Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Due diligence definition

What does Due diligence mean? In legal practice, due diligence describes (1) compliance steps to prevent offences; and (2) pre‑transaction investigation in corporate and finance work. As a statutory defence to many strict‑liability and regulatory offences (for example under the UK Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Food Safety Act 1990, and under Ireland’s Consumer Protection Act 2007 and food legislation), it requires the defendant to show that all reasonable precautions were taken and all due diligence was exercised to avoid the commission of the offence. Depending on the statute, this may place a legal or evidential burden on the defendant,...

Human rights due diligence: legal and practical guidance for lawyers on UNGPs, supply chain governance, international frameworks, EU sustainability directives, reporting duties, and extraterritorial civil, criminal and regulatory risks

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Practice notes

Why is human rights Due diligence important?

Although not presently mandated by UK law, human rights due diligence is widely regarded as sound industry practice, shaped by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). In practice, exposure to liability is rising for companies—and their Directors—who neglect these responsibilities.

The Court of Appeal’s June 2024 judgment in R (on the application of World Uyghur Congress) v National Crime Agency (NCA) confirms that anyone importing or selling goods in the UK, while knowing or suspecting they originate from forced labour, may face criminal investigation and prosecution. For more information, see News Analysis: Pulling at the thread—new judgment confirms supply chain risk for companies (R (oao World Uyghur Congress) v NCA).

Elements of the responsibility to respect human rights can already be compelled by national law, for example through health and safety, non-Discrimination, or environmental legislation. It is also increasingly recognised as good business practice to manage potential human rights risks associated with a company’s activities, in the same way that companies address risks such as environmental damage or bribery, and other...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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