Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the principles and controls that govern our approach to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and other forms of exploitation across our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can occur in many sectors and geographies, and we are committed to taking proactive steps to identify, prevent, and address any risk. Our zero-tolerance policy applies to every part of the organisation and to every business relationship we maintain.
As part of our commitment, we embed ethical conduct into procurement, onboarding, and ongoing supplier management. This modern slavery statement reflects our expectation that all employees, contractors, agents, and suppliers uphold fair, lawful, and humane working practices. We do not knowingly engage with any party involved in exploitation, coercion, or deceptive recruitment practices. Where risk is identified, we act promptly and proportionately.
We expect our suppliers to share our standards and demonstrate compliance through clear policies, documented controls, and responsible labour practices. Supplier due diligence includes screening for high-risk indicators, reviewing labour arrangements, and requiring commitments to ethical sourcing. We also reserve the right to conduct supplier audits and follow-up assessments where concerns arise, particularly in higher-risk categories or regions.
Our audit approach is designed to support continuous improvement rather than a box-ticking exercise. Supplier audits may include document reviews, worker interviews, facility inspections, and verification of subcontracting arrangements. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards, we will require corrective action with clear deadlines. In serious cases, we may suspend or terminate the relationship. This anti-slavery commitment is central to how we manage risk and protect vulnerable workers.
We also maintain accessible reporting channels so that concerns can be raised safely and in confidence. Employees and external stakeholders may report suspected misconduct, unsafe labour practices, or signs of exploitation without fear of retaliation. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly, and escalated where necessary. We promote a culture in which speaking up is encouraged and supported, because early reporting is essential to preventing harm.
Training plays an important role in strengthening awareness across the business. Relevant teams receive guidance on spotting red flags such as restricted movement, withheld documents, recruitment fees, wage irregularities, and excessive overtime. We also require managers involved in procurement and supplier selection to understand how modern slavery risk can enter supply chains. This modern slavery framework helps ensure ethical decision-making is built into everyday practice.
Our governance arrangements include oversight from senior leadership, who monitor progress and review any significant incidents or trends. We recognise that the risk of exploitation can change over time, so our controls are reviewed regularly and adapted where needed. We may extend due diligence to subcontractors and labour providers when the nature of supply arrangements creates additional exposure.
We work to build transparent and resilient relationships with suppliers, encouraging them to maintain fair recruitment, lawful wages, and safe working conditions. Where improvement is needed, we support suppliers in addressing root causes and strengthening their controls. However, our position remains uncompromising: any form of slavery, servitude, or forced labour is unacceptable. This modern slavery policy statement reinforces the expectation that ethical conduct is a condition of doing business with us.
Annual review is a core part of our approach. Each year, we assess the effectiveness of this statement, examine emerging risks, and update our action plan accordingly. The review considers audit findings, reported concerns, supplier performance, training completion, and any changes in legislation or operational scope. Through this process, the modern slavery statement remains current, practical, and aligned with our responsibility to protect human rights.
In the year ahead, we will continue strengthening our due diligence, improving supplier engagement, and reinforcing reporting awareness across the organisation. We remain committed to identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before they lead to harm. Our objective is not only compliance, but meaningful prevention, ensuring that dignity, fairness, and respect are upheld throughout our operations and extended supply network.
This statement reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical business conduct and the elimination of exploitation in all forms. By combining a zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, reporting channels, and annual review, we aim to maintain a robust and responsible response to modern slavery risk. We will continue to improve our controls and uphold the highest standards expected of a responsible organisation.
