Introduction
This statement must set out the measures an organisation has taken during its financial year to ensure that slavery or human trafficking is not taking place in any of its supply chains or within itself.1
The Republic of Ireland has similar legislation, primarily the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, as amended by the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Act 2013.2
In this context, this statement is to be read as applying to Chieftain Fabrics (Republic of Ireland and UK) entities.
Modern slavery
Modern slavery is an international crime affecting an estimated 40.3 million individuals3 around the world. This global issue transcends age, gender and ethnicities; it is estimated that 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children4.
“Modern slavery” refers to the offences of human trafficking, slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour. This can then be considered under five headings:
- the sexual exploitation of adults.
- the trafficking of adults into conditions of labour exploitation.
- the trafficking of adults into conditions of criminal exploitation.
- the trafficking of minors into conditions of sexual, criminal or labour exploitation.
- other forms of exploitation.5
“Human trafficking” involves the recruitment, transfer or obtaining of an individual through coercion, abduction, fraud or force to exploit them. Although human trafficking often involves an international cross-border element, it is also possible to be a victim of modern slavery within your own country. There are several broad categories of exploitation linked to human trafficking, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, organ harvesting, child related crimes, forced marriage and illegal adoption.6
Modern slavery includes victims who have been brought from overseas and vulnerable people in the UK and in Ireland who are forced to work illegally against their will across many different sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, construction, retail and manufacturing.5
Estimates of the number of victims of modern slavery in the UK and Republic of Ireland have markedly increased in recent years. The 2018 Global Slavery Index3 estimated approx. 136,000 such individuals in the UK, with approx. 8,000 in the Republic of Ireland.
It has been estimated that globally modern slavery generates as much as $150bn (£116bn) in profits every year with more than a third of these profits generated in developed countries, including the UK and the Republic of Ireland.7
The (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA) identified in their Indicators of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in the Accountancy Sector8 guidance what they consider the key areas where they deem there to be greater risk and visibility of modern slavery and human trafficking. This NCA guidance is included as an Appendix in the Chieftain Fabrics (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy so to assist staff (both operating in a Republic of Ireland or a UK Northern Ireland context) better identify potential real-world risks or actual instances in relation to modern slavery and human trafficking. That NCA guidance has also been considered and has influenced the content of this statement and of the policy, as well as communications and training relating to this topic.
Our policy
The policy of Chieftain Fabrics is to conduct all our business in an honest and ethical manner, and to comply with all applicable legislation. We strive to ensure that neither modern slavery nor human trafficking supports our supply chain or our businesses; this objective is implicit in our policies and procedures. We aim for a zero-tolerance approach to violations of anti-slavery and human trafficking laws.
If breaches of these laws are found within our supply chain, we will look to support organisations in their efforts to comply with the applicable legislation. Chieftain Fabrics will review the continuation of business with individuals and organisations found to be involved in slavery, human trafficking, forced or child labour and retains the right to cease business with such individuals and organisations on this basis.
Chieftain Fabrics is committed to acting professionally and with integrity in all its business dealings and relationships whether in Ireland, UK or abroad.
In this context, Chieftain Fabrics has created a dedicated Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy.
We will review this policy and its operation in practice, at least on an annual basis.
Reporting knowledge or suspicion of slavery or human trafficking
All employees and partners within the firm have a statutory obligation to report knowledge or suspicion of slavery or human trafficking. Any genuine suspicion or knowledge of slavery or human trafficking is to be immediately reported to the relevant Engagement Partner and to the Head of Risk, who will decide what further action, if any, is deemed necessary. If the issue reported also relates to knowledge or suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing, then a further report is to be submitted to the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO). In addition, the Chieftain Fabrics Whistleblowing Policy provides for alternative avenues for reporting, including in respect of suspicion or knowledge of slavery or human trafficking.
Partners and employees who raise concerns of slavery or human trafficking in good faith may do so without fear of discrimination or reprisal.
These provisions do not replace any legal reporting or disclosure requirements. Where statutory reporting requirements and procedures exist, these must be fully complied with.
Our Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy also includes contact details for the UK Modern Slavery Helpline, which can be contacted at (0044) (0) 8000 121 700 or via their website here.
During the financial year ended 31/12/2019 the Risk, Compliance & Professional Standards Team of Chieftain Fabrics has not received any reports which relate to knowledge or suspicion of slavery or human trafficking.
Clients
Chieftain Fabrics’ client acceptance and ongoing monitoring procedures include detailed risk assessments of each client from an anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and wider risk perspective. These include a review for potential publicly available indications of previous or current involvement with criminality, including modern slavery and human trafficking. Staff are also to consider the client-reliant risk factors the (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA) identified in their Indicators of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in the Accountancy Sector guidance (with reference to the Appendix of the Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy).
Chieftain Fabrics has included appropriate anti-slavery and human trafficking provisions into our Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland terms of business with clients.
Employment procedures
Chieftain Fabrics has procedures in place pertaining to our employment practices.
- Robust recruitment processes in line with Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland (UK) employment law (as applicable), including “right to work” document checks, contracts of employment, and checks to ensure all employees are above minimum working age (16).
- Market-related pay and reward, which is reviewed annually and linked to professional services firms’ benchmarks.
Supply chain/ Procurement
We recognise that our firm is exposed to a greater slavery and human trafficking risk when dealing with suppliers of products and services, particularly those who have operations and suppliers in other territories. However, Chieftain Fabrics considers that we, and most of our suppliers, are not in industries with a high risk of modern-day slavery. In addition, our supply chains are primarily confined to Ireland and the UK, countries with a relatively lower risk of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.
From a risk management perspective, we have identified areas we need to develop in conjunction with our supply chain, and a risk-based approach is under development. This approach is to include identifying and reviewing suppliers and vendors that fall within industries and/or countries that can carry higher risk, including in respect of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Chieftain Fabrics has developed measures to assist in the review and management of these areas of risk, including an enhanced supplier and vendor take-on review and ongoing monitoring process, which is handled by the Legal team.
This review and monitoring process is to consider the relevant risk factors the (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA) identified in their Indicators of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in the Accountancy Sector guidance (with reference to the Appendix of the Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy).
Related policies and documents
In addition to the Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy mentioned above Chieftain Fabrics has additional related policies and documents.
The Chieftain Fabrics Whistleblowing Policy is highlighted to employees and partners on a reoccurring basis. This policy facilitates and encourages employees and partners to raise concerns or disclose information, which relates to wrongdoing, illegal practices or unethical conduct, which may come to their attention through work (including concerns that may relate to modern slavery and human trafficking).
Learning
We want to help our employees, partners, clients and suppliers to understand more about these issues and understand how to report any suspicions they may have related to modern slavery and human trafficking.
The topic of Modern Slavery, and our associated Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy, continues to be flagged in the induction training undertaken by new staff members starting with Chieftain Fabrics.
We flag each update of this Statement and of the associated Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy to all staff members.
It is also intended to further highlight the issue of Modern Slavery, as well as our Statement and Policy, to all staff members around (UK) Anti-Slavery Day8 (18th of October of each year).
We are continuing to develop training on the issues of slavery and human trafficking and Chieftain Fabrics’ Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy, to be delivered to relevant employees and partners on a targeted periodic basis.
Looking forward
Chieftain Fabrics will continue to develop and implement the measures mentioned above in respect of our supply chain.
Our approach to modern slavery and human trafficking risk will continue to evolve and we will continue to mitigate these risks through the provisions mentioned above.
Chieftain Fabrics shall take responsibility for this statement and its objectives, and it will be reviewed and updated as appropriate.
Signed
Ciara Kinsella
Director
Chieftain Fabrics