What is this anti-slavery policy template?
This anti-slavery policy template sets out the processes a business has in place to identify, prevent and mitigate modern slavery in its operations and supply chains. Modern slavery is a term used to describe the crimes of holding a person in a position of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, or human trafficking (facilitating a person's travel with the intention of exploiting them soon after). These crimes exist across the world, including the UK. They can occur in any business sector.
This anti-slavery policy template reflects a business’s commitment to ensuring that its operations and supply chains are free from modern slavery and human trafficking.
Why does my business need to use this anti-slavery policy template?
A clear and comprehensive anti-slavery policy can be key to:
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Build trust with customers - customers may have their own responsibilities and requirements in relation to modern slavery. This could include ensuring that its own supply chain has appropriate anti-slavery policies and procedures in place. Having an anti-slavery policy in place can therefore build trust with customers and demonstrate you meet their own anti-slavery requirements.
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Ensure legal compliance - some businesses are legally required to complete a modern slavery statement to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (see more on this in the question below). Part of this statement must set out the policies relating to slavery and human trafficking that the business has in place, so having an anti-slavery policy can be crucial.
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Protect brand reputation - an anti-slavery policy can enhance your brand reputation by showing you act ethically and responsibly as a business. An anti-slavery policy can help mitigate risks associated with negative publicity and potential legal issues related to breaches of modern slavery laws.
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Optimise supply chain resilience - a focus on anti-slavery and human trafficking encourages a more transparent and resilient supply chain. By undertaking due diligence on supplies to understand their anti-slavery measures, you will know your supply chain better which allows you to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, helping you make informed decisions to ensure the continuity of supply.
What else does my business need to do to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015?
Modern slavery statement: Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, commercial organisations are required to publish an annual statement on their website if all the criteria below apply:
- it is a ‘body corporate’ or a partnership, wherever incorporated or formed.
- it carries on a business, or part of a business, in the UK.
- it supplies goods or services; and
- it has an annual turnover of £36 million or more.
More information about the requirement to publish a modern slavery statement can be found here.
What does the anti-slavery policy template include?
Key provisions: this anti-slavery policy template includes the option to include the following provisions:
- About the policy - this section tells the reader what the purpose of the policy is and why the business has put it in place. It also explains the consequences of failing to comply with the policy
- Anti-slavery principles - this section explains what modern slavery is, sets out the business's commitment to identifying, preventing and mitigating modern slavery and sets out the process the business will follow in order to do so.
- Your responsibilities - this section sets out individuals' responsibilities in relation to identifying, preventing and mitigating modern slavery and tells them how to report instances (or suspected instances) of modern slavery.
- Questions about this policy - this section includes details of the person to contact with any questions or queries about the policy.
What other policies should my business have in place?
As well as implementing an anti-slavery policy, your business should also consider putting in place the following policies that work alongside the anti-slavery policy:
- Whistleblowing Policy - this policy covers how a business treats whistleblowers and its purpose is to: (i) encourage staff to report suspected wrongdoing (e.g. instances of modern slavery) as soon as possible; (ii) provide staff with guidance as to how to raise those concerns; and (iii) reassure staff that they should be able to raise genuine concerns without fear of any penalty, even if they turn out to be mistaken.
- Anti-Bribery Policy - this policy sets out how an organisation conducts all of its business in an honest and ethical manner by implementing anti-bribery measures.
- Ethical Sourcing Policy - this policy is a set of guidelines and principles adopted by a business to ensure that the materials, goods and services it sources are produced and obtained in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
How can Docue help?
Dynamic template: In order to create your anti-slavery policy with confidence and speed, simply click through the intelligent tick box options and text box answers in Docue's anti-slavery policy template and you’ll have a ready-to-use policy in no time. The anti-slavery policy template includes model content designed by lawyers to help you draft the policy yourself and tailor it to your needs. And don’t worry if you get stuck along the way, the anti-slavery policy template includes guidance notes drafted by lawyers to help you through the process.
Full contract solution: Docue can be used for all your business contracting needs, with our range of over 130 different legal document templates. Signatures can be collected electronically, and all contracts and other legal documents you make are securely saved in your company's own contract account, Docue Drive.
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