Checkatrade operates a zero-tolerance policy to Modern Slavery and fully supports the intentions of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Modern Slavery is an infringement on basic human rights such as: the right to life, freedom from torture and the right to fair and just working conditions. It materialises in many ways including: Human Trafficking, Forced Labour; Debt Slavery; Child Slavery; Domestic Slavery, Child and Forced Marriage and Slavery in the Supply Chain. Forced labour is the most common form of slavery in the UK, arising from the pursuit of cheap products and services, with little consideration about the people behind them.
At Checkatrade, our company values include: People Matter, Do the Right Thing and Own it. Eradicating Modern Slavery in all its forms across our business and supply chain is central to these values and is essential for conducting business in a fair, ethical and responsible way. We are on a continuous journey of improving both our practices and policies which we remain committed to keeping at the front of our minds as we progress as a business.
Checkatrade's Structure
Checkatrade is an online and print directory of home experts and tradespeople currently operating solely in the UK. Checkatrade is a member of HomeServe Plc Group which has an existing relationship with the Slave Free Alliance. This year Checkatrade has worked with the Slave Free Alliance and HomeServe plc as part of a Group wide gap analysis review to identify any gaps within the Group's policies and procedures as well as to gauge general understanding of the issues related to modern slavery. The outcome of this gap analysis is due to be available shortly and will be used to help guide Checkatrade to implement any changes that may be required to improve Checkatrade's policies, procedures and training provision..
Checkatrade's Supply Chain and Due Diligence
Our Supply Chain consists mainly of Suppliers providing software, computing and communication infrastructure services, and marketing services. We therefore do not believe our Supply Chain carries a high degree of risk relating to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. However, our intention is to carry out a deeper review to confirm this conclusion in the coming year.
Other actions:
We are endeavouring to establish and build long-standing relationships with our suppliers and clearly state our expectations of business behaviour to them.
We are reviewing our supplier due diligence processes to ensure our suppliers understand their responsibilities under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and we have updated our Standard Supplier Contracts, so that Suppliers are contractually bound to comply with the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Checkatrade's Members
In accordance with the Checkatrade Standard, we expect members to behave honestly and professionally in all their dealings. Our members agree to comply with the terms of the Modern Slavery Act in their Membership Agreement with Checkatrade.
This year, in April 2022 we updated our Membership Agreement to make the Modern Slavery obligations clearer and have updated the Checkatrade Standard to include an obligation that our members pay and treat employees and contractors fairly and in line with the law.
Checkatrade Policies
We are committed to putting effective systems and controls in place to safeguard against any form of Modern Slavery within the business or our Supply Chain. We have internal policies in place, including our recruitment and whistle blowing policies that demonstrate our commitment to this.
We currently do not have any specific training on the Modern Slavery Act in place. We do however have a comprehensive suite of online training for new employees including on Whistle Blowing. Additionally, all staff have regular compulsory training requirements they must complete to ensure that they are up to date with the latest legislation and understand the actions they need to take if necessary.
Each year we send out an engaging communication to our employees alerting them to the dangers of Modern Slavery and making them aware that our Whistle Blowing procedure should be followed should they know of or suspect any incidence of Modern Slavery in our business or Supply Chain. We shall make it clear that we take any such reports extremely seriously and we will act on them quickly.
In accordance with the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, this statement can be found on our website and will be reviewed annually.
Mike Fairman – CEO and Director
Our financial year end is 31 March. This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Vetted Limited's (t/a Checkatrade) slavery and human trafficking statement for the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023. It was approved by the Vetted Limited Board of Directors on 15th September 2022.