Introduction

As a professional organisation, GARDINER ASSOCIATES maintains relationships with many organisations in its supply chain. GATR has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery both within the association and within its supply chain. As an association we support and respect the protection of human rights within our sphere of influence; in particular the effective elimination of compulsory labour and child labour. GATR expects equivalent standards of conduct from all persons acting on its behalf, such as Directors, Associates, suppliers and partners. We are committed to opposing modern slavery in all its forms and preventing it by whatever means we can. We demand the same attitude of all our associates and all who work with us and expect it of all with whom we have business dealings. Our attitude to modern slavery is: zero tolerance.

Purpose Of This Policy

Modern slavery is a criminal offence under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the “Act”). Modern slavery can occur in various forms, including servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain. This document sets out the policy of GATR with the aim of the prevention of opportunities for modern slavery to occur within its businesses or supply chain. This policy’s use of the term “modern slavery” has the meaning given in the Act.

As a professional organisation, we have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own businesses or those of our suppliers.

Steps For The Prevention Of Modern Slavery

GATR are committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chains, consistent with our disclosure obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners, and we are evolving and updating our contracting processes to include specific prohibitions against the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, whether adults or children We require our suppliers to hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.

Whilst recognising our statutory obligation to set out the steps we have taken to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in our supply chains, we acknowledge that we do not control the conduct of individuals and organisations in our supply chains. To underpin our compliance with practical steps, we intend to implement the following measure:

a) conduct risk assessments to determine which parts of our business and which of our suppliers are most at risk of modern slavery so that efforts can be focused on those areas;

b) engage with our suppliers both to convey to them our Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy and to gain an understanding of the measures taken by them to ensure modern slavery is not occurring in their businesses and their supply chain;

c) introduce supplier pre-screening, for any contracts which exceed £5000 in any 12-month period and self-reporting for our suppliers on safeguarding controls;

d) introduce contractual provisions for our suppliers to confirm their adherence to this policy and accept our right to audit their activities and (where practicable) relationships, both routinely and at times of reasonable suspicion.

Responsibility For The Policy

Ultimate responsibility for the prevention of modern slavery rests with the organisations leadership which is the board of directors. The Managing Director has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy and its implementation comply with our legal and ethical obligations.

All members of the board are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them: understand and comply with this policy; and are fully conversant with the issue of modern slavery.

Actions To Report Modern Slavery Or Human Trafficking

Internally, the board of Directors and Associates of GATR are encouraged to raise any concerns about suspected modern slavery associated with the association or our suppliers.

Members of the public or people not directly associated with GATR are encouraged to write, in confidence, to the Managing Director of GATR, either via e-mail: enquiries@gatr.co.uk or to the registered office, to raise any concern, issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any part of our business or related supply chain.

The organisation strongly encourages openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery of whatever form is or may be taking place in any part of our own business or in any of our supply chains. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal from the organisation, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern.

GATR will accept and take seriously concerns communicated anonymously. However, retention of anonymity does render investigations more difficult and can make the process less effective. Individuals are therefore encouraged to put their names to allegations.

Breaches Of This Policy

If an issue is identified with a supplier, GATR will work with them to prepare a corrective action plan and resolve all violations within an agreed upon time period.

We reserve the right to terminate our relationship with individuals and organisations in our supply chain if they breach this policy.

Communication & Awareness Of This Policy

Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of our business relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate thereafter.

Review

Following the initial adoption, this Modern-Day Slavery Policy will be reviewed by the Board of Directors on an annual basis and may be amended from time to time. This Policy will be used to inform our Statement on Modern Day Slavery which will be published on the GATR website.