Modern Slavery Statement
Modern slavery is a serious violation of human rights, and we are committed to taking a clear, proactive stance against it in every part of our business. This modern slavery statement sets out the principles, controls, and actions we use to help ensure that forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, and other forms of exploitation have no place in our operations or supply chains. We believe that ethical conduct must be embedded in daily decision-making, from procurement to service delivery. Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and business partners, regardless of location or role.
Our Commitment to Ethical Business
We expect the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Any form of slavery, servitude, debt bondage, forced labour, or deceptive recruitment is prohibited. This commitment is supported by internal policies, training, and due diligence procedures designed to identify and reduce risk. Our modern slavery policy is not symbolic; it is a practical framework that informs how we select partners, manage performance, and respond to concerns. We require all relevant stakeholders to act in accordance with applicable laws and with respect for human dignity.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
Supplier relationships are an important part of our approach to preventing exploitation. Before engaging new suppliers, we assess risk factors such as geographic location, sector vulnerability, labour practices, and subcontracting arrangements. Where appropriate, we request evidence of labour standards, employment checks, and safeguarding measures. Our supplier audits may include document reviews, worker interviews, site inspections, and corrective action follow-up. These supplier audits help us verify compliance and identify weaknesses before they become serious issues.
We also expect our suppliers to maintain their own controls and to communicate these expectations throughout their downstream supply chains. If any supplier fails to meet our standards, we will work with them to correct the issue where possible. However, where serious concerns remain unresolved, we may suspend or terminate the relationship. This approach reflects our commitment to responsible sourcing and the belief that ethical supply chains require consistent oversight, transparency, and accountability.
Risk assessment is ongoing rather than one-time. We regularly review high-risk categories and adjust our monitoring based on emerging trends, audit findings, and legal developments. The modern slavery statement is therefore supported by a dynamic compliance process that evolves alongside our business. By maintaining vigilance, we aim to prevent exploitation before it occurs and to respond quickly if indicators of abuse are identified.
Reporting Channels and Speaking Up
We encourage anyone who suspects a concern related to modern slavery to raise it without delay. Our reporting channels are designed to support safe, confidential escalation of issues, including concerns about recruitment fees, withheld identity documents, restricted movement, unsafe living conditions, or coercion. Reports may be made through internal management routes, compliance processes, or other approved mechanisms established for this purpose. All concerns are taken seriously and investigated promptly.
Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith is not tolerated. We are committed to protecting whistleblowers and to ensuring that reports are reviewed fairly and discreetly. Training is used to help employees recognise warning signs and understand their responsibilities. This includes guidance on how to respond when potential exploitation is identified and how to preserve evidence while protecting vulnerable individuals.
Our modern slavery commitment also extends to remediation. Where harm has occurred or is suspected, we seek to support appropriate corrective action, which may involve enhanced monitoring, supplier improvement plans, or cooperation with relevant authorities and specialist organisations. Our goal is not only compliance, but meaningful prevention and responsible action.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
We review this modern slavery statement at least annually to ensure that it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with current risks and expectations. The review considers audit outcomes, supplier performance, incident reports, training completion, policy updates, and changes in legislation or industry practice. This annual process allows us to measure progress and identify further actions needed to strengthen our controls.
Senior leadership is responsible for overseeing implementation and ensuring that the modern slavery approach receives appropriate attention at the highest level. As part of our zero-tolerance policy, we continue to improve our due diligence, enhance supplier engagement, and reinforce awareness across the business. Each year, we aim to build stronger safeguards that reduce the risk of exploitation in both direct operations and wider supply networks.
In summary, this statement reflects our ongoing determination to uphold human rights, maintain ethical business practices, and challenge exploitation wherever it may occur. By combining supplier audits, clear reporting channels, and an annual review cycle, we seek to ensure that our modern slavery controls remain robust, practical, and effective. We will continue to strengthen our modern slavery framework and hold ourselves and our partners to the highest standards of responsibility.
