Introduction
This statement sets out South Kesteven District Council's actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains.
As part of Local Government, South Kesteven District Council recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking.
The Council is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
Organisational structure and supply chains
This statement covers all activities of South Kesteven District Council in achieving its strategic objectives as determined by its organisational structure, its contract and procedure rules and its corporate plan. This statement applies to all employees, agency workers, services delivered on behalf of the Council by third party organisations and in the Council's supply chains:
Countries of operation and supply
South Kesteven District Council only operates within the United Kingdom. Whilst National Referral Mechanism statistics show a year on year increase in the number of referrals of potential victims of modern slavery the risk of slavery and human trafficking remains relatively low in the UK. This Council acknowledges, however, that these figures represent only a proportion of cases of exploitation and therefore remains vigilant and committed to preventing and taking action against identified slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, its supply chains and in the wider community.
Responsibility
Responsibility for the organisation's anti-slavery initiatives is as follows:
- Policies: Director of Finance/S151 Officer will be responsible for ensuring contract and procurement procedures are in place. Head of Human Resources will be responsible for ensuring recruitment and employment policies are in place. The Lead Safeguarding Officer will be responsible for ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are in place. All will be reviewed on an appropriate basis to ensure they remain current and relevant.
- Risk assessments: Will be undertaken by the relevant service area where there is deemed to be a risk of modern slavery or human trafficking with the support of the Lead Safeguarding Officer or their deputy. The risk assessment will be signed off by the appropriate director and held centrally.
- Investigations/due diligence: Any concerns regarding modern slavery or human trafficking should be raised with the Director of Finance/S151 Officer.
- Training:The Council has an induction programme and on-going training programme which is provided for to all staff, elected members and volunteers. All front-line personnel and elected members are required to undergo safeguarding training provided through our partnership with the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board. Training available includes generic awareness of safeguarding issues through to specific topic-based training including Understanding Exploitation and Modern Slavery. All staff employed to procure goods and services on behalf of the Council will be required to undergo appropriate training.
Relevant policies
The organisation operates the following policies that describe its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations.
Whistleblowing policy: The Council encourages all its workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, the organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The organisation's whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for workers and members of the public to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. Employees, customers or others who have concerns can use our confidential helpline 0800 085376 or e mail whistleblowing@lincolnshire.gov.uk . For more information see South Kesteven District Council's Whistleblowing Policy.
Staff can also raise issues relating to the exploitation of children and young people can also be reported to the NSPCC on help@nspcc.org.uk
- Code of conduct for Council Staff:The organisation's code makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing the organisation. This is supported by the Council's Values and Behaviours.
- Contract and Procurement Procedures:The Council is committed to ensuring that its contractors and suppliers adhere to the highest standards of ethics. Serious violations of the organisation's Contract and Procurement Procedures will lead to the termination of the business relationship. The Council expects through its partnership with Welland Procurement that its key contractors have safeguarding policies and procedures in place.
- Recruitment and Selection Policy and Procedures:The Council uses only specified, reputable external recruitment services and employment agencies to source labour and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting workers from that agency. All successful applicants are subject to pre-employment checks which include verifying references, confirmation of the right to abode and, if required, disclosure and barring checks.
- Safeguarding Policy and Procedures:The Council outlines its commitment to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults from significant harm through its Safeguarding Policy. All staff and elected members are provided with a copy of the policy which they are required to read within an agreed timescale following publication. The policy contains a specific section which relates to modern slavery and human trafficking and the policy's associated procedures outline the action required should an officer or elected member suspect that an individual or group of people is being exploited through such practices. The policy is renewed on an annual basis to ensure it stays relevant and all reporting mechanisms are current.