Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the principles and actions by which our organisation prevents, detects, and responds to any form of modern slavery or human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a severe violation of human dignity and a risk that can exist in many sectors, geographies, and tiers of supply. Our commitment is grounded in a zero-tolerance approach: we do not accept forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, debt bondage, or any exploitative practice that undermines freedom, safety, or fair treatment.
To uphold this commitment, we embed ethical standards into governance, procurement, and supplier management. All employees involved in sourcing, contracting, or managing third parties are expected to understand the indicators of slavery and human trafficking and to act on concerns without delay. This modern slavery statement is reviewed as part of our wider responsibility to maintain integrity, protect people, and ensure that our business relationships reflect our values.
Our approach also includes due diligence during onboarding and contract renewal. We assess the nature of services, the location of work, and the labour risks associated with each supplier or subcontractor. Where elevated risk is identified, enhanced checks are applied, including document review, worker welfare checks, and management interviews. We expect all suppliers to maintain the same high standards and to extend these expectations throughout their own supply chains.
A core part of our modern slavery policy is active monitoring through supplier audits. These audits may be scheduled or unannounced, depending on risk level and circumstances. They are designed to verify labour conditions, wage practices, recruitment methods, working hours, and the presence of any coercive control. Findings are documented, tracked, and escalated where necessary. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards, we require immediate corrective action and may suspend or terminate the relationship if progress is not credible.
We also require suppliers to cooperate fully with audits and to provide accurate information about their workforce and subcontracting arrangements. In high-risk categories, we may request evidence of age verification, right-to-work checks, training records, and policies addressing forced labour and freedom of movement. These controls help ensure that our Modern Slavery Statement remains more than a declaration; it is supported by practical oversight and consistent enforcement.
Training is another essential safeguard. Relevant staff receive guidance on identifying warning signs, such as withholding of passports, restriction of movement, unusual recruitment fees, and signs of intimidation or dependency. Managers are expected to maintain vigilance and to support a culture in which concerns can be raised early and handled responsibly. Through ongoing awareness, we strengthen our ability to prevent harm and improve accountability across the business.
We provide multiple reporting channels so that employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders can raise concerns about suspected exploitation. Reports may be made through internal management routes, compliance functions, or whistleblowing mechanisms established for confidential escalation. Every report is treated seriously, assessed promptly, and handled with discretion and fairness. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited.
When allegations arise, we undertake an appropriate investigation and, where necessary, engage specialist support to protect affected individuals. Our response prioritises safety, evidence preservation, and lawful remediation. We may work with suppliers to strengthen controls, remove harmful recruitment fees, improve worker access to identity documents, or correct wage and working-time issues. Where evidence indicates deliberate abuse, we will take decisive action and cooperate with relevant authorities as required.
The modern slavery risk landscape can change quickly, so we maintain continuous oversight of sectors and regions where vulnerabilities are more common. Factors such as complex subcontracting, labour migration, temporary work, and rapid growth can increase exposure. By assessing these risks regularly, we ensure that prevention measures remain relevant and proportionate. Our commitment is not limited to compliance; it is part of a broader duty to protect human rights and promote responsible business conduct.
This statement is subject to an annual review by senior leadership to confirm its effectiveness and to identify opportunities for improvement. During the review, we consider audit outcomes, incident reports, training completion, supplier performance, and changes in legal or operational risk. We also update our processes where necessary to strengthen controls and to reflect lessons learned from the previous year.
The annual review ensures that our zero-tolerance policy remains active and practical, not symbolic. It allows us to measure progress, refine supplier expectations, and set priorities for the coming period. Any significant findings are incorporated into action plans with clear accountability. Through this cycle of review and improvement, we reinforce a consistent stance against exploitation and continue to improve our safeguards.
In closing, our organisation remains committed to identifying and eliminating modern slavery in all its forms. We expect honesty, transparency, and respect for human rights from everyone with whom we do business. By combining policy, due diligence, supplier audits, accessible reporting channels, and annual review, we aim to maintain a resilient and responsible framework that protects people and supports ethical trade.