Organisation structure and supply chains
NHS Property Services Limited is committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chain or in any part of our business. Our internal policies replicate our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships.
Our procurement approach follows good practices and has been updated to reflect the latest requirements of PPN 02/23. These include a mandatory exclusion question regarding the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
When procuring goods and services, we expect our suppliers to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. For all capital and construction appointments (including consultants) we have a mandatory requirement for them to be construction line registered, which is a government accredited process and covers modern slavery. In addition, we use a Modern Slavery Assessment Tool, which is built into our Contract Review Process.
Policies in relation to slavery and human trafficking
We operate a whistleblowing policy so that all employees know that they can raise concerns about how colleagues or people receiving our services are being treated, or about practices within our business or supply chain, without fear of reprisals. We collaborate with other HM Government organisations and departments on the Social Value Process, of which Modern Slavery is a key theme. Our whistleblowing policy offers multiple channels for colleagues or customers to engage, and this includes post, email, telephone or via an online form.
We have introduced a Safeguarding Policy as part of our commitment to:
- Prevent harm and abuse through training and safety protocols
- Protect by signposting how you can report any concerns of harm or abuse
- Support for those who have been affected by harm and ensuring their voices are heard
- Compliance by showing how our safeguarding practices adhere to laws, regulations and ethical standards
The policy also covers our commitment to protecting those involved in safeguarding concerns by ensuring their personal information is kept safe and secure.
Due diligence processes
We operate a robust recruitment process; confirming the identities of all new employees and their right to work in the United Kingdom.
As part of our initiative to identify and mitigate risk, we ask all potential or new suppliers to provide information about modern slavery, their approach and compliance with this legislation. This area has been subject to an internal audit for added assurance.
We have a zero-tolerance attitude to slavery and human trafficking. We encourage colleagues and members to speak up and have assigned the responsibilities of the Raising Concerns Guardian to the Company Secretary.
Key performance indicators
We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the steps we are taking to ensure that slavery and/ or human trafficking are not taking place within our business or supply chain.
We will annually review the statement and any related policies to ensure they remain fit for purpose and in line with current legislation and best practice.
Training
Through our whistleblowing policy, our colleagues are encouraged to identify and report any suspicions or potential breaches of our antislavery and human trafficking policy.
We are looking at ways to continuously increase awareness within our organisation, and to ensure a high level of understanding of the risks involved with modern slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains and in our business.
Often, abuse is hidden, and because of that, we do not know the true extent of those who experience abuse. This is why it's so important to raise awareness and understanding of the issue of abuse.
This statement is made pursuant to s54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps that NHS Property Services Limited has taken to prevent the occurrence of modern slavery and human trafficking within our business or supply chain.
Martin Steele
Chief Executive Officer
NHS Property Services Limited