Modern Slavery Statement
1 Scope
In accordance with section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the “Act”) this statement reflects the commitment of Eckoh plc and its subsidiaries (individually and together, the ‘Company’) and those who work for and on behalf of the Company. The Company is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within its business and supply chain. This Statement is reviewed annually and describes the actions taken during the financial year ending 31 March 2024 to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within its business and supply chain.
2 Commitment
The organisation is committed to ensuring there is no slavery, human trafficking and child labour taking place in its supply chain or in any part of its business. It complies with all applicable employment legislation relating to pre-employment checks that identify the right to work, employee terms and conditions, including pay, and the organisation invests in supporting the health and wellbeing of its staff. We believe the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain is low, however, we are not complacent and will continue to focus on improving our procedures and policies to ensure that there is no modern slavery in the Company’s supply chain. We expect the same commitment from our suppliers. Contractors and business partners.
3 Organisational Structure
The Company is a global business, listed on the AIM market, with operations in the UK, US and increasingly in Europe and Asia Pacific. All new suppliers are reviewed centrally and there is a structured screening process, which facilitates good visibility of the standards upheld by the Company’s Suppliers in relation to the treatment of workers and potential risk of modern slavery and human trafficking. Violation by a supplier of its responsibilities in preventing modern slavery is likely to lead to the termination of the business relationship between the supplier and the Company.
4 Relevant Policies
The Company operates the following policies that support its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in our operations. The policies are:
- Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy: The organisation recognises potential links between bribery and corruption and modern slavery. The organisation has a robust Policy, which is communicated to its employees and associated persons (for example consultants and agency staff).
- Whistleblowing Policy: The Company encourages its employees and associated persons and business partners to report any concerns related to direct activities, or the supply chains of the Company. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The organisation’s whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for employees to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation.
- Recruitment policy: The Company carries out background checks on all new employees or whether permanent or temporary.
- Employee code of conduct and values: The Company’s values make clear to employees the actions and behaviours expected of them when representing the Company. All new employees receive training on the Company values. The Company strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating in the UK and abroad and managing its supply chain.
5 Risk
The Company takes a zero-tolerance approach to any kind of modern slavery within its operations and supply chains. As a technology Company, we consider the risk of modern slavery existing within our business to be low. However, no sector or industry is risk-free and we are not complacent. In accordance with the Company’s Whistleblowing policy, staff are encouraged to report concerns, using the appropriate reporting channels and management are expected to act upon them.
6 Board Approval
This statement has been approved by the organisation’s Board of Directors, who will review and update it annually.