Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Introduction

The Art Lab Services Ltd(‘us’ or ‘we’) has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery, which we consider includes different types of exploitation such as forced labour, servitude, child labour and human trafficking. We are committed to acting in an ethical manner and with integrity and transparency in all our business dealings.

This statement has been created in compliance with the provisions of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and has been approved by our Board of Directors and constitutes our modern slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 30th April 2023.

Our business and group structure

We are a Manchester based Digital Strategy, Marketing and Application Development company. We are committed to ensuring that all of our business dealings are carried out in full compliance with relevant laws and, in doing so, we endorse the implementation and promotion of ethical business practices to protect workers from being abused and exploited within our group and its supply chains.

This statement applies to The Art Lab Services Ltd( Company No. 6858146, with its registered office at 9 King St, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 3AX) and all steps taken in this statement are taken by us for our organisation.

Our polices

  • Recruitment policy. We conduct right to work checks for all our employees to safeguard against human trafficking or individuals being forced to work against their will.
  • Employee Handbook. We include, among other things, policies on diversity, health and safety, the environment, anti-bribery and corruption, grievance procedures and whistleblowing.  In particular, our whistleblowing policy ensures that all employees know that they can raise any concerns that they may have without fear of reprisals.

Our supply chains

The activities that we engage in at our registered office and principal place of business are primarily focused on providing business support, design, marketing and technical development work and, other than online software services (Saas), do not directly involve a supply chain. We regularly outsource legal services, taxation advisory services, financial due diligence services, insurance services and any cleaning services.

Managing risk

We are committed to preventing acts of modern slavery and human trafficking in any part of our business. We encourage our employees to report any concerns relating to unlawful conduct, malpractice, dangers to the public, or to the environment, and any other matter of a serious nature. Our aim is to act ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implement and enforce effective due diligence in compliance with all areas of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Due diligence processes

We monitor areas of the business that we believe carry the highest susceptibility to the risk of employing slave or trafficked labour. This includes monitoring roles where low-skilled labour is required.

Our business looks to regualrly complete the Social Responsibility Alliance’s Slavery & Trafficking Risk Template to assess the risks within the business and the respective supply chains. This process enables us to gauge commitment to eradicating slavery.

Training

We maintain and receive up-to-date, awareness-raising information around issues involving modern slavery and human trafficking, including:

  • Types of slavery and trafficking
  • How to spot potential slavery or trafficking issues
  • Whistleblowing processes

Assessment and effectiveness

Despite the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic on our business, no significant risks were identified during the past financial year. However, we recognise that our commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery is a continual journey. As such, we will continue to review and, where necessary, modify our processes on a regular basis.

This statement was last updated on 1st May, 2022.