Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
1. Introduction
At Urgentis, we recognise that modern slavery and human trafficking are serious human rights violations that can affect any sector or supply chain. As a responsible consultancy, we are committed to conducting our business ethically and with integrity.
While the nature of our business means we are at lower risk of modern slavery than some sectors, we remain vigilant and committed to preventing any form of exploitation within our operations or supply chains.
2. Our Commitment
We are committed to:
Acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.
Implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.
Ensuring that our suppliers and business partners uphold the same high standards.
3. Governance and Oversight
Responsibility for modern slavery compliance sits with our senior leadership team. They oversee policy development, supplier engagement, due diligence, and training to ensure our commitments are met.
This oversight ensures modern slavery considerations are integrated into our day-to-day operations, procurement processes, and supplier relationships.
4. Policies and Ethical Standards
Our internal policies set clear expectations for staff and suppliers, including:
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy – Outlines our zero-tolerance approach and responsibilities across the organisation.
Recruitment Policy – Ensures safe and legal recruitment practices, including eligibility to work checks for all employees and contractors.
Whistleblowing / Raising Concerns Policy – Provides safe and confidential channels for employees or suppliers to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
Equal Opportunities Policy – Promotes fair treatment, equitable terms, and a culture of respect for all individuals.
All suppliers and partners are required to comply with our ethical standards and relevant legislation. We include contractual clauses that allow us to take appropriate action, including terminating relationships, where suppliers fail to meet these expectations.
5. Supplier Engagement and Due Diligence
Although our supply chains are relatively simple and primarily involve professional services, technology providers, and office-related suppliers, we remain alert to potential risks.
Before engaging new suppliers, we carry out proportionate due diligence, which may include:
Reviewing supplier policies and ethical commitments.
Assessing geographic and sector risk.
Checking for modern slavery statements where legally required.
For higher-risk suppliers, we may request additional evidence of controls or conduct follow-up checks.
6. Risk Assessment and Management
We regularly assess potential modern slavery risks within our operations and supply chains by considering:
Geographic risk – Evaluating suppliers based in higher-risk countries.
Sector risk – Reviewing industries known to be more vulnerable, such as facilities management, catering, or temporary labour.
Business relationship risk – Considering contract size, duration, and nature of services.
Where risks are identified, we engage directly with the supplier to address concerns and agree on corrective actions. We reserve the right to end relationships where necessary.
7. Training and Awareness
All employees receive training and guidance on identifying and reporting signs of modern slavery. This ensures that our team understands the issue, knows our policies, and can act appropriately if concerns arise.
Senior staff and those involved in procurement receive additional briefings to support informed supplier engagement and risk assessment.
8. Measuring Progress
To monitor the effectiveness of our approach, we track:
The percentage of staff who have completed modern slavery awareness training.
The proportion of suppliers assessed for modern slavery risks.
Any concerns raised and the actions taken in response.
This helps us identify areas for improvement and strengthen our practices over time.
9. Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuously improving our approach to modern slavery by:
Reviewing our policies and procedures annually.
Engaging with suppliers to raise awareness and promote ethical practices.
Keeping up to date with guidance from government and industry bodies.
10. Conclusion
Urgentis believes that ethical business practices and respect for human rights are fundamental to how we operate. We remain committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all parts of our business and supply chains, and to working with others who share this commitment.