Introduction
Solacia Living is fully committed to preventing and addressing all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and are dedicated to ensuring that our business activities do not contribute to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. This statement outlines the steps we have taken and will continue to take to combat modern slavery and human trafficking in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Our Organisation
Solacia Living is a provider of quality housing and support services, dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and sustainable communities. We operate within a framework of social responsibility, aiming to improve the lives of our residents and the broader community. We understand the importance of transparency in our operations and the need to actively prevent human rights abuses within our business and supply chains.
Our Commitment
At Solacia Living, we are committed to the following principles:
- Zero Tolerance: We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking in any form. This commitment extends to all individuals and organisations we work with, including contractors, suppliers, and partners.
- Real Living Wage: We ensure that all our employees are paid at least the Real Living Wage, reflecting our commitment to fair remuneration and helping to combat economic exploitation.
- Working Hours Compliance: We actively encourage all colleagues to comply with legal limits on working hours, ensuring that no one is overworked and that the welfare of our employees is prioritised.
- Employment Verification: All new employees are required to provide verified documentation (such as a passport) before their start date to verify their legal right to work in the UK. This is part of our rigorous due diligence to prevent illegal working practices.
- Equality, Diversity, and Safeguarding Policies: We have robust strategies and policies in place covering equality and diversity, vulnerability, safeguarding, domestic abuse, and violence against women and girls. We provide specialist training and support for front-line employees to ensure they can effectively identify and respond to these issues.
- Supplier Code of Conduct: We have established a Supplier Code of Conduct that outlines our expectations regarding human rights, labour practices, and ethical conduct. All suppliers and partners are required to adhere to these standards as a condition of doing business with Solacia Living.
- Adherence to Code of Conduct: All employees are required to adhere to Solacia Living’s updated Code of Conduct and related policies, which include provisions against bribery, and requirements concerning workplace behaviour, equality, and diversity.
- Whistleblowing Policy: We have a Whistleblowing Policy in place to protect employees and contractors from negative repercussions if they report, in good faith, an apparent breach of legislation or Solacia Living's Code of Conduct. We ensure that all such reports are properly investigated and acted upon as necessary. Our policy encourages individuals to raise concerns with confidence that they will be treated seriously and confidentially.
- Compliance and Due Diligence: We ensure that all our operations comply with relevant laws and regulations regarding modern slavery and human trafficking. We conduct thorough due diligence on our supply chains to identify and mitigate the risk of exploitation.
- Risk Assessment: We regularly assess the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. This includes evaluating the geographical regions and industries we engage with to ensure they meet our ethical standards.
- Monitoring During Visits: During home, site, or scheme visits, our staff are trained to check for signs of modern slavery and human trafficking, as well as any other welfare concerns related to tenants, their households, contractors, or members of the public. Where we have concerns, we undertake a thorough review, involving specialist and/or independent advice as required, and report the matter to the relevant authorities in line with our policies and procedures and wider safeguarding approach.
- Robust Action Against Subletting: We thoroughly investigate reports of subletting and take robust action against it. Solacia Living will support prosecutions where appropriate and issue money claims to prevent profiteering from subletting social housing.
- Reporting and Accountability: We have implemented clear reporting mechanisms for employees, residents, and partners to raise concerns about potential instances of modern slavery or human trafficking. These mechanisms are supported by a robust process for investigating and addressing any reports.
Steps taken in 2023
During the past year, Solacia Living has taken the following steps to strengthen our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking:
- Conducted comprehensive audits of our supply chains to identify and address potential risks.
- Enhanced our training programmes to ensure that all staff, particularly those in procurement and management roles, are well-informed about modern slavery issues.
- Reviewed and updated our Supplier Code of Conduct to reflect the latest best practices and legal requirements.
- Engaged with external experts to review our policies and procedures, ensuring they are effective in combating modern slavery.
Looking Ahead
In 2024, Solacia Living will continue to build on these efforts by:
- Expanding our risk assessment processes to cover new areas of operation and supply chains.
- Strengthening partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking.
- Continuing to raise awareness within our organisation and the wider community about the importance of tackling modern slavery.
Conclusion
Solacia Living remains steadfast in our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms. We believe that by taking a proactive and transparent approach, we can help to protect the rights and dignity of individuals both within our organisation and across our supply chains.
This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors and is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 for the financial year ending 31 December 2024.
Board of Directors
Solacia Living LTD
Date: 20 August 2024