This statement is made in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and outlines our organisation’s commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.
Our organisation has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere within our organisation or within our supply chains.
The prevention, detection and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our organisation or supply chain is the responsibility of all employees and those working on our behalf. Staff must not engage in, facilitate or fail to report any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.
Slavery and Human Trafficking
No employee, worker or individual engaged by our organisation shall be subject to slavery or human trafficking.
Guidance issued by the UK Government explains these terms as follows:
Slavery is the status or condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised. Although legal ownership of a person is not possible, slavery involves behaviour by an offender as if they own the individual, depriving them of their freedom.
Human trafficking involves arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to that person being exploited. The offence can occur even if the victim appears to consent, as individuals may be deceived, coerced or influenced.
Our Commitment
We are committed to engaging with employees, stakeholders and suppliers to address the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chain. We take a risk-based approach to recruitment, employment practices and supplier management.
Our safeguards include:
- Ensuring recruitment processes are transparent and comply with employment law
- Ensuring all staff receive a written contract of employment
- Verifying the right to work of all employees
- Ensuring wages meet or exceed legal minimum requirements
- Monitoring working hours to ensure compliance with employment legislation
- Promoting fair treatment, equality and respect for all staff
Supply Chain and Due Diligence
Where we work with external suppliers, contractors or recruitment agencies, we expect them to operate in accordance with the same ethical standards.
We may require suppliers to:
- Confirm compliance with modern slavery legislation
- Maintain accurate employment records
- Ensure employees are not subject to forced labour or exploitation
- Provide safe and lawful working conditions
Where appropriate, we may review suppliers to ensure they meet these standards.
Reporting Concerns
All employees are encouraged to report any concerns relating to modern slavery, forced labour or exploitation. Concerns should be reported to the Registered Manager or the Responsible Individual, in line with the organisation’s safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures.
If employees feel unable to raise concerns internally, they may report concerns externally to organisations such as the Modern Slavery Helpline (0800 0121 700), Crimestoppers (0800 555 111), the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (0800 432 0804), or through local safeguarding services via the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board.
All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly and confidentially where possible. Employees will not suffer any detriment for raising concerns in good faith. Where concerns relate to a vulnerable adult, the organisation will follow the Wales Safeguarding Procedures and refer the matter to the appropriate safeguarding authority where required.
If we identify that an individual or organisation working on our behalf has breached this policy, we will take appropriate action. This may include requiring the issue to be remedied, reporting the matter to the relevant authorities, or terminating the business relationship.