Modern Slavery Policy
1 Introduction
This document sets out the framework applied by Surplus Property Solutions Holdings Limited (“SPSH”) in relation to Modern Slavery.
Modern Slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking. All of these have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.
2 Policy Statement
SPSH has a zero-tolerance approach to Modern Slavery. We are committed to:
- acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships;
- implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure Modern Slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chains;
- ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chains, consistent with our disclosure obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners and will include appropriate contractual provisions to ensure adherence to such requirements.
We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken.
We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicions or concerns in relation to Modern Slavery.
3 Scope
This policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf in any capacity, including employees at all levels, directors, officers, agency workers, seconded workers, volunteers, interns, agents, contractors, external consultants, third-party representatives and business partners. This policy also applies to all relationships with our contractors, suppliers and other business partners.
This policy does not form part of any employee’s contract of employment and we may amend it at any time.
4 Compliance with the Policy
All SPSH Staff employees, contractors, suppliers and business partners are required to read, understand and comply with this policy.
The prevention, detection and reporting of Modern Slavery in any part of our business or supply chains is the responsibility of all those working for us, under our control or our business partners.
You are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.
5 Identifying and raising issues
You are encouraged to raise concerns or queries about this policy, or any issue or suspicion of Modern Slavery in any part of our business or our supply chains, at the earliest possible stage.
If you believe or suspect that a conflict with or breach of this policy has occurred, or may occur in the future, you must notify SPSH as soon as possible
SPSH’s employees should make contact with:
– their manager;
– the Managing Director; or
– the confidential Whistleblowing helpline: 0800 032 8483
External contractors, suppliers and business partners should make contact with:
– their normal SPSH management contact;
– the Managing Director; or
– the confidential Whistleblowing helpline: 0800 032 8483
6 Oversight of the Policy and its application
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with our legal and ethical obligations, and that all those under our control comply with it.
The Managing Director has primary and day-to-day responsibility for this policy and to ensure its effectiveness in countering Modern Slavery. This includes:
– effective communication and training;
– putting in place appropriate internal control systems and procedures;
– monitoring and auditing the use and effectiveness of such controls; and
– dealing with any queries about the policy.
Managers at all levels are responsible for ensuring that:
– those reporting to them understand and comply with this policy and are given adequate and regular training on it and the issue of Modern Slavery in supply chains; and
– external relationships are managed in accordance with this policy, including appropriate communication of this policy and monitoring of activities.
7 Training and Communication
Training on this policy forms part of the induction process for all individuals who work for us, and regular training will be provided as necessary.
Our commitment to addressing the issue of modern slavery in our business and supply chains must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of our business relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate thereafter.
8 Breaches of this Policy
Any employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct.
We may terminate our relationship with other individuals and organisations working on our behalf if they breach this policy.
9 Document and Policy Review
The policy will be reviewed annually by the Managing Director and any material changes reported to the Board.
We invite comment on this policy and suggested ways in which it might be improved. Comments, suggestions and queries are encouraged and should be addressed to the Managing Director.