Modern Slavery Statement
Our Commitment to Eliminating Modern Slavery
We declare a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking. We will not tolerate exploitation in any part of our operations or supply chain. This modern slavery statement explains our actions to prevent contemporary slavery and exploitation, how we govern risks, and how we hold ourselves and our partners accountable. We are committed to continuous improvement and to ensuring that respect for human rights is embedded in every decision and contract.Scope and Principles
This slavery and human trafficking statement covers our direct operations, contractors and suppliers globally. Our policies apply irrespective of geography or contractual form and reflect international standards on forced labour, human trafficking and ethical employment. We adopt a risk-based approach to identify high-risk sectors and regions and require adherence to our Code of Conduct. Strong procurement standards and contractual clauses reinforce our expectation that suppliers respect worker rights and eradicate any form of servitude.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence We operate a structured supplier audit programme that combines desktop screening, self-assessment questionnaires and on-site inspections. Key components include:
- Risk assessments to prioritise suppliers and geographies;
- Document reviews of payroll, contracts and recruitment practices;
- Both announced and unannounced on-site audits conducted by trained auditors or accredited third parties.
Reporting Channels and Protections
We maintain clear reporting channels for suspected modern slavery, including anonymous and confidential mechanisms. Employees, suppliers and external stakeholders can report concerns without fear of retaliation. Reports are triaged by a designated compliance team and escalated to senior management for investigation. Whistleblower protections are integral: those who report in good faith are shielded from reprisals. Every credible allegation triggers a formal inquiry, documentation and remediation steps.
Training and Supplier Engagement We deliver targeted training on modern slavery risks to procurement, HR and site leaders, ensuring that our people recognise and respond to signs of exploitation. Supplier capacity building is central: we provide guidance, share best practices and require improvement plans where non-compliance is found. Our procurement contracts include mandatory clauses on forced labour, transparency and access for audits. We engage collaboratively with suppliers to correct deficiencies and monitor progress until sustained compliance is demonstrated.
Remediation and Continuous Monitoring
When audits or reports identify instances of exploitation, we enact a defined remediation framework focused on the welfare and rights of affected workers. Actions may include restitution, repatriation where appropriate, and ongoing support for recovery. We prefer remediation and supplier improvement, but we will terminate relationships where suppliers refuse to implement corrective actions or where severe violations occur. Continuous monitoring uses periodic reassessments, performance metrics and targeted follow-up audits.Annual Review and Governance Our anti-slavery measures are subject to regular oversight. Senior leadership and our governance committee review progress and risk assessments annually. The annual review evaluates the effectiveness of policies, the results of audits, training completion rates and remediation outcomes. It also identifies emerging risks and refines our procedures to strengthen prevention. Board-level endorsement ensures accountability and the allocation of resources necessary to address modern slavery risks.
Monitoring, Metrics and Third-Party Verification We track key performance indicators including high-risk supplier coverage, audit findings closed within set timelines, and the number of substantiated reports. Independent third-party verifiers periodically assess our programme to validate its impact. Where relevant, we collaborate with industry peers, civil society and multi-stakeholder initiatives to amplify efforts to eradicate forced labour and broader forms of exploitation.
In conclusion, this modern slavery statement reaffirms our zero-tolerance stance and our ongoing commitment to supplier audits, robust reporting channels and a rigorous annual review process. We continue to evolve our approach, invest in prevention, and seek to ensure that our operations and supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking. This statement reflects our dedication to human dignity and responsible business practices.
