Commitment to Eradicate Modern Slavery
At Cohesion, we fully comply with the legal requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Our approach is clear and unwavering: we are committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour. We recognise that our responsibility extends beyond compliance, and we aim to ensure that our operations, as well as those of our suppliers, are free from modern slavery risks, however small.
Ethical Standards and Integrity
Our Modern Slavery Policy reflects our dedication to maintaining ethical and transparent business relationships. We enforce rigorous systems and controls to prevent slavery, human trafficking, and child labour within our supply chain. This commitment is embedded in the way we operate, ensuring that every action we take upholds our ethical standards.
Supply Chain Due Diligence
We meticulously vet and assess suppliers within our supply chain. Our due diligence process includes comprehensive risk profiling, examining suppliers’ ethical practices, labour conditions, and their compliance with modern slavery regulations. Beyond simply meeting legal obligations, we actively encourage our suppliers, even those not legally required, to publish their own Modern Slavery Statements. This fosters a culture of transparency and ethical responsibility across the industry.
Preventative Measures
To further mitigate the risk of modern slavery in our operations, we have implemented the following measures:
- Regular Audits and Reviews: We conduct regular audits to ensure all employees are paid at least the minimum wage and possess the correct legal right to work. This helps us ensure fair labour practices across our workforce.
- No Child Labor: We maintain a strict policy that no individual under the age of 15, or the age required for compulsory education (whichever is higher), is employed within our organisation or supply chain.
- Whistleblower Protection: We actively encourage employees and stakeholders to report any concerns they may have regarding unethical practices, including modern slavery. Whistleblowers are protected under our company policies to ensure their safety and confidentiality.
- Zero Tolerance Policy: We will not knowingly engage with or support any business involved in slavery, human trafficking, or child labour. Our zero-tolerance approach extends to all aspects of our operations and supply chain.
Senior Management Oversight
Our senior management team plays an integral role in ensuring that our business operates in line with our ethical values. They work to identify and mitigate any risks related to modern slavery in our supply chain.
Only senior management is authorised to sign contracts or establish commercial relationships, and they do so only after ensuring that there are no significant risks of modern slavery, forced labour, or human trafficking within our supply chain.
Auditing and Escalation Procedures
Our auditing procedures are designed to systematically detect any potential cases of modern slavery or human trafficking within our supply chain.
Should such issues be identified, we have stringent escalation procedures in place, which include immediate action, reporting to relevant authorities, and taking remedial steps to address and rectify the situation. We hold ourselves accountable to these high standards and will always take swift and decisive action to uphold our zero-tolerance stance.
Conclusion
Cohesion is committed to maintaining a business environment free from modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour. We expect the same ethical commitment from all of our suppliers, contractors, and business partners.
We will continue to review and enhance our policies and practices to ensure that our supply chain remains free from exploitation and that we continue to act as a responsible and ethical business leader in our industry.
This statement has been approved by the Senior Leadership Team and is reviewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.
