1. Purpose

This policy ensures that Prudent Supported Living Limited:

• Understands the risks associated with modern slavery and human trafficking.

• Has procedures in place to identify, prevent, and respond to such risks.

• Supports staff in recognising, reporting, and responding to concerns.

This policy applies primarily to adults. For safeguarding children, please refer to the Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy.

2. Scope

Roles Affected: All staff, Registered Managers, Management Teams.
People Affected: Individuals we support.
Stakeholders Affected: Commissioners, Local Authorities, Partners, and Agencies.

3. Relevant Legislation

• Modern Slavery Act 2015

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2012

4. Definitions

• Modern Slavery: Encompasses slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, and human trafficking.

• Human Trafficking: The movement of individuals by coercion for the purpose of exploitation.

• Forced Labour: Work or service extracted from any person under threat, without voluntary consent.

• Exploitation: Includes sexual, criminal, financial, and cultural abuse for personal or commercial gain.

5. Responsibilities

• All Staff: Must be trained, vigilant, and able to identify signs of modern slavery.

• Managers: Must ensure awareness, training, compliance, and reporting mechanisms are in place.

• Senior Management: Must oversee the annual Modern Slavery Statement (where applicable) and ensure it is signed and published appropriately.

6. Policy Statements

• Zero-Tolerance Approach
  Prudent Supported Living Limited operates a strict zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery and human trafficking in its own operations and supply chains.

• Supply Chain Expectations
  We work exclusively with suppliers who adhere to ethical practices and can demonstrate compliance with modern slavery legislation.

• Raising Concerns
  All concerns about modern slavery must be raised immediately via the appropriate channels.

  • In cases of immediate danger, emergency services must be contacted by dialling 999.

• Support and Whistleblowing
  Staff are encouraged to use the Freedom to Speak Up, Raising Concerns, and Whistleblowing Policies without fear of retaliation.

7. Key Procedures

• Reporting Concerns

  • Immediate danger: Contact emergency services (999).

  • Notify the Registered Manager (Megan Smith / Rebecca Mozley).

  • Escalate the concern to Derbyshire County Council Safeguarding Adults Team.

  • Notify the CQC via the provider portal, if required.

• Recruitment Safeguards

  • Conduct Right to Work checks, DBS vetting, and reference checks for all employees.

  • Vet all agency staff thoroughly to minimise risks.

  • Provide mandatory training for all staff on identifying signs of modern slavery.

  • Deliver annual refresher training to ensure ongoing compliance and awareness.

Common signs may include, but are not limited to:

• Physical or psychological abuse.

• Poor living conditions.

• Restrictions on movement or communication.

• Reluctance to seek help or fear of authorities.

• Debt bondage or withheld documents.

• Unusual working patterns, travel arrangements, or living locations.

(A full list of indicators is available in the Staff Guidance Handbook.)

Where legally required, Prudent Supported Living Limited will publish an Annual Modern Slavery Statement outlining:

• Company structure and operations.

• Supply chain due diligence processes.

• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

• Staff training initiatives.

• Effectiveness measures.

10. Further Guidance and Resources

• GOV.UK – Modern Slavery Act 2015

• Salvation Army – Modern Slavery Support

• Home Office – Modern Slavery Awareness and Victim Identification

• Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) – Indicators of Abuse