Modern Slavery
HUMAN RIGHTS & HUMAN TRAFFICKING
DeskRise supports the protection and advancement of human rights in the countries within which we operate (currently the United Kingdom) and is guided by the fundamental principles set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Global Compact, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
We support the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and accept our corporate responsibility to respect human rights. Our commitment to these fundamental principles is reflected in our policies and actions towards our employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities we impact.
We believe that all employees should be treated with respect and dignity and work in an environment free from harassment and unlawful discrimination. DeskRise believes that every employee should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, victimisation, harassment, and bullying, and that all employees should be treated fairly and with dignity regardless of their background, protected characteristics, or personal views.
Our position on human rights is communicated to all employees, who are expected to uphold these standards at all times.
We strive to promote adherence to human rights principles throughout our supply chains by encouraging actions that are consistent with our values and policies, and by working with suppliers whose corporate values align with our own. Specifically, suppliers are encouraged to follow best practice in areas such as business ethics, employment standards, and environmental responsibility, and to understand the impact of their products and services in order to mitigate any adverse effects on stakeholders.
We view our relationships with suppliers as an opportunity to share best practice and, through open communication, promote continual learning and improvement with respect to human rights.
MODERN SLAVERY & CHILD LABOUR
The UK Government enacted the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to strengthen efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking in all their forms. In addition to consolidating criminal offences relating to modern slavery and human trafficking, the Act introduced a requirement for certain businesses to publish an annual statement setting out the steps taken to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within their business or supply chains.
DeskRise has zero tolerance for modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour occurring anywhere within our operations or supply chains. We are committed to:
Working only with suppliers and business partners who uphold ethical standards consistent with our own.
Promoting best practices in procurement processes to minimise the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking within our supply chains.
Ensuring customers can have confidence that the products and services they receive from us are free from the influence of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Ensuring employees involved in procurement activities understand the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and their role in supporting supply chain transparency.
Identifying and understanding heightened risks that may arise in certain territories, sectors, or supply arrangements and responding appropriately.
Child Labour
DeskRise requires all suppliers to adhere to the standards established by the International Labour Organization concerning the employment of children and young people. In particular:
Children must not be employed before they have completed compulsory schooling and, in any case, not before the age of 15.
Individuals under the age of 18 must not be required to undertake hazardous work or duties that could endanger their health, safety, or wellbeing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
We require all employees, suppliers, contractors, agents, and other individuals and organisations with whom we work to support and comply with this policy and our approach to combating modern slavery and human trafficking.
Relevant individuals are expected to:
Read and understand this policy.
Report any behaviour or activities that they believe may breach this policy to an appropriate manager.
Communicate the principles of this policy to relevant colleagues and business partners where appropriate.
Carry out their responsibilities in a manner that enables DeskRise to comply with this policy.
DeskRise expects all businesses with whom we work to:
Implement policies and procedures within their own organisations to support compliance with this policy.
Ensure staff recruitment and hiring practices, including the engagement of temporary workers through agencies or third-party providers, confirm that all workers are acting voluntarily and are not subject to coercion or control.
Maintain policies and procedures for the selection and management of suppliers that identify and manage risks relating to modern slavery and human trafficking.
Keep appropriate records that enable the provision of information required for supply chain transparency reporting.
Monitor the effectiveness of their policies and procedures and continually seek opportunities to improve standards.
BREACHES OF THIS POLICY
Any employee who breaches this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct.
This policy does not form part of any employee's contract of employment, and DeskRise reserves the right to amend it at any time.
DeskRise may terminate relationships with suppliers, contractors, or other business partners who fail to comply with the requirements of this policy.
Mark Hallam
Managing Director
DeskRise