Modern Slavery Policy

Modern Slavery Statement for Ascent Onsite Group

This statement outlines Ascent Onsite Group's commitment to understanding and addressing potential risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within its operations and supply chains. It sets out the steps the company has taken and will continue to take to ensure that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its business or supply chain. This statement relates to activities carried out during the financial year 1st August 2023 to 31st July 2024. It is acknowledged that while the company is not legally required to publish this statement under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, it chooses to do so as part of its commitment to ethical business practices.

As a provider of workforce solutions, Ascent Onsite Group recognises its responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of its operations.

We are fully committed to ensuring that slavery and human trafficking do not take place in any part of our business or supply chain. Ascent Onsite Group operates with a strong ethical stance and is dedicated to ensuring all of its supply chain partners, despite being primarily based in the United Kingdom, maintain the same high standards for treating workers with dignity and respect.

Organisational Structure and Supply Chains

This statement applies to the operations of Ascent Onsite Group:

Ascent Onsite Group was established to deliver tailored workforce solutions to various sectors including construction, engineering, and facilities management. We collaborate closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and provide bespoke services that meet their requirements.

Our workforce comprises both permanent and temporary employees employed on a PAYE (Pay As You Earn) basis. Comprehensive checks are undertaken for all employees including right to work, residency, qualifications, and past employment verification, adhering to the Immigration, Asylum, and Nationality Act 2006 as well as relevant quality management standards.

Currently, Ascent Onsite Group operates primarily in the United Kingdom.

Risk Assessment

We believe that our activities do not involve significant risks related to modern slavery or human trafficking. Through our procurement and supplier code of conduct, Ascent Onsite Group ensures that all suppliers are compliant with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, helping to mitigate any risks that might arise in our supply chain.

Responsibility

The responsibility for managing anti-slavery measures within Ascent Onsite Group is assigned as follows:

• Policies: The Managing Director and Operations Director are responsible for setting and overseeing company-wide anti-slavery policies.
• Investigations/Due Diligence: The Operations Director and Compliance Manager are responsible for investigating any concerns or suspected incidents of slavery and human trafficking.
• Training: The Operations Director ensures that all employees, particularly those in leadership roles, are trained to understand the risks associated with slavery and human trafficking and know how to address them within the company and supply chain.

Relevant Policies

Ascent Onsite Group has the following policies in place to combat modern slavery and human trafficking:

• Whistleblowing Policy: We encourage all employees, suppliers, and stakeholders to report any concerns related to modern slavery or human trafficking. Employees can report issues confidentially through their line managers or via an anonymous whistleblowing system. Concerns are taken seriously and acted upon immediately.
• Employee Code of Conduct: Our code of conduct outlines the expected behaviors of all employees, promoting a culture of respect, integrity, and professionalism.
• Supplier/Procurement Code of Conduct: Suppliers are expected to meet high ethical standards, including compliance with labor laws, and to provide safe and fair working conditions. We assess new and existing suppliers using a Supplier Questionnaire that includes checks for compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and other relevant legislation. Regular audits ensure ongoing adherence to these standards.
• Recruitment Policy: Ascent Onsite Group employs workers only on a permanent or temporary PAYE basis. All workers undergo thorough checks to confirm their right to work in the UK, and the company ensures compliance with all relevant employment laws.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy: This policy ensures that Ascent Onsite Group remains committed to ethical business practices, including sustainability, workplace health and safety, and adherence to labor standards.
• Anti-Bribery/Fraud Policy: This policy promotes transparency and integrity within our organisation, ensuring that no form of bribery or corruption is tolerated.

Due Diligence

Ascent Onsite Group conducts thorough due diligence when onboarding new suppliers and regularly reviews existing suppliers. Our due diligence process includes:

• Evaluating the risk of slavery and human trafficking in our supply chain as part of the supplier selection process.
• Auditing suppliers through our Compliance Manager to ensure adherence to labor standards.
• Taking corrective action, including sanctions, against suppliers who fail to comply with the Supplier Code of Conduct.

Performance Indicators

To ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, Ascent Onsite Group will:

• Review supply chain compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 annually, including a review of current suppliers by the end of each financial year (31st July).
• Provide anti-slavery training to all directors, managers, and employees, as part of induction and ongoing professional development.
• Conduct awareness-raising activities to educate staff on identifying and addressing modern slavery risks, and inform them of available resources like the Modern Slavery Helpline.

Awareness-Raising Programme

In addition to formal training, Ascent Onsite Group raises awareness of modern slavery issues through internal communications such as flyers, posters, and informational bulletins available on our internal portal. These materials highlight key points of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and provide information on how employees can report suspected issues or seek external help.

Board Member Approval

This statement has been approved by the board of directors of Ascent Onsite Group and will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect any changes in legislation or business operations.

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Managing Director’s signature:

JimPatrick Munupe

Date: Jan 06, 2025