We fully support the Government’s objectives to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking and recognise the significant role the NHS has to play in both combatting it, and supporting victims. In particular, we are strongly committed to ensuring our supply chains and business activities are free from ethical and labour standards abuses.
We confirm the identities of all new employees and their right to work in the United Kingdom, and pay all our employees above the National Living Wage. Our Dignity at Work, Grievance and Disputes and Whistleblowing policies additionally give a platform for our employees to raise concerns about poor working practices. We provide training on safeguarding in respect of adults and children which includes reference to modern slavery as a form of abuse. Our policy on safeguarding adults provides advice and guidance to front line practitioners to ensure they are aware of and able to respond to incidents of modern slavery within care settings.
Our procurement approach follows the Crown Commercial Service standard and includes a mandatory exclusion question regarding the Modern Slavery Act 2015. When procuring goods and services, we additionally apply NHS Terms and Conditions (for non-clinical procurement) and the NHS Standard Contract (for clinical procurement). Both require suppliers to comply with relevant legislation. Procurement staff receive training on ethical and labour issues in procurement.