Modern Slavery Policy and Commitment Statement
The W. R. Swann Group manufactures surgical blades, scalpels and handles and distributes worldwide. We are committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business. We recognise that modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights and that it is our responsibility to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our operations or supply chain. This statement outlines the steps we have taken and will continue to take to prevent modern slavery in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Our Commitment
The Group is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. We are committed to:
• Complying with all applicable legal requirements related to modern slavery and human trafficking.
• Implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our business or supply chains.
• Promoting awareness of modern slavery issues among our employees and stakeholders.
• Continuously improving our practices to combat modern slavery and human trafficking.
Scope
This policy applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of The W. R. Swann Group, including employees, directors, contractors, suppliers, and other business partners.
Risk Assessment and Due Diligence
• Conduct risk assessments of our business operations and supply chains to identify areas where there is a risk of modern slavery.
• Implement due diligence procedures for new suppliers, including assessing their compliance with our standards on modern slavery.
• Require our suppliers to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which includes commitments to ethical practices and the prohibition of modern slavery.
• Ensure that thorough employment checks are carried out during the recruitment process.
• Ensure our agency partners share the same values and never pass on costs to job applicants.
Reporting and Monitoring
• Establish clear procedures for reporting concerns about modern slavery, ensuring that employees and stakeholders can raise issues confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
• Regularly review and monitor our practices to ensure their effectiveness in preventing modern slavery.
• Include modern slavery considerations in our internal and external audit processes.
Conclusion
The Group is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings. We expect the same high standards from all our contractors, suppliers, and other business partners. Together, we can work towards a future where modern slavery is eradicated.
We are satisfied that no slavery or human trafficking or unethical employment practices of any nature occur within our own operations.
For further information or to report any concerns regarding modern slavery, please contact the Group HR Manager.