BAE Systems is to ask all external advisers it uses on foreign arms sales to sign up to a uniform, global contract as part of efforts to ensure its business dealings meet strict new ethical guidelines.

The initiative is among a number announced by the defence company on Tuesday in response to recommendations set out by Lord Woolf, former Lord Chief Justice, about how it could improve ethical standards. Under a three-year programme, BAE will execute all 23 proposals set out in Lord Woolf’s May report.