Modern Slavery Statement
Introduction from the Chief Executive
The Lucy Rayner Foundation (“LRF”) has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and we strive to act ethically and with integrity in all of our business dealings and relationships to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chains. We will also ensure our approach and stance is clear with our partner organisations.
Organisation’s structure
We are the LRF charity are governed by a Board of Trustees who volunteer their time to help direct our work. They oversee our charitable work and Staff who manage and work with counsellors and volunteers who support young people who struggle with poor mental health.
Our policies on anti-slavery and human trafficking
We are committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business. Our Anti-slavery and Human Trafficking Policy reflects our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all of our business relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in the LRF services or our supply chains.
We will treat any breach of our Anti-slavery and Human Trafficking Policy very seriously. For example, any employee who breaches the policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct.
We are regularly reviewing and updating relevant policies and have processes in place to monitor and maintain our policies at regular intervals.
An updated Ethical Code of Practice has been created which has a broader scope than our previous Supplier Code of Practice. It covers any 3rd party company or individual that has a contractual agreement in place with the LRF and requires them to use the same principles in respect of their own supply chain.
Ensuring partners align to our values and ethics
The Ethical Sourcing element of our Sustainability Working Group has been independently audited to ensure sufficient controls are in place to continually review and validate suppliers and other partners who work with us.
Through this process the Sustainability Programme board has developed a robust plan to improve, track and review progress in Ethical Sourcing, which includes Modern Slavery, at a senior and focused level.
All of our relationships with either commercial suppliers, those within our charitable directorate and now including our corporate partners have been categorised and those categories risk assessed against various criteria including their Modern Slavery approach. A minimum expectation of compliance has been set for all suppliers and partners, with those in higher risk categories subject to enhanced checks. Modern Slavery risk awareness training is available to all relevant staff.
The Trustees and CEO will be regularly reviewing progress of all checks and informing next steps around any significant challenges.
LRF’s continued commitment
We recognise the importance of maintaining constant vigilance to identify and address any issues associated with slavery and human trafficking in the LRF and throughout our supply chains. We are committed to continuing to enhance our capacity to identify, prevent and mitigate any actual or potential risks in these areas. This includes communications through various channels to internal staff and also the ability to report concerns through our Serious Concerns & Whistleblowing process.
This statement is made pursuant to section 54 (Part 6) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It has been approved by the Board of Trustees and is signed by: Jenny Rayner, CEO
