1.0 Introduction
This statement sets out Office Principles Ltd’s actions to understand potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there are no activities which are associated with slavery or human trafficking within its own business and its supply chains.
This statement relates to actions and activities up to 5th January 2023 and will be reviewed annually.
As part of the UK construction industry, our organisation recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking.
2.0 Organisational Structure and Supply Chains
This statement covers the activities of Office Principles Ltd, the company, which operates across a number of subsectors within the UK, Office Principles collaborate(s) with industry leading construction professionals, working with quantity surveyors, project managers and designers, delivering both CAT A and CAT B office fitout and refurbishment projects across the UK. We undertake general electrical design and installation projects, office interiors installation projects, maintenance and ancillary activities.
The majority of our services are delivered through an extended local supply chain, providing both labour, plant and materials.
3.0 Countries of Operation and Supply
The organisation operates solely in the UK.
4.0 High-Risk Activities
The following activities are considered to be at high risk of slavery or human trafficking:
- Involvement of slave labour in the production of certain materials imported from overseas.
- Forced labour in work package or trade labour gangs.
5.0 Responsibility
Responsibility for the organisation’s anti-slavery initiatives is as:
- Policies: The executive directors are responsible for the establishment of the policy.
- Risk assessments: Risk assessments are undertaken by our buying department and the managers responsible for vetting our subcontractors.
- Investigations/due diligence: Investigations and due diligence will be undertaken by our buying department and managers involved with procurement and the use of agency workers.
- Training: Training will be organised through our HR/Compliance department and will focus on training our senior managers and staff.
6.0 Relevant Policies
Office Principles Ltd operates the following policies that will describe its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations:
- Whistleblowing Policy: The Group will encourage all its workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains, of the organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The organisation’s whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. Employees, customers or others who have concerns are encouraged to contact the HR Manager or the Managing Directors of the organisation.
- Supply Chain Code of Conduct: The organisation is committed to ensuring that its supply chain adheres to the highest standards of ethics. Suppliers and subcontractors are required to demonstrate that they provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect, and act ethically and within the law in their use of labour. Office Principles Ltd works with its supply chain to ensure that they meet the standards of the code and improve their worker’s working conditions. However, serious violations of our Supply Chain Code of Conduct will lead to the termination of the business relationship. •
- Agency Workers Policy: Our organisation uses only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is proposing to use before accepting workers from that agency. All our labour are required to be CSCS accredited, which we
believe reduces the risk of slave labour. All contractors / sub-contractors are required to fill out a Pre- Qualification Questionnaire which asks for all Health & Safety accreditations and Insurances related to employees.
7.0 Due Diligence
Office Principle Ltd continues to monitor suppliers we believe present high modern slavery risks in our supply chain. The Group’s due diligence and reviews include:
- Evaluating the modern slavery and human trafficking policies of supply chain members;
- Understanding the steps taken by our supply chain in investigating, identifying and preventing human slavery and trafficking within their recruitment practices;
- Participating in collaborative initiatives focused on human rights in general, and slavery and human trafficking in particular;
- Invoking sanctions against any supplier or subcontractor that fails or breaches the legislation requirements in the UK, or who seriously violate our Supply Chain Code of Conduct, including the termination of the business relationship.
8.0 Board Approval
This statement has been approved by the Managing Directors of Office Principles Ltd, who will review and update it annually.
Last Update: 17/05/2024