Modern Slavery Act

Synergy Health Managed Services Ltd - Modern Slavery Statement 2019

Introduction

This statement sets out Synergy Health Managed Services Limited (trading as Synergy LMS) actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that helps ensure there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business or that of its supply chain. 

The organisation recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking and is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities.

The Company is committed to implementing and maintaining systems and processes to help avoid complicity in Slavery and Human Trafficking related to our operations and those of our affiliates. This Statement is made pursuant to the Modern Slavery Act of 2015 ("Act"). This statement applies to the Company and any of its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company recognises that Slavery and Human Trafficking can occur in many forms. References in this Report to "Slavery and Human Trafficking" are intended to encompass any form of coerced labour. 

Organisational structure and supply chains

Synergy LMS provides a range of sterile linen and laundry management services to hospitals and other healthcare providers throughout the UK including NHS Acute Trusts, private hospitals, ambulance Trusts and healthcare community Trusts. Synergy LMS owns three facilities in Derby, Sheffield and Dunstable and employs approximately 830 employees in the UK.

Risk Assessment

The risk of slavery and human trafficking within our own organisation is substantially avoided and mitigated as a result of strict policies and procedures as well as the oversight built into our business operations and the knowledge and skills of our employees. 

In our direct operations, we have identified that the greatest potential risks on issues such as illegal working come from service providers such as Laundry Operatives or Linen Assistants. This is based on employing migrant workers in this sector who may be less aware of their rights and more vulnerable to abuse and, because we have less direct visibility over these areas.

With respect to our supply chain and indirect operations, we purchase significant quantities of textiles as part of service, sourcing via proven and established UK based suppliers. For the majority of our supplies the textiles are originally manufactured and sourced from overseas and as a consequence we require our textile suppliers to operate to and evidence ethical standards commensurate with our Supplier Code of Conduct (see below).

In particular we require our textile suppliers to publish their Ethical Sourcing Policy and furnish evidence, for example audit reports, to substantiate the implementation of the policy.

Responsibility

The Company Directors, Human Resources and Senior Managers shall be responsible for ensuring that the activities of the Company comply with the Act.

Relevant policies

The organisation operates the following policies that describe its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations:

• Whistle blowing policy The organisation encourages all its workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, the organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The organisation's whistle blowing procedure is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. Employees, customers or others who have concerns can email their concerns to whistleblower@synergylms.co.uk.

• Employee code of conduct The organisation's code makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing the organisation. The organisation strives to maintain the high standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating abroad and managing its supply chain.

• Recruitment policy We operate a robust recruitment policy, including conducting eligibility to work in the UK checks for all employees to safeguard against human trafficking or individuals being forced to work against their will. 

• Supplier Code of Conduct  Our Suppliers Code of Conduct requires our suppliers to follow and share high standards of business practice and ethics. The key principles of our code of conduct require suppliers to: 

• Recognise and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed Human Rights; 

• Abide and work in line with the United Nations Global Compact principles on human rights and labour; 

• Ensure the provision of a safe working environment for employees;

• Strictly prohibit the use of child labour or any form of slavery, forced labour and human trafficking as defined in the Modern Slavery Act 2015; 

• Ensure labour conditions are fair; wages reflect work performance and all legal requirements are complied with; and 

• Prevent any form of discrimination based upon any distinction such as; race, gender, age, ethnicity, political opinion, origin etc.

Our code of conduct requires all employees of the Company, among other obligations, to:

• Act lawfully and ethically responsibly in all of their business practices; and

• Comply with applicable laws.

The Code also specifically provides that a failure by any employee to comply with laws or regulations governing the Company's business or the Code may result in disciplinary action, termination, and if warranted, legal proceedings. 

We continue to review our procurement process, supplier diversity, training practises and performance measures. This will ensure on-going training and guidance is provided for those with procurement responsibilities to assess the human rights and labour performance of suppliers and will support to any colleagues who are required to work in countries where slavery and human trafficking is deemed to be a significant risk.   

Over the past 12 months, Synergy LMS have also:

• Made staff aware of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and informed them of the appropriate action to take if they suspect a case of slavery or human trafficking. This is done through team briefs for example. 

• Ensured that consideration of the Modern Slavery risks and prevention are added to our policy review process where necessary.

During 2019, Synergy LMS will look to undertake the following activities.

• Continue to develop staff awareness for the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and reporting mechanisms if a case of slavery or human trafficking is suspected.

• Implement specific training as and when necessary including during an employee’s induction into the business.

This statement has been approved by the organisation's Board of Directors that will review annually.

Date:  31.03.2023

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