Allen Lane recognises the problem of modern slavery and human trafficking and entirely deplores this practice. As an organisation responsible for placing large numbers of candidates into interim and permanent roles, we are fully aware of the need for fair treatment of all, as reflected in our equal opportunities and diversity policies. We supplement that with this commitment to avoiding any potential for slavery and human trafficking in our business activities.
The business activities of Allen Lane are the sourcing and placement of candidates into client organisations, predominantly in the UK public sector, on either a temporary/interim basis or a permanent basis. The vast majority of our candidates are professionally qualified individuals.
We are regularly approached by candidates seeking roles, who typically work for PAYE umbrella companies or limited companies of which they are shareholders and directors. All umbrella companies are fully vetted by us prior to placing any candidates to ensure that they operate in line with UK legislation. All of our candidates voluntarily apply for roles and, in line with the Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, we only represent candidates who have given their permission for us to do so.
We obtain and store copies of passports for all candidates, and where they are not EU citizens we verify their right to work using official documentation such as a visa, biometric residence permit or by checking their status with the Home Office.
Other than the umbrella companies and candidates’ limited companies, we have a limited range of suppliers relating to the day to day operation of the business. We work with professional firms and, to the best of our knowledge, there is no modern slavery or human trafficking amongst these suppliers. In the event of entering into any significant sub-contracting with suppliers, we will take steps to review any slavery and human trafficking policies of the appropriate supplier.
This statement is published in accordance with section 54 of the Act, and relates to the financial year June 2023 to May 2024. It was approved by the CEO, Maurice Goldstone, on 4 July 2023.
Maurice Goldstone
CEO
1.1. Modern slavery is a criminal offence under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Modern slavery can occur in various forms, including servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain. This document sets out the policy of Allen Lane with the aim of the prevention of opportunities for modern slavery to occur within its businesses or supply chain.
2.1 We are committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chains, consistent with our disclosure obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners, and we are evolving and updating our contracting processes to include specific prohibitions against the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, whether adults or children. We require our suppliers to hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.
3.1 Ultimate responsibility for the prevention of modern slavery rests with the CEO, Maurice Goldstone.
3.2 Managers at all levels are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them:
4.1 Internal
Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns about suspected modern slavery associated with Allen Lane or our suppliers and should do this either through their line manager or by informing the CEO.
4.2 External
Members of the public or people not employed by Allen Lane should write, in confidence, to the CEO (either via e-mail: mauricegoldstone@allenlane.co.uk or to the registered office) to raise any concern, issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any part of our business or related supply chain.
4.3 We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery of whatever form is or may be taking place in any part of our own business or in any of our supply chains. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern.
4.4 If an issue is identified with a supplier we will work with them to prepare a corrective action plan and resolve all violations within an agreed upon time period.
5.1 Following its initial adoption, this Policy will be reviewed by Allen Lane’s Board of Directors on a regular basis (at least annually) and may be amended from time to time.