This statement sets out the steps that Homecare Gurus Ltd has taken and is continuing to take to ensure that modern slavery or human trafficking is not taking place within our business or supply chain.
Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, human trafficking and forced labour. Homecare Gurus Ltd has a zero- tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity and transparency in all business dealings and to putting effective systems and controls in place to safeguard against any form of modern slavery taking place within the business or our supply chains.
We provide services to customers in their homes. We accompany some clients to community centres, shops/supermarkets, and other events as well as working with their families and guardians and other professionals that are involved in managing the customer’s health needs. We are also a recruitment agent for workers in the industry as well as retail.
Homecare Gurus Ltd implements its business strategy in an ethically, socially and environmentally responsible manner. We fully acknowledge our responsibility to respect human rights as set out in the International Bill of Human Rights. The IBHR informs all of our policies related to the rights and freedoms of every individual who works for us, either as a direct employee, agency worker or indirectly through our supply chain. We are also committed to implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights throughout our operations. Respect for the dignity of the individual – and the importance of each individual’s human rights – form the basis of the behaviors we expect in every workplace nationally.
We will not accept any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying and we require all of our managers to implement policies designed to increase equality of opportunity and inclusion for all employees including agency workers. We have also developed and implemented policies and processes which are intended to extend these commitments through our supply chain.
Direct Communication
The Company encourages members of the public or people not employed by us to write, in confidence, to raise any concern, issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any part of our business.
Suppliers
Our main risk: supply of PPE to be sufficiently in stock and distributed within our workforce. We have taken measures to ensure that we have sufficient stocks to avoid any disruption to the care we provide. We deliver the PPE to the staff regularly who may not be able to reach the office with ease.
There are other factors that affect our services which include adverse weather conditions; fuel supplies, sports events taking place in and around the areas we provide services, staffing numbers due to sick or summer holidays. These are all considered and form part of our Contingency Plan that is kept up to date as and when a risk is anticipated. We are part of sector forums and other relevant news outlets to ensure we are up to date with events that may impact on our services.
We conduct due diligence on all suppliers before allowing them to become a preferred supplier. We include an online search to ensure that particular organisations have never been convicted of offences relating to modern slavery and we include our modern slavery policy as part of our contract with all suppliers. Suppliers are required to confirm that no part of their business operations contradicts this policy. As part of our contract with suppliers, they confirm to us that:
Risk Assessments
Our supply chains include procurement of staff, consumables, facilities maintenance, utilities and waste management. We have conducted a risk assessment and will ensure that we will take further steps to ensure that we support the eradication of modern slavery, that staff understand how to recognise modern slavery and the appropriate safeguarding reporting processes are followed should there be concerns within our supply chains, with customers or suppliers.
Performance indicators
We will know the effectiveness of the steps that we are taking to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place within our business or supply chain if:
Safeguards
We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring that no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery of whatever form is or may be taking place in any part of our
business. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern. Homecare Gurus Ltd will accept and take seriously concerns communicated anonymously.
However, retention of anonymity does render investigations and makes validation more difficult and can make the process less effective. Individuals are therefore encouraged to put their names to allegations. Any claims or allegations made which are found to be malicious or vexatious will result in disciplinary action being taken against the individual.
Responsibility for this Statement
The ultimate responsibility for the prevention of modern slavery rests with Julie Thelwell for ensuring that this policy and its implementation complies with our legal and ethical obligations. Managers at all levels are responsible for ensuring that those reporting to them understand and comply with this policy and are given adequate and regular training on it and the issue of modern slavery.
Assessment of effectiveness in preventing Modern Slavery
We understand that modern slavery risk is not static, and will continue our approach to mitigating this risk. We will assess the risk via our internal auditing processes.
This statement is made according to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
Julie Thelwell of Homecare Gurus Ltd has approved this statement.
Date: 25th May 2023