Modern Slavery
Purpose
Protean (‘we’ and ‘us’) is a trading name of Protean Management Partners LLP. Protean is committed to operating with the highest ethical standards and preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all our activities. This policy outlines our principles and procedures to achieve this goal.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, directors, agency workers, and contractors working for or on behalf of Protean. It also extends to our supply chain, including suppliers, subcontractors, and other third-party partners.
Definitions
Modern slavery includes:
- Slavery: ownership and control of a person in such a way as to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.
- Servitude: the condition of being forced to work for someone virtually for free.
- Forced or compulsory labour: work that a person is forced to do against their will, under threat of punishment.
- Human trafficking: recruitment, transportation, harbouring, or receipt of a person for forced labour, servitude, or exploitation.
Policy Statement
Protean has a zero-tolerance policy for modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to:
- Upholding the human rights of all workers within our business and supply chains.
- Ensuring that all work undertaken is freely chosen and fairly compensated.
- Preventing the exploitation of vulnerable workers.
- Complying with all relevant legislation, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Policy Details
Responsibilities:
- Management: Develop and implement procedures to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains. Ensure all employees receive training on modern slavery awareness and reporting procedures.
- Employees: Report any suspected modern slavery cases to their line manager or through our whistleblowing mechanism.
- Procurement: Assess potential suppliers for modern slavery risks as part of the selection process. Include vital anti-slavery clauses in all supplier contracts.
- Human Resources: Ensure all recruitment practices comply with anti-discrimination laws.
Procedures
- Risk Assessment: We will conduct a regular risk assessment to identify areas of our business and supply chain most at risk of modern slavery.
- Supplier Due Diligence: We will conduct due diligence on all potential and existing suppliers to assess their anti-slavery practices. Our objective is to build long-standing relationships with our suppliers, making clear our expectations and evaluating the modern slavery and human trafficking risks of each new supplier.
- Contractual Obligations: We will include clauses in all supplier contracts requiring them to adhere to our anti-slavery policy and take steps to prevent modern slavery in their own operations.
- Training and Awareness: We will train all employees on modern slavery awareness and identifying and reporting potential cases.
- Reporting: We will establish a whistleblowing mechanism for employees and stakeholders to report any concerns about modern slavery, with a confidentiality guarantee and protection from retaliation.
- Monitoring and Review: This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect legislation and best practice changes.
Breach of Policy
Any employee or contractor found to breach this policy will face disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract. We will also take appropriate action against any supplier found to be involved in modern slavery.
Reporting Suspected Modern Slavery
Employees and stakeholders are encouraged to report any concerns about modern slavery through our whistleblowing mechanism.
This can be done through:
- Email: Speakup@protean-ml.com
- Hotline: 0333 772 3235
Reports will be treated confidentially and investigated thoroughly.