Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
D&D recognises that modern slavery and human trafficking could be potential risks
to our business. We are committed to working with all organisations that take the issue as seriously as we do and who share our goal to reduce and eliminate this threat in the UK.
We have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure the consistent monitoring of our workforce for the signs of human trafficking and labour exploitation. These checks are paramount to allowing us to investigate and identify exploitation at the earliest possible stage.
From the moment a potential worker chooses to join D&D the checks begin. These continue throughout the worker’s time with us. At the time of registration, the identification and ‘right to work’ checks are conducted which ensures that the worker has control of their own documentation and that their job expectations are managed effectively. All interviews are completed via video call or face to face with the individual to make sure that they have freely chosen to attend such. In addition, throughout the registration and interview process, all application forms are checked and verified as being the applicant’s own information, with a random sample audited via a Disclosure Service check.
Worker education begins at the induction stage, and Team Leads brief their teams on how to give a worker an insight into Modern Slavery. We explain why it is illegal in the UK and what the worker should do if they suspect it is happening to a colleague or themself.
Every worker is provided a link to the Stronger Together ‘Daniel and Weronika’ video and literature is available to all workers which include contact details for the relevant authorities who can assist. During their employment, regular checks are conducted on workers’ welfare in the form of pulse surveys, worker interviews and site audits.
We are totally committed to Compliance and Ethical Standards and strive to always operate best practices. Everyone employee in D&D is introduced to our company compliance standards and operating procedures at the start of their employment by our Head of Compliance as part of their own onboarding journey. Everyone is given the tools to identify the indicators of human trafficking and forced labour, and the reporting channels are very clear for any points of concern.
As soon as an exploitation issue arises, it is urgently flagged to the appropriate authorities to investigate with the full co-operation of D&D supporting throughout the case. We are confident that we have the right checks in place to minimise the risk of human trafficking and labour exploitation taking place within our supply chain. However, should our business be infiltrated, we are able to react quickly and efficiently to resolve every case, every time. This response is due to the knowledge and experience held within the Compliance team, the awareness levels of the wider team members, and the relationships we hold with the relevant government authorities.