This statement applies to Autism Together, which sets out the steps we have taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in any other part of our business or supply chains.
Autism Together considers that modern slavery encompasses:
• Human trafficking.
• Forced work, through mental or physical threat.
• Being owned or controlled by an employer through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse.
• Being dehumanised, treated as a commodity, or being bought or sold as property.
• Being physically constrained or to have restriction placed on freedom of movement.
Autism Together is a disability charity (charity 1007878) which provides support to autistic people through our Residential, Supported Living, Respite, and Day Services. We employ circa 800 staff. Autism Together operates its services in England.
Autism Together acknowledges its responsibilities in relation to tackling modern slavery and commits to complying with the provisions of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The charity understands that this requires an ongoing review of both its internal practices in relation to its workforce and, additionally, its supply chains.
Autism Together does not enter business with any other organisation, in the United Kingdom or abroad, which knowingly supports or is found to involve itself in slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour.
No labour provided to Autism Together in the pursuance of the provision of its own services is obtained by means of slavery or human trafficking. The charity strictly adheres to the standards required in relation to its responsibilities under relevant U.K employment legislation.
We are committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business. Our policies reflect our commitment to act ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in our supply chains.
All employees are paid at least the minimum wage in their local jurisdiction.
Wherever possible we look to establish relationships with suppliers who share the same ethical values. We work to the highest professional standards and comply with all laws, regulations, and rules relevant to our charity and operations, which we expect the same from our suppliers.
To mitigate any risks, we ensure that:
• All recruitment checks are completed including right to work checks and pre-employment checks, which are conducted for both contracted employees and agency staff.
• We identify and assess potential risk areas in our supply chains.
• We review supplier contracts to include termination powers if the supplier is, or is suspected, to be involved in modern slavery.
• Audits of agency employees’ training and employment checks are completed.
• HR file audits to ensure that all safeguarding and recruitment checks are completed.
• Our staff receive training on modern slavery and trafficking.
The Organisation has not, to its knowledge, conducted any business with another organisation which has been found to have involved itself with modern slavery.
The charity ensures that all employees are aware of all our policies, including our Whistleblowing and the Dignity at Work Policy.
Senior Managers are required to complete an e-learning training module relating to modern-day slavery.
This statement is made in pursuance of Section 54 (1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and will be reviewed for each financial year.
Date of approval: 28 March 2024
