Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery Statement v.1.1
This Statement was formally approved by the Executive on 31st January 2022.
Introduction
This Modern Slavery Statement (“this Statement”) is made pursuant to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Fortesium’s (“the Organisation”) anti-slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ended 31st March 2023.
The Organisation is a company limited by guarantee and incorporated in the UK, that engages with national and international Organisations in order to provide its services.
This can include engaging with suppliers in order to provide or receive services that support its operational activities. It is committed to taking the appropriate measures to reduce the risk of slavery and human trafficking taking place in our Organisation or our supply chains.
Activities of the Company
The Organisation may, deliver software as a service and software development services in the UK and internationally. It may also engage with suppliers to support the Organisation’s operational activities, including:
- Human Resources
- Facilities (including premises and information technology) Management and Security
- Events, Publications and Meetings
- Finance and Accounting
- Legal and Regulatory
- Asset Control and Investment Management
As per the Organisation’s Procurement Policy, all suppliers, including outsourced services, are required to produce their own statement on Anti-Slavery and are subject to initial and ongoing due diligence.
Contributing Policies
The Organisation’s Executive periodically reviews all of its policies to ensure that the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking in the Organisation, and its supply chain, are minimised.
The Organisation’s policies that help ensure that risks are adequately mitigated and include the following:
- Procurement Policy: Sets minimum ethical requirements required and standards to be met of its suppliers;
- Whistleblowing Policy: Encourages all Staff to be aware of and report any wrongdoing, including any related to modern slavery and human trafficking.
- Equal Opportunities Policy: Fosters an open and collaborative working environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect and dignity.
- Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy: Measures to prevent, detect and report fraud and corruption, including bribery and irregularities.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy: Measures to prevent and deter unwanted and/or offensive conduct or behaviour.
- Disciplinary & Grievance Procedures: Procedures and actions that will be taken in the event that Organisation’s policies aren’t adhered to.
Due Diligence Review
Each year the Organisation will conduct a review of all its suppliers, and assess whether any individual supplier, or a group of suppliers, would be considered as a moderate or high risk and asked to provide evidence to the Organisation that they have appropriate policies in place to minimise the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking in their business.
The due diligence process is risk based so that the vetting process for new suppliers considered to be operating in a high-risk context are subject to increased scrutiny and checks, supported by ongoing monitoring and re-checking to ensure continuing compliance.
Adequate evidence includes appropriate policies in place, compliance with applicable laws and adoption of best practice recommendations.
In matters where the jurisdiction of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 does not apply, the Organisation will, as part of its due diligence procedures, seek assurance that its vetting requirements are met in all cases and where appropriate.
Staff Awareness
All Staff are required to make themselves aware of the Organisation’s policy requirements, including measures to minimise the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking where appropriate.
Julian Khan
CEO