Modern Slavery Report
Report Summary: Groundwork’s Commitment to Combatting Modern Slavery
Groundwork is fully committed to upholding the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking across its operations and supply chains. As an equal-opportunities employer, the organisation emphasises creating a non-discriminatory, respectful, and inclusive workplace, ensuring employees feel safe and confident in reporting any wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
Groundwork’s recruitment and people management processes are carefully designed to verify the legal working status of all prospective employees in the UK. These processes also safeguard employees from potential abuse, coercion, or exploitation during their employment. Additionally, the organisation refuses to engage in business with entities, domestic or international, that are found to support or participate in modern slavery, servitude, forced labour, or human trafficking.
Groundwork’s commitment extends to ensuring that all staff and workers it employs or contracts, whether directly or indirectly, are not subjected to practices or threats constituting modern slavery or related human rights abuses. These principles are consistent with Groundwork’s disclosure obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and the organisation prioritises identifying and mitigating risks within its operations and supply chains.
To uphold this commitment, Groundwork has implemented policies, processes, and training programmes that address modern slavery risks and raise awareness across the organisation. These efforts align with the organisation’s core mission to transform lives in disadvantaged communities across the UK and contribute to social and environmental regeneration.
Organisational Mission and Values
Groundwork is a charitable organisation dedicated to improving lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities. It envisions a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, communities are empowered to shape their own futures, and individuals are not held back by socio-economic challenges. The organisation’s programmes help people build confidence, develop skills, secure employment, improve green spaces, lead active lives, and overcome challenges such as poverty, isolation, low skills, and poor health.
Groundwork NE & Cumbria operates across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham, Tees Valley, and Cumbria. Its structure ensures a localised approach to delivering social and environmental regeneration projects, maximising the impact on people and communities in these areas.
Policies and Safeguards
Groundwork has established a robust framework of policies to support its commitment to ethical practices and human rights. Key policies include:
- Modern Slavery Policy: This policy outlines Groundwork’s measures to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. It includes clear processes for identifying and addressing risks in the organisation and its supply chains.
- Anti-Bribery and Whistleblowing Policies: These policies ensure ethical integrity and provide mechanisms for reporting unethical or illegal activities without fear of retaliation.
- Safeguarding Policy and Procedures: Modern slavery is explicitly recognised as a form of abuse. The safeguarding policy addresses concerns regarding children (under 18) and adults in need of care and support.
Groundwork also integrates its Modern Slavery Policy Statement into its Employee Handbook to ensure employees are informed and equipped to recognise and address risks.
Risk Assessment and Supplier Monitoring
Groundwork employs several measures to assess and mitigate risks associated with modern slavery, including:
- Supplier Assessment: Groundwork evaluates potential risk areas when onboarding new suppliers and regularly reviews existing supply chains to ensure compliance with ethical standards.
- Supplier Compliance: Suppliers must confirm their adherence to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 as a prerequisite to partnering with Groundwork. Non-compliance results in appropriate action, including the termination of relationships.
- Regular Audits and Spot Checks: The organisation conducts periodic reviews and re-audits of suppliers to ensure continued compliance.
- Whistleblower Protection: Employees and stakeholders are encouraged to report any concerns related to modern slavery, with full protection against retaliation.
Awareness and Training
Groundwork prioritises employee education to maintain awareness of modern slavery risks. Training programmes are available to staff, and the Modern Slavery Policy Statement is included in the Employee Handbook to ensure high levels of understanding and vigilance within the organisation.
Conclusion
Groundwork’s proactive approach to tackling modern slavery demonstrates its dedication to ethical practices and human rights. By integrating robust policies, supplier monitoring, employee training, and community-focused initiatives, the organisation ensures compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 while upholding its mission to empower communities and improve lives. This commitment reinforces Groundwork’s reputation as a socially responsible organisation and reflects its core values of integrity, inclusivity, and respect for human dignity.