Modern Slavery Act 2022 to 2023

This statement details the steps the Council has taken to ensure slavery or human trafficking is not taking place in any part of our organisation or in any of our supply chains including contractors. This statement covers the financial year 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023..

The Council recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. In addition to the Council’s responsibility as an employer, it also acknowledges its duty as a Council to notify the Secretary of State of suspected victims of slavery or human trafficking in accordance with Section 52 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

The Council have not submitted any notifications to the Secretary of State during 2022/23.

The Council is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities and to ensure that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

The following are practices in place in relation to the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act.

Corporate Plan

The Council’s Corporate Plan states’ Wyre Forest is a network of thriving and confident communities which minimise their impact on the environment, where people have a decent and affordable home, feel safe and enjoy a good quality of life.’

Policies

The Council has an ongoing HR Policy Review Programme which has input from Senior Management Team, HR and Unions. The Policy Review Programme ensures that the Council’s policies and procedures remain compliant and fit for purpose.

The following policies and procedures are considered to be key in meeting the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act;

Employee Code of Conduct

The Council’s Employee Code of Conduct makes clear to employees the actions and behaviours expected of them when representing the Council. The Council strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour.

Recruitment

The Council’s recruitment processes are transparent and reviewed regularly. Procedures are in place for the vetting of new employees and ensures they are able to confirm their identities and they are paid directly into an appropriate, personal bank account.

Agency Workers

The Council uses only reputable employment agencies to source labour. 

Pay

The Council operates a Job Evaluation Scheme which ensures that all employees are paid fairly and equitably.

Whistleblowing

The Council encourages all its employees, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities or the supply chains of the Council. The Council’s Confidential Reporting Policy is designed to make it easy for employees to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation.

Safeguarding

The Council embraces its responsibility to develop, implement and monitor policies and procedures to safeguard the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Procurement

A statement has been produced which is used as part of the Selection Questionnaire which covers the requirements under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The questions used are:

• Are you a relevant commercial organisation as defined by section 54 ("Transparency in supply chains etc.") of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 ("the Act")?
  • If you have answered yes are you compliant with the annual reporting requirements contained within Section 54 of the Act 2015?
  • If yes provide URL
  • If no provide an explanation

This statement has been approved by the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team and will be reviewed and updated annually.