Purpose

This policy sets out Aurea Care Limited’s commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our operations and supply chains. It provides guidance to our staff, contractors, and partners on recognising and reporting concerns and sets clear expectations for ethical and lawful conduct.

Statement of Commitment

Modern slavery is a criminal offence and a violation of fundamental human rights. It includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, and the exploitation of children. Aurea Care Limited operates a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking.

We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity, and in compliance with:

  • The Modern Slavery Act 2015
  • The Care Act 2014 safeguarding provisions
  • All other relevant UK employment and safeguarding legislation

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All Aurea Care Limited staff, including permanent, temporary, and agency workers
  • All contractors, suppliers, and service providers engaged by Aurea Care Limited
  • All service users and individuals in our care

Safeguarding Service Users

We ensure that no individual in our care is subjected to exploitation or modern slavery. Where there is any suspicion or evidence of such abuse:

  • We will take immediate protective action
  • We will notify the police and/or the relevant local authority safeguarding team without delay
  • All actions will follow our Safeguarding Adults Policy and the Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance

Employment Practices

We recruit staff lawfully and in line with UK employment law, ensuring:

  • Right-to-work checks are completed
  • DBS checks are undertaken where required by law
  • No recruitment fees are charged to workers
  • Terms and conditions of employment comply with UK statutory minimums

Any indication that a worker is being exploited by a third party will be investigated, reported to the authorities, and addressed in line with our safeguarding obligations.

Contractors and Supply Chain

We expect all contractors and suppliers to:

  • Comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015
  • Demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery
  • Undertake due diligence checks within their own supply chains

Suppliers must confirm compliance in writing where relevant. Any non-compliance will result in review, suspension, or termination of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

  • All staff receive safeguarding training that includes recognising the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking
  • Staff involved in procurement receive specific training on identifying supply-chain risks

Reporting Concerns

All staff have a duty to report suspected abuse, modern slavery, or trafficking. Staff must not:

  • Confront the suspected perpetrator
  • Offer personal opinions or assurances of confidentiality
  • Attempt their own investigation

Reports should be made immediately to a manager or directly to the police in an emergency. Managers will follow safeguarding referral procedures, notify the CQC where required, and inform our insurers.

Whistleblowers are protected under our Whistleblowing Policy and will not suffer detrimental treatment for raising genuine concerns.

Record-Keeping

All incidents and allegations are documented in our secure system. Hard-copy notes are scanned, uploaded, and stored in accordance with our Data Protection Policy.

Cooperation with Safeguarding Authorities

We will work with:

  • Local Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs)
  • Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships (LSCPs)
  • Police and other statutory agencies

Regulatory Compliance

This policy supports compliance with the following CQC regulations:

  • Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment
  • Regulation 13: Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment
  • Regulation 17: Good governance

Review

This policy is reviewed annually or earlier if there are significant changes to legislation, guidance, or operational requirements.