This statement is made on behalf of Global Centre of Resource Development (GCRD) with regards to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 which requires employers to be transparent about their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking within their organisation and supply chains.

This statement and policy is in accordance with clause 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Policy and statement

GCRD is committed to working towards the eradication of slavery and human trafficking.

This document acknowledges the legislation and laws implemented by the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and details the steps that the organisation is taking to work towards the provision of the Act.

We are committed to ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in our organisation and supply chains.

This policy reflects our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships ant to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in our supply chains.

Our Suppliers

GCRD has a number of suppliers for various parts of the organisation. These include:

Agency staff including teaching and business support
Business partners
Apprentice employers
External contractors including advisors, cleaners, builders, caterers and consultants
Guest speakers and lecturers
Printing of GCRD promotional materials
Advertising, including digital and print
Merchandise
Photography
Graphic design
Sponsorship and charity.

Due diligence processes for slavery and human trafficking

GCRD is committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chains.

We expect the same high standards from all of our suppliers, contractors and business partners, and this is inferred through their agreement to follow GCRD policies.

We will expect our suppliers to hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.

All employees and persons employed within GCRD are asked to familiarise themselves with GCRD policy at the start of their employment or association and are contractually obligated to adhere to the GCRD’s policies.

We are satisfied from our own due diligence measures that there is no evidence of any act of modern-day slavery or human trafficking within our own organisation. GCRD’s supplier approval process incorporates a review of the controls undertaken by the GCRD’s potential suppliers. GCRD will not knowingly support or deal with any businesses found to be involved with any acts of slavery or human trafficking.

GCRD has a policy of zero-tolerance on matters of slavery and/or human trafficking and expects suppliers and associated businesses to comply with these values.

The vast majority of the GCRD’s sources are from inside the United Kingdom and as such are less at risk of slavery and human trafficking issues.

GCRD also has a policy for the protection of whistleblowers, to protect those raising the issue of slavery and human trafficking within the organisation or its suppliers. The steps we will take to further the goals of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 are:

Conducting risk assessments to determine which parts of the GCRD and its suppliers are most at risk of modern slavery so that efforts can be focussed on those areas
Engaging with our suppliers to convey to them the GCRD’s position on modern slavery and to understand the measures taken to prevent modern slavery in their own businesses
Seek to introduce additional pre-screening measures for suppliers
Introduce contractual provisions for our suppliers to confirm their adherence to GCRD policy
Publishing this statement and policy on the GCRD’s website to clearly display the GCRD’s support to end modern slavery.

Responsibility for the policy

The ultimate responsibility for the prevention and prevention of modern slavery within the GCRD rests with the GCRD’s leadership team.

Anyone associated with GCRD has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy and its implementations comply with our legal and ethical obligations. Team leaders at all levels are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them understand and comply with this policy.

Reporting modern slavery within the GCRD or its suppliers

GCRD’s whistleblowing and safeguarding policies are intended to provide guidance on how concerns can be communicated to the organisation.

Concerns about suspected modern slavery associated with the GCRD or its suppliers may be reported by employees in this manner. The aforementioned policies apply to employees and may be found on SharePoint. To surmise, any suspected instance of modern slavery or human trafficking within the GCRD or its suppliers must be reported to one of the GCRD’s designated Safeguarding Officers, who will investigate and advise the appropriate people of any further actions. The details of Safeguarding Officers are widely available to all staff members and is displayed GCRD website.

Communication and awareness of this policy

This policy is displayed on the GCRD website, the policy location is conveyed to all staff members at their induction.

Review

The Modern Slavery Statement and Policy will be reviewed yearly by the GCRD’s corporate management team in accordance with clause 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015