At BPAS the issue of modern slavery is taken very seriously, and we welcome and fully support the Government’s objectives to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking whilst recognising the significant role we have to play in both combatting it and supporting victims. BPAS is dedicated to be open and honest about our approach to prevent modern slavery in our supply chains and business, as well as ensuring that our employees are aware of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and their safeguarding duty to protect and prevent any further harm and abuse when it is identified or suspected that a child, young person or adult may be or is at risk of modern slavery or human trafficking.
We have a zero-tolerance approach around slavery and human trafficking and are committed to maintaining and improving systems, processes and policies to avoid complicity in human rights violations and to prevent slavery and human trafficking in our supply chain.
BPAS is an independent, not-for-profit reproductive healthcare provider. We have been advocating for and delivering high quality, evidenced based care for more than 55 years. Nearly all of the services we provide are on behalf of the National Health Service through a national network of clinics and telemedical/online services. Our organisation is governed by a board of Trustees, is managed by a Strategic Leadership Team and is regulated by the Care Quality Commissioner.
At BPAS we encourage our employees and workers to report any concerns related directly to our activities and services, or our supply chains. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The BPAS Whistleblowing Policy is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. The policy encourages people to raise concerns directly with their Line Manager, their Freedom to Speak Up Guardian or the HR Department, but also contains contact details of external sources should an employee wish to seek independent advice on a concern that may have. BPAS ensures that this policy is reviewed regularly and made easily accessible for all staff.
BPAS has a mandatory learning course for all employees on Social and Corporate responsibility. This training has a section specifically on Modern Slavery and it covers some of the ways to identify potential victims of modern slavery as well as how to report potential concerns.
Our Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedure and Safeguarding and Management of Clients Aged Under 18 Policy and Procedure acknowledge modern slavery as a form of abuse and, where there is a concern about a child (under 18 years) or an adult (18 years and over) who needs care and support, these policies take effect. All BPAS employees and workers undergo mandatory safeguarding training when they join the company. In addition, all client facing roles undertake Level 3 Safeguarding training which further supports them with how to identify and support victims in potential cases of abuse including modern slavery and human trafficking. BPAS has a dedicated team of safeguarding specialists to ensure an enhanced level of protection for our clients.
BPAS has reviewed the risks that supply chains can present and we expect our suppliers and their sub-contractors to demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach to exploitation. To this end, all new contracts and those renewing, now include a clause requiring that our suppliers, and their subcontractors, comply with the Act and commit to zero-tolerance.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, BPAS will continue monitoring and reviewing our supply chain commitments on slavery and human trafficking and we commit to the following actions:
- BPAS Terms and Conditions will include specific clauses reflecting our obligations and expectations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015
- Communicating to all key suppliers, providing an overview of the legislation, stating our intent and future expectations
- For those contracts deemed to be of high risk, to prioritise including specific clauses that reflect the obligations of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
The CEO has considered and approved this statement and will continue to support the requirements of the legislation.
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ended 31 March 2022.