Modern Slavery Policy

1. Policy Statement

Peartree are committed to conducting business in a manner that respects human rights and is free from modern slavery and human trafficking. This commitment is rooted in our core values and is a fundamental part of the ethical standards we uphold as a responsible business. We strive to ensure that our operations, particularly our onsite cleaning teams and the supply chains supporting our operations, comply with all applicable laws and align with universal human rights principles.

 

2. Scope and Purpose

This policy applies to all persons working for or on behalf of Peartree, including employees at all levels, directors, officers, seconded workers, volunteers, contractors, external consultants, third-party representatives, and business partners, irrespective of their location, function, or position.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Establish our stance against modern slavery and human trafficking.
• Set out roles and responsibilities to ensure compliance.
• Provide information and guidance on how modern slavery and human trafficking can be recognised and addressed.

 

3. Definitions

Modern slavery encompasses:

• Human trafficking
• Forced work, through mental or physical threat
• Being owned or controlled by an employer through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse
• Being dehumanised, treated as a commodity, or bought and sold as property
• Being physically constrained or having restrictions placed on freedom of movement

 

4. Compliance

We adhere strictly to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and all other relevant UK laws and regulations pertaining to human rights and anti-slavery. Compliance with this policy and the identification of modern slavery risks are mandatory for all who are employed by or work with Peartree, especially our onsite teams and operations managers who are on the front lines of our service delivery.

 

5. Responsibility and Reporting

Responsibility for enforcing this policy begins at the top of our organisation. Our board of directors, led by our Head Office directors, supports measures to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking and ensures accountability. All managers and staff, particularly those in operational roles, are expected to report concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any part of our business or supply chains at the earliest possible stage.

 

We maintain a transparent reporting structure for ethical concerns, including modern slavery, through our designated reporting channels. These are accessible to all our employees and external partners.

 

6. Training

To ensure a proper understanding of the risks posed by modern slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains and our business, we provide targeted training to our staff, especially our onsite cleaning teams and operations managers. We also require our business partners to provide training to their staff and suppliers.

 

7. Breach of the Policy

Any employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct. We may terminate our relationship with other individuals and organisations working on our behalf if they breach this policy.

 

8. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed quarterly by Board Member Stuart Conroy, ensuring rigorous oversight and continuous improvement. This frequent evaluation demonstrates our commitment to maintaining effective practices that actively counter modern slavery and uphold human rights.

 

Amendments to this policy are made as needed to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, or operational requirements, underscoring our dedication to leading with integrity in all aspects of our business.

 

Policy last reviewed: May 2024