Modern Slavery Policy
Definitions
Avonside Energy Ltd (“the Company”) considers that modern slavery encompasses:
- human trafficking
- forced work, through mental or physical threat
- being owned or controlled by an employer through mental or physical abuse of the threat of abuse
- being dehumanised, treated as a commodity or being bought or sold as property
- being physically constrained or to have restriction placed on freedom of movement.
Commitment
The Company acknowledges its responsibilities in relation to tackling modern slavery and commits to complying with the provisions in the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We understand that this requires an ongoing review of both its internal practices in relation to its labour force and, additionally, its supply chains.
The Company does not enter into business with any other organisation, in the United Kingdom or abroad, which knowingly supports or is found to involve itself in slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.
No labour provided to the Company in the pursuance of the provision of its own services is obtained by means of slavery or human trafficking. The Company strictly adheres to the minimum standards required in relation to its responsibilities under relevant employment legislation in England, Scotland and Wales.
Supply chains
In order to fulfil its activities, the main supply chains of the Company include those related to the supply of Insulation and Solar PV goods from various suppliers in the United Kingdom. The vast majority of products used are specified by our client base. We receive goods via a mix of direct to site deliveries and also from national distribution chains. We always endeavour to ensure that all suppliers to the business are fully compliant with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Potential exposure
The Company considers its main exposure to the risk of slavery and human trafficking to exist where product is sourced from an intermediary and the saving is from a worldwide supply base. In general, the Company considers its exposure to slavery/human trafficking to be relatively limited.
Steps
The Company carries out due diligence processes in relation to ensuring slavery and/or human trafficking does not take place within its Company or supply chains, including conducting a review of the controls of its suppliers.
The Company has not, to its knowledge, conducted any business with another business or organisation which has been found to have involved itself with modern slavery.
In accordance with section 54(4) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Company has taken the following steps to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place:
- Annually contact our entire supply base seeking confirmation of the compliance with the Act
- Review responses to identify areas of higher risk
- Where a clear risk is seen to exist we seek further assurances from the suppliers – this may result in site visits to complete our investigations
- From the investigation will, if required, implement joint actions plans with the supplier and address any concerns
- If we cannot obtain confirmation of compliance from a supplier, we may determine to de-list them in extreme cases
- Continuing to develop further standards and policies in order to support our Anti-Slavery policy
This statement is made in pursuance of Section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2010 and will be reviewed each financial year.
