Updated September 2024
Introduction
his statement sets out Partnership One’s actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains.
Partnership One recognises that it has a responsibility under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking and we are absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our corporate activities, and to ensuring that our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking
Organisational Structure and Supply Chains
Due the nature of our services, our business operations are predominantly in the provision of professional services including customer support and service delivery.
We provide services to Local Government organisations.
Partnership One focuses primarily on key market leaders such as Microsoft, HP and Civica, where policies are published and in the public domain. This provides significant assurance across much of our supply chain that downstream supply chains are actively managed and meet compliance requirements.
Relevant Policies
Partnership One operates the following policies that describe our approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in our operations:
- HR Policy – We have zero tolerance of any threat of physical or sexual violence, harassment, or intimidation against employees and their family, or close associates. Our policies are clearly defined and communicated to all employees. All our employees are treated fairly and equally, and are paid at least the national minimum wage. Our employees won’t be forced to work in excess of the number of hours permitted in law, and normal working hours won’t exceed 48 hours per week average unless the employee agrees.
- Purchasing Policy – We are committed to conducting purchasing activities in a fair, objective, and transparent manner, with emphasis placed working with suppliers that demonstrate recognisable standards for corporate ethics, business integrity, human rights, working conditions, equal opportunities, health and safety and fair trade.
- Whistleblowing Policy – We encourage all our employees, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, Partnership One. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. Our whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for employees to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation.
- Our values – Partnership One’s values of Knowledge, Accountability, Togetherness and Integrity makes clear to our employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing Partnership One. We strive to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour at all times.
Awareness-Raising Programme
The organisation raises awareness of modern slavery issues by circulating information and training to employees.
The information explained to relevant employees:
- The principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and how it applies to Partnership One;
- How employers can identify and prevent slavery and human trafficking.
- What employees can do to flag up potential slavery or human trafficking issues to the relevant parties within the organisation; and
- What external help is available, for example through the Modern Slavery Helpline.
We operate an annual mandatory training program which includes information and awareness in connection with Modern Slavery risks and how to report any concerns through our internal processes.
Summary
We recognise that work is crucial to a person’s dignity, well-being and development and we are committed to the creation of jobs and working conditions in which people can work in freedom, safety, and dignity at a global level. We expect the same from all contractors, suppliers, and other business partners across our supply chain. We are committed to identifying and assessing any potential risks and eliminating the possibility of modern slavery and human trafficking occurring in our business.
We have a comprehensive whistleblowing policy, ensuring that there is a process for employees, customers, and other business partners to report their concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of Partnership One. Our whistleblowing procedure continues to be designed to make it easy for anyone to make a disclosure without fear of retaliation.
We have not identified any high-risk Modern Slavery concerns to date.
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Partnership One’s slavery and human trafficking statement.