Modern Slavery Policy

POLICY STATEMENT 

Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights and can take various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking. These all have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.

At The Christopher Meredith Foundation we have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implement and enforce effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or our supply chain. We expect the same high standards from all our partners and suppliers. 

In accordance with The Modern Slavery Act 2020, this policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf in any capacity, including employees at all levels, trustees, directors, contractors, external consultants, and business partners. 

This policy does not form part of any employee’s contract of employment, and we may amend it at any time. 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POLICY 

The Head of Governance has overall responsibility for ensuring:

  • this policy complies with our legal and ethical obligations
  • that all those under our control are aware of and comply with the policy 
  • the day-to-day implementation of the policy
  • monitoring the policy use and effectiveness
  • dealing with any queries about the policy
  • ensuring internal controls are effective in countering modern slavery

COMPLIANCE WITH THE POLICY 

All colleagues are required to read, understand, and comply with this policy.

Prevention, detection, and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our business or supply chain is the responsibility of all employees. Any activity that may lead to or suggest a breach of this policy must be avoided and reported to the Head of Governance as soon as possible. If there is any uncertainty as to whether a situation constitutes any of the forms of modern slavery, it must be reported to the Head of Governance.

COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS OF POLICY 

All colleagues shall ensure they read and understand this policy.

Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery shall be communicated to all partners, contractors, suppliers at the outset of our business relationship with them with this policy made available on our website. 

BREACHES OF THIS POLICY 

Any employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct. 

We may terminate our relationship with other individuals and organisations if they breach this policy.