Anti-slavery and human trafficking policy
1. Policy statement
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, involving servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person's liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain. BISA has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and we are committed to ensuring modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chains.
We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners who help us deliver our aims and objectives. Wherever practicable, BISA will seek to include in its contracts with such third parties prohibitions against the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, whether adults or children, and we expect that our suppliers will hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.
BISA will carry out risk assessments for suppliers which may mean that we decide not to work with them or seek further assurances and information before proceeding. Where a higher risk is identified:
- If the supplier is required to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 statement publishing requirements, we shall review their statement;
- We will review the suppliers own published policies on Modern Slavery; and
- We will seek declarations that suppliers meet appropriate requirements and may ask them to give information on their working practices.
This policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf in any capacity, including employees, consultants, interns, external consultants, third-party representatives and business partners.
This policy does not form part of any employee's contract of employment and we may amend it at any time.
2. Responsibility for the policy
The BISA Executive Committee has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with BISA’s legal and ethical obligations. They in turn delegate day-to-day responsibility for this policy with the Director who is answerable to the BISA Chair. The Director, in turn, can delegate oversight and implementation to an appropriate BISA staff member or trustee.
3. Compliance with the policy
The prevention, detection and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our business or supply chains is the responsibility of all those working for us or under our control. BISA members are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.
If a member believes or suspect a breach of this policy has occurred or that it may occur s/he must notify the BISA Director as soon as possible.
Members are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any parts of our business or supply chains of any supplier tier at the earliest possible stage.
BISA aim’s to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery of whatever form is or may be taking place in any part of our own business or in any of our supply chains.
4. Communication and awareness of this policy
Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery will be communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of our business relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate thereafter.
Training on this policy and the risks faced by modern slavery, will be provided to those individuals who work for us.
5. Monitoring and reviewing this policy
The BISA Executive Committee will review this policy on an annual basis and update it as necessary.
6. Change and review history
- Implemented Jan 2020
- Reviewed Nov 2022