual or imminent breach of the Code, they are obliged to escalate the issue to a manager, the Compliance Officer or anonymously to our ethics hotline. We have a strict policy prohibiting retaliation against anyone who raises potential violations. With respect to the conduct of our suppliers, our contracts generally require our suppliers to comply with applicable laws, including the Modern Slavery Act. Should 2U become aware of any policy violations or issues related to slavery or human trafficking, we will consult with our legal team to ensure that appropriate measures are taken, which may include reporting this information to authorities and terminating our relationship with a supplier.
In addition to requiring compliance with law under the Code, our Employee Handbook also requires compliance with all 2U policies and indicates that we are committed to a work environment in which individuals are treated with respect, that we prohibit discriminatory practices and that we are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. New employees are provided the Employee Handbook upon hire and a copy is available on the employee intranet.
Tackling Modern slavery and human trafficking is a complex challenge. 2U continues its efforts to combat these practices and develop policies and procedures accordingly.
This statement was approved by the Board of Directors of each 2U UK Entity on 14 June 2023.
/s/ Paul S. Lalljie
Paul S. Lalljie
Director
2U Group (UK) Limited
2U GetSmarter (UK) Limited
edX Boot Camps (UK) Limited
GetSmarter Online Limited