This statement sets out Dementia UK’s position on modern slavery and human trafficking and is applicable for the financial year commencing on 1st April 2024.
Modern slavery is a hidden crime that affects over 40 million men, women and children from all walks of life and from all around the world, including the UK. It encompasses slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking, and is a serious violation of fundamental human rights, depriving a person of their liberty and exploiting them for personal or commercial gain.
Dementia UK will not tolerate modern slavery in our business or in our supply chain and we recognise that high levels of integrity are required in our procurement of people, goods and services.
Our organisation
Dementia UK (Registered Charity – England and Wales 1039404 and Scotland SC 047429) has a vision of a world where no one faces dementia alone – where everyone gets the specialist support they need.
Section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) requires organisations that operate in the UK and have an annual turnover above £36m to produce a Slavery and Human Trafficking statement each year. Dementia UK does not meet this criterion however it is our belief that it is good practise for all organisations to be aware of the Act and to follow the policy in the effort to tackle this crime and protect vulnerable workers from exploitation.
Our statement
Dementia UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in our operation and to putting effective systems and controls in place.
We will not tolerate modern slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains and across our business. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that we and our suppliers minimise the potential for modern slavery in our supply chains.
We expect all our people, including contractors, to be aware of this statement and to report any instance of modern slavery where they believe it is in operation. All cases of suspected modern slavery will be investigated and where necessary, reported to the police and the Charity Commission.
Our supply chains
We require our suppliers to take the same approach to modern slavery and human trafficking as we do. Suppliers who contract with us are expected to meet their obligations under the Modern Slavery Act, and to comply with relevant policies and procedures.
We recognise that there are particular areas of our supply chains that pose the greatest risks to us. We have identified these as:
• Building maintenance
• Cleaning and waste services
• IT suppliers and services
• Temporary labour
• Fundraising materials
In these areas of greatest risk, we will continue to ensure suppliers are taking steps to negate the risks of modern slavery before we enter into a contract with them.
Responsibility
The Trustees shall take responsibility for implementing this statement and shall provide adequate resources to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place within the organisation or associated parties.
Communication
This statement will be communicated on our website and to all our staff through our internal communication channels. This statement will be reviewed annually by management.