COVID-19 Statement

Since March 2020 the world has been impacted by a coronavirus pandemic which can lead to infection with COVID-19.

The global response to this virus, and more specifically the response of the UK government and the London Councils, has impacted the way Safer London works, its policies and procedures.

The principles underlying the statement on modern slavery remain unchanged. However, as we currently operate in a largely virtual way opportunities to identify and prevent slavery and human trafficking may be more limited and we should be extra vigilant and remain absolutely committed to preventing and identifying it.

Introduction

Safer London is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee operating across Greater London and with links outside the capital.

We believe every young person has the right to live free from the threat of violence and exploitation.

Modern slavery is a real problem for millions of people around the world, including many in developed countries, who are being kept and exploited in various forms of slavery. Every organisation is at risk of being involved in this crime through its own operations and its supply chain.

At Safer London we have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, and we are fully committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our operations and in our supply chain. 

Our approach

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating and ensuring a non-discriminatory and respectful working environment for our employees. We want all our employees to feel confident that they can expose wrongdoing without any risk to themselves.

Our recruitment and people management processes are designed to ensure that all prospective employees are legally entitled to work in the UK and to safeguard employees from any abuse or coercion.

We do not enter into business with any organisation, in the UK or abroad, which knowingly supports or is found to be involved in slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. 

We have not been made aware of any allegations of human trafficking/slavery activities against any of our current suppliers, but should we become aware of this we will act immediately against the supplier and report the allegations to the appropriate authorities.

Policies

Safer London has the following policies in place which can help identify and prevent slavery and human trafficking in our operations:

  • Whistleblowing Policy – we encourage all employees, customers and suppliers to report any suspicion of slavery or human trafficking without fear of retaliation and the policy allows them to do so in confidence.
  • Code of Conduct – our code encourages employees to do the right thing by clearly stating the actions and behaviours expected of them.
  • Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy – we have protocols in place to ensure that appropriate checks are carried out when seeking out new suppliers or entering contracts which will help us identify possible issues of concern.
  • Procurement Policy – this sets out the checks required of any potential supplier to help us identify any issues of concern.

Supplier due diligence

We require all suppliers to confirm that:

  • they don’t use any form of forced, compulsory or slave labour;
  • their employees work for them of their own free will and are entitled to leave their job at any time;
  • they provide each employee with an employment contract that contains a reasonable notice period for terminating their employment;
  • they don’t require employees to post a deposit/bond and don’t withhold their salaries for any reasons;
  • they don’t require employees to surrender their passports or work permits as a condition of employment;
  • their sub-contractors and supply chain meet the same criteria .

Awareness

Safer London ensures that all of its employees and volunteers are aware of this issue by sharing this Statement with them and publishing it on our external website.

Employees working directly with children and young people are encouraged to look for any signs that they may be the victims of modern slavery – including as part of a County Lines operation – and to take appropriate actions to safeguard any such child or young person.

Last Updated December 2022