This statement is made for and on behalf of DataSpartan Limited (Data Spartan) and all group subsidiaries with regards to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 which requires large employers (with a turnover of more than £36 million) to be transparent about their efforts to eradicate Slavery and Human Trafficking in their supply chain.

As a business, we’re committed to upholding the highest standards of probity, openness and transparency so we can provide the best service to our customers, protect our assets and reputation and safeguard public funds.

In compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, DataSpartan has a zero-tolerance approach to slavery, human trafficking, exploitation or corruption of any kind in the work we do, in the work our partners do and in our wider supply chain.

We expect those we work with to have the same zero-tolerance attitude and approach and we would never knowingly seek to work with any organisation whose approach or practices were found to be incompatible with our own.

Legislative Requirements

DataSpartan’s policy is to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 which requires businesses to produce a statement setting out the steps they have taken to ensure there is no modern slavery in their own business and their supply chains.

Responsibilities

The Board has overall responsibility for this policy.

Line Managers are responsible for engaging with their team to:

• Implement and maintain the processes and procedures
• Ensure that their people are aware of their responsibilities and receive appropriate training

All employees are responsible for:

• Carrying out their work in line with this policy and associated procedures
• Applying our values and behaviours in everything they do

Policy Principles

We are committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery in our supply chains or in any part of our organisation.  Our policies in relation to probity, procurement, code of conduct, whistle blowing, safeguarding and health & safety and recruitment, all reflect our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in our supply chains.

Due diligence processes

As part of our initiative to identify and mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking, we have in place systems and processes which:

• identify and assess potential risk areas in our supply chains;
• mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking occurring in our supply chains; and
• protect those who wish to raise concerns in confidence.

Our recruitment and people management procedures ensure that all prospective employees are legally entitled to work in the UK and to safeguard employees from any abuse or coercion once in our employment.  They include:

• Pre-employment checks: work permits, DBS, references; and
• Paying the living wage foundation rate.

Supplier adherence to our values

We are committed to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking – we have a zero-tolerance approach and want to work with suppliers who share our values.

To make sure our contractors and all those in our supply chain are aware of, and comply with, our values, we use a number of approaches including:

• supplier self-certification;
• pre-qualification questions to determine suitability of potential suppliers; and
• standard clauses in conditions of contract that specifically require legal compliance by suppliers.

Training

As an organisation active in the community, DataSpartan is well placed to identify signs of slavery and human trafficking, and as such we provide ongoing safeguarding training to the appropriate colleagues to help them to spot issues when going into homes and meeting customers.

We have made all colleagues aware of the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700. This will allow anyone who thinks they may have come across an instance of modern slavery to call for more information and guidance on what to do next. In any case where you may be concerned about the welfare of a customer or member of the public you should also inform your line manager, following the safeguarding procedure.

UK Modern Slavery Adult Victim support providers:

• England and Wales The Salvation Army – 0300 303 8151
• UK Government Modern Slavery Helpline – 0800 0121 700

Staff wellbeing

DataSpartan has a clear framework of rules and behaviours and encourages the reporting of any concerns or breaches so that they can be dealt with appropriately in accordance with our policies and procedures. We offer an independent and confidential Whistleblowing hotline where staff and volunteers can raise concerns confidentially and anonymously if they wish.

DataSpartan checks that staff can demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK and requires all contractors.

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes the Trust’s modern slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending October February 2018.

Owner: Chief Risk Officer
Approved By: Board of DataSpartan Limited
Date of Approval: July 2019
Next Review Due: July 2020
Policy Version: 1.0