Modern Slavery Statement

Our Commitment

Modern slavery is a crime and a grave violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including slavery, forced labour, servitude, and human trafficking—all of which involve the exploitation of individuals for personal or commercial gain.

At Housing Disrepair Team, we operate with a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. We are fully committed to acting with transparency, integrity, and accountability in all our business dealings and supply chain relationships. We aim to ensure that modern slavery does not take place within our organisation or through any third parties working with us.

We are committed to:

• Ensuring transparency across our operations and supply chains;
• Implementing and maintaining robust due diligence, risk assessment, and reporting mechanisms;
• Promoting awareness and responsibility among all employees and contractors;
• Responding swiftly and appropriately to any suspected breaches of this policy.
  
  

Internal Practices and Employment

Housing Disrepair Team is committed to fair employment practices and full legal compliance in all aspects of recruitment and HR. We:

• Advertise roles through trusted, legitimate channels;
• Carry out pre-employment checks including eligibility to work in the UK and, where appropriate, references and background screening;
• Pay all employees at least the national minimum wage or higher;
• Provide clear and accessible HR policies including grievance, whistleblowing, and safeguarding;
• Support and protect any team member who reports concerns about modern slavery.

Employees or contractors concerned about modern slavery can raise concerns directly with a line manager or through our designated compliance contact (see below). Disciplinary action will be taken against any employee found to be involved in or complicit with modern slavery. Where appropriate, reports will be made to relevant authorities.

Our Supply Chain

We expect the same zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery from our suppliers, contractors, and professional partners. To that end, we:

• Conduct appropriate checks when engaging new suppliers or referring partners;
• Include anti-slavery clauses in our supplier and referral agreements where applicable;
• Expect all suppliers to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015;
• Reserve the right to suspend or terminate any relationship with a supplier found to be in breach of these principles.

If a supplier identifies concerns regarding their own supply chain or practices, we encourage open reporting and immediate communication with our compliance lead. Any concern raised will be treated seriously and investigated without prejudice.

Training and Awareness

Our zero-tolerance approach is communicated to all new employees, and additional training is provided where appropriate. All staff are made aware of:

• What constitutes modern slavery;
• How to recognise potential signs of exploitation;
• How to report concerns internally and externally;
• The support available to those who report in good faith.

We promote a culture of openness and vigilance, and encourage all staff to act as responsible stewards of ethical conduct within and outside our organisation.

Reporting and Enforcement

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to report any suspicion of modern slavery. Reports can be made:

• To a direct manager;
• To the company’s designated compliance contact:
  Email: info@housingdt.com

We ensure that any reports of modern slavery are investigated confidentially and thoroughly. Individuals who raise genuine concerns will not be penalised or disadvantaged, even if the concern turns out to be unfounded.

Breaches of this policy by employees will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Where applicable, criminal activity will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

If concerns relate to third-party suppliers, we will assess the situation immediately and may:

• Request remedial actions;
• Terminate the relationship;
• Notify the authorities.
  
  

Review and Responsibility

This statement is reviewed annually and updated to reflect any changes in the business or legal framework. Senior management is responsible for ensuring adherence to this policy, and for ensuring that appropriate procedures, training, and communication channels are maintained across the organisation.