Anti-slavery
Anti-Slavery and Human Rights Policy
At Blend Technology Consultants, we are committed to upholding human rights and eradicating modern slavery and child labour in all aspects of our operations and supply chains.
This statement outlines the measures Blend Technology Consultants, a specialist in audio-visual, IT, security, and intelligent building systems, is taking to ensure that slavery and human trafficking have no place in our business or supply chains.
Our Commitment
We are fully dedicated to respecting and promoting human rights throughout our organisation and beyond. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, business partners, and third parties working with or on behalf of Blend.
The prevention, detection, and reporting of human rights abuses, modern slavery, and trafficking are the responsibility of everyone working for Blend. Should any breach of human rights come to light, we will take appropriate action following a thorough investigation.
Blend has a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and child labour. We will not engage in, or continue business relationships with, any organisation that knowingly supports or engages in slavery, trafficking, or violations of fundamental human rights.
We also strictly adhere to the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, as well as all applicable UK employment laws and local regulations. No labour used in delivering Blend’s services is obtained through slavery or human trafficking.
What is Modern Slavery?
Modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It includes:
- Human trafficking
- Forced labour through threats of harm
- Exploitation via control or abuse, including being owned or treated as property
- Restriction of freedom, such as preventing movement or association
- Dehumanisation, where individuals are commodified or sold
Our Actions
To prevent modern slavery within our business and supply chains, Blend has implemented the following measures:
- Risk Assessment: We actively identify areas of potential risk in our operations and supply chains. As a small consultancy, we consider our risk level to be low.
- Employee Training: We provide training to raise awareness of the Modern Slavery Act, both during induction and through role-specific training.
- Support for Whistleblowers: We ensure protection for those who raise genuine concerns about modern slavery or human rights abuses.
- Worker Freedoms: We uphold the following freedoms for all individuals working with or on behalf of Blend:
- The freedom to terminate employment as per their contract
- Freedom of movement and association
- Prohibited Practices: We do not tolerate the following:
- Violence, harassment, or intimidation
- Worker-paid recruitment fees
- Compulsory overtime
- Child labour
- Discrimination of any kind
- Confiscation of identification documents
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
To continuously address and combat modern slavery, Blend has introduced the following KPIs:
- Ensure all employees receive annual training on human rights, with a focus on modern slavery.
- Regularly review and update policies and procedures to remain aligned with legal and ethical standards.
Conclusion
At Blend Technology Consultants, we believe in a world free from exploitation and slavery. We remain committed to upholding these values and ensuring they are embedded in every aspect of our business.