Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy
Introduction
At Apprico, we are committed to operating ethically, responsibly, and with integrity in all aspects of our business. As a UK-based provider of Managed Print Services, IT Support, and Telecoms solutions, we recognise our responsibility to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our operations or supply chains. This policy outlines our commitment to preventing slavery and human trafficking and sets out the steps we take to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Modern slavery is a global issue that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is our duty as a responsible business to take proactive measures to combat it. We understand that our operations and supply chains must be free from exploitation, and we are dedicated to working with partners and suppliers who share this commitment.
Our Commitment
Apprico is dedicated to:
- Ensuring transparency in our business practices and supply chains.
- Taking a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking.
- Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and social responsibility.
- Working with partners and suppliers who share our commitment to eradicating modern slavery.
- Continuously improving our practices to identify and address risks related to modern slavery.
We believe that by working collaboratively with our partners, suppliers, and employees, we can create a business environment that respects human rights and promotes fair labour practices.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and partners working with Apprico. It covers all aspects of our operations, including the provision of Managed Print Services, IT Support, and Telecoms solutions, as well as the procurement of goods and services.
Our commitment extends to every level of our supply chain, from the sourcing of raw materials to the delivery of finished products and services. We recognise that modern slavery can occur in various forms, including forced labour, child labour, human trafficking, and exploitative working conditions, and we are committed to identifying and addressing these risks wherever they may arise.
Our Expectations of Partners and Suppliers
We recognise that our responsibility extends beyond our own operations to the partners and suppliers we work with. We expect all our partners and suppliers to:
Comply with Laws: Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and ensure their operations are conducted in an ethical and lawful manner.
Ethical Practices: Operate with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights, ensuring that all workers are treated with dignity and respect.
Transparency: Provide clear and accurate information about their operations and supply chains, including the sourcing of materials and labour practices.
Zero Tolerance: Take a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour, and ensure that these practices are not present in their operations or supply chains.
Monitoring and Reporting: Implement robust systems to monitor their operations and report any instances of non-compliance. This includes conducting regular audits and assessments to identify and address potential risks.
We work closely with our partners and suppliers to ensure they meet these expectations, and we provide support and guidance to help them improve their practices where necessary.
Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
To ensure compliance with this policy, Apprico conducts due diligence on all new and existing suppliers and partners. This includes:
- Assessing potential risks in our supply chains, particularly in high-risk industries or regions.
- Reviewing supplier policies and practices related to modern slavery and human rights.
- Conducting audits and site visits where necessary to verify compliance with our standards.
- Requiring suppliers to complete self-assessment questionnaires to confirm their compliance with anti-slavery standards.
- Engaging with third-party auditors and industry experts to assess and improve our supply chain practices.
We also maintain a risk assessment framework to identify and prioritise areas of potential concern, allowing us to take targeted action to address any issues.
Training and Awareness
We provide training to our employees to ensure they understand the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking and know how to identify and report potential issues. This training is tailored to different roles within the company, ensuring that all employees are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to uphold our commitment to ethical practices.
We also encourage our partners and suppliers to provide similar training to their staff, and we offer resources and support to help them develop effective training programmes. By raising awareness and promoting a culture of vigilance, we can work together to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.
Reporting Concerns
Apprico encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and partners to report any concerns related to modern slavery or human trafficking. Reports can be made confidentially through our whistleblowing policy, and we guarantee that all concerns will be investigated promptly and thoroughly.
We are committed to protecting whistleblowers from retaliation and ensuring that all reports are handled with sensitivity and discretion. If any instances of modern slavery or human trafficking are identified, we will take immediate action to address the issue and prevent it from recurring.
Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuously improving our practices to combat modern slavery. This includes:
- Regularly reviewing and updating this policy to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and best practices.
- Engaging with industry groups and initiatives to share best practices and collaborate on solutions to address modern slavery.
- Collaborating with suppliers and partners to drive positive change across our supply chains and promote ethical practices.
- Setting measurable goals and targets to track our progress and ensure that we are making a meaningful impact.
We believe that by taking a proactive and collaborative approach, we can create a supply chain that is transparent, ethical, and free from exploitation.
Accountability
Apprico’s leadership team is responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy. We hold ourselves and our partners accountable for maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and for taking immediate action to address any issues identified.
We regularly review our performance and report on our progress to ensure that we are meeting our commitments. This includes publishing an annual Modern Slavery Statement, which outlines the steps we have taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.
Conclusion
At Apprico, we believe that businesses have a critical role to play in eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking. By working together with our partners and suppliers, we can create a supply chain that is transparent, ethical, and free from exploitation. We are committed to doing our part to ensure that everyone involved in our operations is treated with dignity and respect.
For further information or to report a concern, please contact us at sales@apprico.co.uk
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and best practices.
Last Updated: 23/12/2024
