SDS is committed to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We uphold the highest ethical standards and expect all employees, contractors, and suppliers to do the same.
We strictly prohibit the use of modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chain. We have and will continue to be committed to implementing systems and controls aimed at ensuring that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere within our organisation or in any of our supply chains. We expect that our suppliers will hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Demonstrate our commitment to identifying and addressing risks of modern slavery.
- Outline the responsibilities of employees, management, and stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (or relevant local laws).
Scope
This policy applies to:
- All employees, officers, and directors of SDS.
- Contractors, agency workers, interns, and volunteers.
- All suppliers, vendors, and organisations providing goods or services to the company.
Policies
We operate a number of internal policies to ensure that we are conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner. These include:
- H&S
- Being Happy and Healthy
- Keeping you Safe at Work
- Dignity and Respect
- Equal Opportunities
- Sexual Harassment
- Whistleblowing
- Anti Bribery
Commitments
- We shall be a company that expects everyone working with us or on our behalf to support and uphold the following measures to safeguard against modern slavery.
- We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery in our organisation and our supply chains.
- The prevention, detection and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our organisation or supply chain is the responsibility of all those working for us or on our behalf. Workers must not engage in, facilitate or fail to report any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.
- We are committed to engaging with our stakeholders and suppliers to address the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chain.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Management: Ensure implementation of this policy, conduct reviews, and oversee supplier compliance.
- Employees: Report suspected cases of modern slavery and comply with training requirements.
- Suppliers: Adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct and demonstrate ethical labour practices.
Identifying and Managing Risks
We will assess risks by:
- Reviewing supplier locations, industries, and labour practices.
- Auditing high-risk suppliers.
- Monitoring recruitment agencies for compliance.
Reporting Concerns
Employees and external partners may report concerns by:
- Contacting their line manager.
- Reporting to HR or Compliance.
- Using the anonymous whistleblowing channel.
All reports will be investigated promptly and handled sensitively.
Breaches of This Policy
Any breach may result in:
- Disciplinary action for employees.
- Termination of contracts with suppliers.
- Reporting criminal activity to relevant authorities.
