INTRODUCTION
This statement sets out the steps taken by Assemblysoft to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking do not take place within the company or in our supply chains. It outlines the steps taken by the company to ensure that related risks are identified and mitigated.
At Assemblysoft, we are committed to ensuring that all our engineers and staff, whether internal or external, are treated with utmost fairness and respect. We are steadfastly opposed to all forms of slavery, servitude, forced labor, and human trafficking. Our Modern Slavery Statement reflects our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships, implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in our supply chains or in any part of our business.
We are a provider of software development services to a number of sectors. Principally these are Financial, Medical, Transport, Waste Management, and Technology. As a professional services company we are reliant on services from suppliers for the operation of our business. Our supply chains include but are not limited to IT equipment and technology, marketing materials and professional services consultation from all around the globe, with the majority from UK based companies. We also work with contractors and consultants during high volume periods.
Our Commitment
- Fair Treatment: We assure fair treatment of all employees and contractors, irrespective of their role, through transparent, equitable, and consistently applied policies and practices.
- Prompt Payment: Ensuring timely and fair remuneration for all work undertaken within our business operations.
- Fair and Agreed Deadlines: Strict adherence to mutually agreed deadlines, recognizing and respecting the professional needs and constraints of our engineers and staff.
Regulated Online Platforms
To assure absolute transparency and equity in all our operations, we:
- Use regulated online platforms where all communications and agreements are documented and can be reviewed by all involved parties.
- Ensure funds are placed in escrow to safeguard the financial interests of external engineers and contractors, providing a secure and trusting business environment.
- Have a process of arbitration in place, ensuring that any party can raise concerns and seek resolution in an impartial forum should disagreements or dissatisfaction arise.
Supply Chain Integrity
We strive to implement and maintain high standards of corporate and social responsibility throughout our supply chains:
- Ensure that our suppliers are aware of our commitment to eradicating modern slavery and expect them to uphold similar principles.
- Evaluate the practices of our partners and suppliers to ensure that they adhere to the legal standards and ethical practices.
Training and Awareness
We will invest in awareness and training programs:
- Ensure our staff, engineers, and contractors understand the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in our business sectors through regular training and communication.
- Inform and guide our stakeholders on how to identify and respond to risks related to modern slavery.
Regular Audits and Assessment
- We conduct regular audits and assessments to ascertain and ensure compliance with our principles related to the prohibition of forced labor across our business and supply chains.
- Establish mechanisms to encourage the reporting of concerns and safeguard whistleblowers.
Continuous Improvement
We vow to consistently enhance our operations:
- Regularly review and refine our practices to ensure they are effective in identifying and mitigating the risks of modern slavery.
- Update our stakeholders periodically on the progress we are making under our modern slavery program.
Conclusion
This Modern Slavery Statement is reflective of our dedication to preserving human dignity and protecting individuals from all forms of abuse and exploitation in the workplace. We are committed to maintaining a working environment wherein all individuals are treated with respect and their rights are upheld.
Frequently Ask Questions
What does modern slavery mean?
Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of other people for personal or commercial gain.
What are the signs of modern slavery and what does modern slavery mean?
Modern slavery definition: “where one person controls another for profit by exploiting a vulnerability”.
Often a victim is forced to work for little or no payment. The control traffickers hold can be physical, financial, or psychological.
What’s our approach to modern slavery?
We’re proud we do business responsibly and ethically. Our Supplier Code of Conduct, contract terms and governance safeguard relationships between us and our suppliers. We set standards to ensure they operate ethically, are environmentally responsible and workers are treated with respect and dignity.
For many years, we have had methods of due diligence in place, such as supplier questionnaires and clauses within supplier and partner contracts, which ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
What are the types of modern slavery?
Modern slavery takes many forms. The 4 types of modern slavery that are most common are:
- Human trafficking. The use of violence, threats or coercion to transport, recruit or harbour people in order to exploit them for purposes such as forced prostitution, labour, criminality, marriage or organ removal.
- Forced labour. Any work or services people are forced to do against their will under threat of punishment.
- Debt bondage/bonded labour. The world’s most widespread form of slavery. People trapped in poverty borrow money and are forced to work to pay off the debt, losing control over both their employment conditions and the debt.
- Descent–based slavery. Where people are treated as property, and their “slave” status was passed down the maternal line.