Modern Slavery
This statement outlines Surestart Homes' commitment to recognising and preventing modern slavery and human trafficking across all aspects of our operations. It details the actions we have taken to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and reduce the risks of being associated with practices that compromise the safety and dignity of our clients and staff, particularly those from vulnerable groups.
This statement reflects our current stance on modern slavery and the measures undertaken during the financial year 2022/23. It applies across Surestart Homes, and all divisions are expected to actively minimise the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within their business activities and supply chains.
Organisational Structure and Business
Surestart Homes is a sole owned business, based in South London.
Our core activity is providing accommodation services to local authorities, housing associations, and charities. In doing so, we collaborate with various suppliers and contractors.
Through this statement, we encourage our partners, suppliers, and all organisations within our network to familiarise themselves with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and to confirm their commitment to compliance.
Our Supply Chains
We expect our partners, as well as all organisations and suppliers we engage with, to ensure that their supply chains for goods, materials, and labour:
a) Fully comply with the Modern Slavery Act
b) Are transparent, accountable, and open to audit
c) Are free from ethical uncertainties.
Our Employment Practices
We are committed to paying all employees at least the London Living Wage, and our recruitment processes are designed to verify that all new employees have the legal right to work in the UK.
Surestart Homes ensures adherence to all relevant legal requirements, including eligibility checks to work in the UK and conducting necessary checks such as those provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Safeguarding
Our Safeguarding Policy, covering both adults and children, identifies modern slavery as a form of abuse affecting individuals at risk. Safeguarding incidents are promptly reported to the heads of services. Since the enactment of the Modern Slavery Act in 2015, no incidents or concerns related to modern slavery have been reported within our service delivery.
Training
To enhance our understanding of the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in our procurement and supply chains, we continue to provide relevant training to key members of staff.
Due Diligence
We continue to implement appropriate measures to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are absent from our business and supply chains.
As part of our risk management initiative, we have established systems to:
Identify and assess potential risk areas within our supply chains
Mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking within our supply chains
Monitor identified risk areas within our supply chains
Protect whistle-blowers through our whistleblowing policy.
Commitment
We are fully committed to ensuring that our business and supply chains remain free from slavery and human trafficking. Over the coming year, we will:
Continuously monitor our business and supply chains to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Ensure that our contractors and supply chains adhere to the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 in their dealings with us.
Conduct a review of our safeguarding policy to ensure its alignment with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
The responsibility for compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 lies with the directors of Surestart Homes, with the Chief Executive Officer overseeing this statement. Specific responsibilities have been allocated to the heads of services that are identified as key risk areas:
Supply chain management
Protection of vulnerable clients
This statement is made in accordance with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It will be reviewed and updated annually, in line with the Act's reporting requirements.