Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for the financial year 1st October 2022 to 30 September 2023 – applied to Herbert & Partners (Architecture) Limited trading as Herbert & Partners.
Introduction
This statement is made in accordance with Section 54, Part 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This statement sets out the practice’s actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023.
Herbert & Partners are a RIBA Chartered Practice who recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to modern slavery and human trafficking and is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
Policies
The practice operates the following policies that describe its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations.
- Whistleblowing policy – The practice encourages its employees, clients, consultants, and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of the practice.
- Employee code of conduct – The practices’ code makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing the practice. The practice strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating abroad and managing its supply chain.
- Supplier code of conduct – The practice is committed to ensuring that its suppliers adhere to the highest standards of ethics. Suppliers are required to demonstrate that they provide safe working conditions where necessary, treat workers with dignity and respect, and act ethically within the law in their use of labour.
- Agency workers policy – The practice uses only reputable employment agencies to source employees and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting employees from that agency.
Training
The practice intends to provide training for HR professionals, all managers, and supervisors in relation to:
- How to identify the signs of slavery and human trafficking.
- What initial steps should be taken if slavery or human trafficking is suspected.
- How to escalate potential slavery or human trafficking issues to the relevant parties within the practice.
- What external help is available, for example through the Modern Slavery. Helpline and Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.
Awareness-raising programme
As well as training HR professionals, managers and supervisors, the practice intends to implement an awareness-raising of modern slavery issues programme during 2022/23 financial year by putting up posters across its premises to explain to staff:
- The basic principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
- How employers can identify and prevent slavery and human trafficking.
- What employees can do to flag up potential slavery or human trafficking issues to the relevant parties within the practice.
- What external help is available, for example through the Modern Slavery Helpline.
The Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement – approved on behalf of the Directors of Herbert & Partners (Architecture) Limited, by Sean Lacey, Managing Director, 07 February 2024.
