MODERN SLAVERY statement

Policy Statement

This statement is issued in compliance with section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and pertains to business entities within the United Kingdom that are part of Stalwart Bridge Limited. Throughout this statement, these UK entities are referred to as ‘the Company.’ The details provided in this statement pertain to the financial year 2023/2024.
Stalwart Bridge Limited operates and promotes within the education sector in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Ireland and Denmark. Stalwart Bridge Limited represents an international network of higher-education universities and institutions unified by a commitment to bring accessibility to higher education to all. The Company extends its operations across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The Company’s head office is in Manchester, United Kingdom.
The Company promotes a range of educational courses in collaboration with universities and institutions, including bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, professional training, English language instruction, and corporate/executive education. Furthermore, the Company collaborates with third-party entities to promote these courses and training and manage its in country and overseas operations, including Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Information Technology, and Communications.
The Company staff members are required travel to various countries to manage and promote its business operations and relations.

definition

The Company believes that modern slavery includes the following aspects:

  • Human trafficking
  • Forced labour – involving mental or physical force
  • Being subjected to ownership or control by an employer through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse
  • Dehumanization, treating individuals as commodities, or their sale as property
  • Physical confinement or limitations on freedom of movement

Commitment

The Company recognizes its obligations in addressing modern slavery and is dedicated to sticking to the stipulations outlined in the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (The United Kingdom). The Company acknowledges that this entails continuous assessments of its internal procedures concerning its workforce and its supply chains.

The Company is committed to avoiding any business associations with other companies, whether in the United Kingdom or overseas, that are known to support or engage in slavery, servitude, or forced or compulsory labor.

The Company ensures that all labour provided to support its services is acquired without the use of slavery or human trafficking. The Company not only complies with the minimum standards stipulated by applicable employment legislation in the UK but often surpasses these minimum requirements when it comes to its employees.

Supply chains

The Company is dedicated to guaranteeing that its supply chains are free of slavery. The principal supply chains for the Company encompass various areas, such as offices, consultants, agency workers, recruitment agencies, security personnel (including CCTV operations), delivery services, and professional services. The Company acknowledges that its primary suppliers are intermediary traders, which implies that it maintain additional contractual connections with lower-tier suppliers.

To ensure that our supply chains remain free from slavery, we have put in place the following measures:

  • Our standard contracts include an anti-slavery clause, obligating our suppliers to comply with the Modern Slavery Act and related legislation.
  • Contracts incorporate a clause allowing us to audit suppliers annually to assess their compliance with the Act.
  • We employ best practices when engaging with suppliers.
  • We exclusively work with reputable agencies that have established contracts for each appointment when hiring staff.
  • All staff recruited through agencies must provide right-to-work documents as part of our pre-employment checks.
  • We adhere to regulations concerning agency staff reaching 12 weeks of engagement.
  • Every new and existing supplier is requested to furnish their Modern Slavery Policy or Statement as proof of compliance with the Modern Slavery Act. Failure to provide such proof will raise concerns, and we will seek alternative suppliers or contractors.
  • Before procurement, all personnel responsible for specific aspects of purchasing are well-versed in the Modern Slavery Act and request evidence from new suppliers.
  • Everyone involved is trained and knowledgeable about the Act and adheres to the aforementioned guidelines.
  • We are committed to keeping our policies and procedures up to date, ensuring compliance with legislative changes, including the Modern Slavery Act.
  • As a condition of procurement and contracting, suppliers and contractors must demonstrate adherence to employment legislation and, if applicable, compliance with the annual reporting requirements outlined in section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act.

 

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