Modern Day Slavery Statement
At Driscoll Kingston we are committed to promoting and upholding ethical practices and ensuring compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We are dedicated to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business operations.
Our Commitment
Policy and Awareness
We have established policies and procedures that reflect our commitment to combating modern slavery. Our employees and business partners are informed about the risks of modern slavery and the importance of reporting any concerns.
Due Diligence
We conduct due diligence to assess the risk of modern slavery in our supply chains and business operations. This process includes the evaluation of our suppliers and business partners' practices, and we consider ourselves to be a low risk business and only recruit from within the UK.
Supplier and Partner Compliance
We expect our suppliers and business partners to adhere to the same high standards of ethics and conduct that we uphold. We engage with them to ensure their commitment to combating modern slavery.
Training and Awareness
Our employees, particularly those involved in procurement, are expected to recognise, and mitigate the risk of modern slavery.
Reporting Mechanisms
We have established mechanisms for employees, clients, and other stakeholders to report concerns related to modern slavery. These reports will be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly. If any of our staff come into contact whilst employed by us and they suspect the individuals fall within the definition of modern slavery, then they are to report the matter to the Directors and COLP. All reports are taken seriously, will be thoroughly investigated, and treated with the upmost confidence to protect the individuals concerned.
If requested, the reporter can remain anonymous and will be fully supported where there is a genuine belief of modern slavery.
Compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015
We understand our legal obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and we are committed to fulfilling these obligations. Our commitment to combating modern slavery means we have zero tolerance of it and this commitment goes beyond compliance and reflects our ethical responsibility to uphold human rights and prevent any form of exploitation.
Signs of Modern Slavery
The firm adheres to the guidelines for the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health who highlight the following 8 warning signs for modern slavery:
- Evidence of a workplace being used for accommodation.
- Workers are distrustful of authorities.
- Workers look uneasy, unkempt, or malnourished.
- Signs of psychological trauma.
- Untreated injuries.
- Evidence of control over movement (being picked up and dropped off in groups).
- Signs of substance misuse.
- Workers don't know work or home address.
Further information can be found on the CIEH website at: https://www.cieh.org/ehn/public-health-and-protection/2019/march/8-signs-of-modern-slavery
Our Ongoing Efforts
We continuously review and improve our practices to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in our business operations or supply chains. We are committed to working collaboratively with our employees, clients, suppliers, and business partners to create a modern slavery-free environment.
Review
This Modern Slavery Statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect our ongoing efforts to combat modern slavery. This Modern Slavery Statement demonstrates the law firm's commitment to ethical practices and its dedication to preventing modern slavery in all aspects of its business operations. It emphasizes compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the ongoing efforts to create a modern slavery-free environment.
Date of Statement: 27/10/2023
This content is copyright of Driscoll Kingston 2023 onwards. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following: You may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only and not distributed externally. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.