Modern Slavery Act

Modern Slavery Act 2015 Section 54 - Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

We wholeheartedly endorse the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 2015. We aim to follow good practice and take all reasonable steps to prevent slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that all of our employees are aware of the Act and their safeguarding duty to protect and prevent any further harm and abuse when it is identified or suspected that the individual may be or is at risk of modern slavery/human trafficking.

We are committed to ensuring that no modern slavery or human trafficking takes place in any part of our organisation or our supply chain. This statement sets out our commitment to understand all potential modern slavery and human trafficking risks and the steps we have taken to implement effective systems and controls.  Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires all organisations to set out the steps the organisation has taken during the financial year to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in any of its supply chains, and in any part of its own business.

As a Leeds based Trust we also support the Leeds Pledge to tackle Modern Slavery launched in 2022, where we made a commitment to eradicate modern slavery in Leeds.

You can find further information and support in this document.

Our Supply Chains

The team are currently working through the existing supply chain to identify suppliers that are classed as high-risk suppliers. This includes but is not limited to construction, electronics manufacturing, garment/textiles, food processing, services including hospitality, security, cleaning and catering, logistics and healthcare and is irrespective of supplier size and contract value.

Our procurement process requires all suppliers and contractors to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and we expect them to demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach to exploitation. Our standard terms and conditions for the purchase of goods and services allow for termination in the event of non-compliance.

Our Policies and Procedures

We have appropriate processes and policies in place to mitigate the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking in our organisation and supply chains. Our Trust Policies and Procedures Group reviews and approves these policies every two years.

Our People

We provide training to all our people to increase their awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking so they’re able to understand, identify and report on these risks. We are committed to maintaining an honest and ethical culture, ensuring our people are aware of our Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy approach to bribery and corruption.  We also have a Whistleblowing Policy and provide a confidential, independent Freedom to Speak Up contact for employees to report any concerns.

Governance and Compliance

We have a clear action plan which provides assurance on the work to manage any activity in respect of the Act, you can download and read the action plan here. This plan is reviewed annually and these reviews are informed by the Trust’s People Employment Group with executive oversight and approval by the People and OD Governance Group which is chaired by the Trust’s Executive Director of People and OD.