Collective Services Modern Slavery Policy Statement

Financial Period 2024

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 which involve the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.

This statement is published in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps that Collective Services Ltd has taken during the previous financial period to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within its own operations or within its supply chain.

Our Commitment

Collective Services is committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in any part of our business or supply chains. We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and are dedicated to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.

Educating Our Employees

Over the next 12 months, we will continue to educate all employees on modern slavery at every level and in every department of the business in a format appropriate to their role. This will include:

  • Training Programs: Regular training sessions to raise awareness about modern slavery and human trafficking.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Distribution of educational materials and resources to all employees.

Addressing Modern Slavery in Our Supply Chain

As a service provider, we recognize that the most likely source of slavery occurring in the course of our business is via the supply chain. We mitigate this risk by:

  • Supplier Engagement: Increasing our knowledge of our suppliers’ businesses and how they operate.
  • Due Diligence: Conducting thorough due diligence processes, including assessments and audits of our suppliers.
  • Traceability: Ensuring traceability of materials and services back to their origins to verify that they are not linked to modern slavery.

Our Code of Conduct

At Collective Services, we have a clear Code of Conduct that our suppliers must adhere to. This Code forms part of their contract and covers the following key areas:

  • No Forced Labour: Ensuring that all labour is voluntary and not coerced.
  • Freedom of Association: Respecting the right of employees to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively.
  • Safe Working Conditions: Providing a safe and hygienic working environment.
  • No Child Labour: Prohibiting the use of child labour in any part of the business.
  • Fair Wages: Ensuring payment of living wages.
  • Reasonable Working Hours: Preventing excessive working hours.
  • No Discrimination: Ensuring no discrimination is practiced.
  • Regular Employment: Providing stable and regular employment.
  • Humane Treatment: Ensuring no harsh or inhumane treatment.

Addressing Breaches

Any supplier found to be in breach of the Modern Slavery Act will be asked to take immediate action to improve conditions. Business relationships will be terminated if the required improvements are not made.

Due Diligence Process

In 2023, we maintained a register of suppliers signing up to the Collective Services Code of Conduct or adopting their own similar policy. We remain committed to these high standards in 2024.

Key Performance Indicators

To measure the effectiveness of the steps being taken in relation to this policy, our key performance indicators will continue to be assessed using the following parameters in 2024:

  • Training: Equality, diversity, and modern slavery training will be given to all current staff and new starters.
  • Regular Reviews: A wider project team will constantly review and adjust current processes in our supply chain.
  • Focus on Supply Chain: Continued emphasis on our supply chain, recognizing it as a critical area for potential modern slavery risks.

This statement is made in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes the company’s Modern Slavery Policy Statement for the current financial year. Collective Services Ltd is dedicated to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms and will continue to take proactive steps to ensure the integrity of our operations and supply chain.