Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Introduction
This statement highlights our (Fairhive Homes) approach to understanding all potential modern slavery risks related to our business in compliance with section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This approach is aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in our business and our supply chains. This statement relates to the financial year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
We operate solely in England and all of our first-tier suppliers are UK based. However, as we commission construction and refurbishment projects for our properties, we effectively operate in a 'high risk' sector. We are aware that the construction industry is more susceptible to modern slavery and human trafficking than many other sectors, even for those companies operating solely within the UK.
We recognise that we have a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. We are absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our corporate activities, and to ensuring that our infrastructure is free from slavery and human trafficking.
Supply Chain
We work diligently to ensure that our primary suppliers confirm they had no reason to suspect there is slavery nor human trafficking in their supply chain. Our processes here include reviewing and retaining published copies of modern slavery statements - where those exist - from those primary suppliers. Where such statements don't exist (or aren't immediately accessible) we ask our suppliers to complete our modern slavery supplier questionnaire to confirm there is no modern slavery nor human trafficking in their supply chain. Pleasingly there are very high levels of willing compliance across our supply base and, where there are any delays, our teams actively pursue outstanding responses. Any non-compliance / non-cooperation will give rise to appropriate action which may result in the cessation of future trading activity.
Our diligence in this area - combined with our knowledge and relationships with our suppliers has satisfied us that there is no reason to believe that there is any slavery or human trafficking in our supply chain during this calendar year. We are further satisfied that there are robust procedures in place to ensure that any occurrence of slavery or human trafficking will be identified by us or our suppliers.
Relevant Policies
We operate the following policies that support preventing slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chain:
- Whistleblowing Policy - we encourage all employees, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to our direct activities, or supply chains. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. Our whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for employees to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. Our whistle blowing policy is contained in an internal document (confidential reporting policy) and made available to all employees on our Intranet. It is also available to our customers and business partners via our website.
Confidential Reporting ( Whistleblowing) Policy - Employee Code of Conduct - our code makes clear to employees the actions and behaviours expected of them when representing us. We strive to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour.
- Supplier Code of Conduct - our code makes clear to our suppliers the actions expected of them when partnering with us. It sets out that modern slavery and human trafficking must not exist in their business or supply chain. Our code outlines that suppliers must inform us if they become aware of any modern slavery or human trafficking incident in their supply chain. Any violations of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (or any further legislation enacted relating to Modern Slavery or any amendments thereto) may lead to termination of a supplier's contract.
Supplier Code of Conduct - Recruitment / Agency Workers Policy - we use only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and always verify the practices of any new agency we are using before accepting workers from that agency. All our employees have a written contract of employment and we carry out appropriate right to work and identity checks. We are also alert to any exploitation risk indicators such as a high number of people sharing the same address.
- Safeguarding Children, Young Adults and Adults Policy - our safeguarding policies and procedures are aimed specifically at people with care and support needs who may be in vulnerable circumstances. Modern slavery is one of the principal categories of abuse that is contained within the Safeguarding Policy and our plan to safeguard the welfare of our residents is set out in detail.
Awareness-raising Programme
We have raised awareness of modern slavery issues by informing all of our employees by using our Intranet service.
This information explains to employees:
The basic principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015;
- How employers can identify and prevent slavery and human trafficking;
- What employees can do to flag up potential slavery or human trafficking issues to the relevant parties; and what external help is available, for example through the Modern Slavery Helpline
- We have also raised awareness of modern slavery issues at a senior level by providing training to our Board members and this will be scheduled again for 2026/27 year.
- We continue to maintain our focus on ‘County Lines’ and our eLearning module helps promote awareness about this growing national exploitation issue. ‘County Lines’ is where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another to expand a drugs network, often across police and local authority boundaries, usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced and exploited into it by gangs.
Transparency in Supply Chains (TISC) Statutory Guidance
We are aware of the government’s recent TISC statutory guidance which we welcome. We will develop an action plan to meet these requirements in time for the 2027 reporting period.
Review
This statement will be reviewed and published annually.
This statement is approved by our Board and signed on its behalf by:
Peter Hughes
Chair of the Board
