Introduction
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another, in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.
Alternative Futures Group Limited (AFG) has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business, or in any of our supply chains. It is expected that staff will act, both in their capacity as citizens and as employees, on any suspicions of exploitation, human trafficking or slavery.
AFG recognise that some of the people we support may be particularly susceptible to the issues covered within this statement. AFG acknowledges modern slavery as a form of abuse and continues to work with families, agencies and individuals themselves to protect every person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
Organisational Structure and Supply Chains
Alternative Futures Group Limited is a not-for-profit health and social care organisation providing care and support to vulnerable adults in the UK. We are both a Charity and a private limited company, regulated by the Charities Commission, Companies House, and the Care Quality Commission. Our annual turnover is over £70m and we employee circa. 2,000 people.
AFG is governed by a Board of Trustees who oversee and monitor the management and best interests of the organisation. The Board is made up of independently appointed individuals and includes a broad range of experience from the health and social care sector, business development, and programme/project management.
Our Chief Financial Officer is responsible for ensuring effective processes are in place to manage the risk of slavery and human trafficking.
AFG’s operations are based in the UK, and we do not conduct work outside of the UK, nor do we seek to procure employees or services from outside the UK.
Policies on Modern Slavery
AFG manage all purchasing in accordance with our Scheme of Reservation and Delegation and our Purchasing Policy which set out defined processes to purchase goods or services including due diligence to be undertaken with suppliers, and limits of authority and approval for all managers within the business.
Due Diligence and Risk Management Processes
AFG undertakes due diligence checks with all suppliers and expects all suppliers to work in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act. In 2023-24 AFG will continue to strengthen our supplier compliance activity and to effectively manage potential risk areas in our supply chains.
Training and Monitoring Effectiveness
Modern slavery and human trafficking training is available to all staff in AFG with awareness raised through our ongoing safeguarding training, guidance, and resources.
AFG continue to review ways in which we can reduce the risk of slavery and human trafficking within our sector, and our supply chain. AFG conduct an annual assessment to ensure key controls to eradicate the risk of slavery and human trafficking in our direct workforce reman effective. AFG will continue to evaluate its supply chain to ensure all suppliers comply with our values and the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
This statement covers the financial year ending 31 March 2023.
The Board of Trustees
August 2023