Modern slavery and human trafficking statement

St Margaret's Hospice is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our work and supply chains.

We recognise our responsibilities under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and take a robust, zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery and exploitation.

 

Our Commitment

We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our operations and relationships. We strive to ensure there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in any part of our organisation or those we work with. We are guided by core values of compassion, collaboration and ambition, these principles underpin our approach to safeguarding and ethical practice.

 

Supply Chains and Procurement

Our supply chains include providers of goods and services that support our clinical care, facilities, operations, fundraising and retail activities. We recognise the potential risks in any supply chain and are committed to working only with suppliers and contractors who uphold human rights and labour standards.

Where possible, we:

  • Work with suppliers who can demonstrate compliance with ethical practices
  • Incorporate appropriate clauses in contracts regarding modern slavery
  • Seek assurances from suppliers, especially those operating in higher-risk sectors or regions.

 

Policies and Procedures

We have a range of internal policies in place that support our approach to preventing modern slavery:

  • Safeguarding Policy – outlines procedures for identifying and responding to concerns, including exploitation.
  • Whistleblowing Policy – enables staff and volunteers to report concerns confidentially.
  • Recruitment and Employment Policies – ensure fair and lawful employment practices, including right-to-work checks and compliance with relevant employment law.
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy – promotes fair treatment and respect for individuals’ rights.
  • Ethical code – upholds core ethical principles of honesty, integrity, legal compliance, accountability, transparency, and a strong commitment to safe, high-quality patient care.

 

Training and Awareness

Staff are made aware of modern slavery risks through safeguarding training. We aim to continue building awareness across the organisation through training and access to relevant guidance.

 

Monitoring and Review

We are committed to continuous improvement in our practices to combat modern slavery. We will:

  • Review and, where necessary, update our policies and procedures
  • Monitor supply chain risks as part of our procurement processes
  • Review any concerns raised under our safeguarding or whistleblowing processes
  • Published on our website.