Modern Slavery Statement:
Introduction
Modern slavery is an international crime affecting an estimated 40.3 million people worldwide. This global issue transcends age, gender, and ethnicity. It includes victims trafficked from overseas as well as vulnerable people in the UK who are illegally forced to work against their will in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, construction, retail, and manufacturing.
Although Healthier Business UK Ltd. does not meet the £36 million turnover threshold required under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we voluntarily adopt this statement to demonstrate our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chain.
Our Commitment
We are committed to assessing and mitigating the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business. We aim to ensure that all employees, clients, and suppliers are aligned with our dedication to upholding ethical standards and values.
Our Policy
We ensure:
· Ethical Conduct: Our company values define the standards of ethical behaviour we expect from our employees, clients, and suppliers.
· Fair Treatment: We are committed to treating all individuals fairly, creating a transparent, open, and trusted work environment.
· Compliance with Laws: We uphold procedures to ensure compliance with anti-modern slavery legislation, even though we are not legally obligated to publish this statement.
Our Structure
Healthier Business UK Ltd. employs over 20 staff members, including non-direct employees, and collaborates with various professionals, consultants, and contractors. We serve over 1,000 clients across the UK.
Procedures to Prevent Modern Slavery
Employment Practices
To prevent any form of modern slavery in our operations, we have implemented the following employment procedures:
· Living Wage Accreditation: We are accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, ensuring all employees receive at least a living wage.
· Market-Related Pay: We conduct annual pay reviews to ensure fair compensation for all employees.
· Verification Checks: We follow robust recruitment processes in line with UK employment laws, including right-to-work document checks, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and employment eligibility verification.
· Employee Wellbeing: We offer various well-being initiatives to promote our staff’s physical and mental health.
Supply Chain Transparency
Although Healthier Business UK Ltd. does not supply services outside the EU, we recognise the importance of scrutinising our supply chain, mainly when working with external consultants and contractors. We are committed to:
· Conducting thorough due diligence on all suppliers and partners to ensure they comply with modern slavery laws.
· Regularly assessing the risks associated with our contractors and consultants.
· Monitoring and reporting any concerns related to modern slavery.
Supporting Our Employees and Clients
We have implemented several measures to help employees and clients understand and address modern slavery risks:
· Resources and Training: We provide training materials and guidance on recognising and reporting modern slavery.
· Whistleblowing Procedure: Employees have access to a confidential whistleblowing procedure to report concerns regarding modern slavery or unethical behaviour within the company or its partners.
· Client Collaboration: We collaborate with clients to help them understand and meet their obligations under the Modern Slavery Act.
Performance Indicators
To measure the effectiveness of our policies, we will introduce the following performance indicators:
· Percentage of staff trained annually on modern slavery awareness.
· Number of reports filed through our whistleblowing procedure.
· Number of audits conducted on suppliers and contractors to ensure compliance with anti-slavery policies.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to annually reviewing this Modern Slavery Statement to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. This review includes:
· Internal audits to evaluate compliance with anti-slavery policies.
· Senior management review of performance metrics and risk assessments.
· Stakeholder consultation, including feedback from employees, clients, and suppliers.
Results from these reviews will be discussed during management meetings to ensure any necessary improvements are implemented.
Conclusion
While not legally required, Healthier Business UK Ltd. remains committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chain. We will continue to uphold the highest ethical conduct and standards of business practices.
