Introduction
This statement is made in accordance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement.
The Five Rivers Group of Companies is very clear in its ethos and policy statements that we totally are against forced labour, the use of child labour and human trafficking; and the use of such practices in our supply chain will not be tolerated. As a group of companies, we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all of our business dealings.
About us
The Five Rivers Group of Companies is a Social Enterprise working in the field of Social Care (Fostering and Children’s Homes), Education and Clinical Psychological Services. We employ in excess of 300 people and support in excess of 450 fostering households.
The fields we work in are heavily regulated industries subject to inspection by regulatory bodies such as OFSTED.
Our own recruitment follows a ‘Safer Recruitment’ regime including DBS checks, eligibility to work in the UK checks and verification of references. We comply fully with all UK legislation.
Policies
Our ethical stance against modern slavery is supported by a range of key policies covering key areas such as safeguarding, recruitment, ethical procurement, and whistle blowing to support staff in raising concerns.
Due Diligence and Management of Risk
Given the nature of our business we have very few suppliers, mainly in the field of support and administration; our preference is to work with fellow social enterprises where-ever possible. We have considered the risk of modern slavery at both Senior Management and Board levels and deem our risk to be low. This does not however lead us to be complacent, and in this our first year of making a statement, through our CEO briefing we have raised the awareness of our staff to the degrading and illegal practice of modern slavery and have encouraged them to report to management any concerns they may have with regard to this abhorrent practice.
In 2019 we introduced an ethical procurement policy. We require managers to undertake due diligence before engaging new suppliers.
We already raise ethical matters in our contracts with suppliers and have now introduced an audit for our main suppliers to complete.
Pamela McConnell, CEO
1st January 2022