Modern slavery

Modern slavery and human trafficking statement

This statement covers the activities of Diverse Matters and sets out Diverse Matter's actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business. The purpose of this statement is to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024

Diverse Matters is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in any part of our business or in our supply chains.

We expect the same high standards from all of our consultants, clients and business partners.

Organisational structure and supply chains

Diverse Matters is a diversity and inclusion consultancy that works with organisations within the UK and globally to embrace diversity in all its forms and embed diversity and inclusion within their practices.

The overall risk of modern slavery in our supply chain remains low, since the majority of our work is providing training and support, and we do not produce an actual physical product.

We have no migrant labour within our business and none of the activities conducted by Diverse Matters are considered to be at high risk of slavery or human trafficking.

Responsibility for our anti-slavery initiatives is as follows.

Risk assessments:
On the basis of the due diligence and analysis of the Diverse Matters business and our supply chains carried out to date, we consider that Diverse Matters is currently at a low risk of modern slavery and human trafficking in both the context of our own business and our supply chains. We have appropriate policies in place to encourage the reporting of any concerns from our consultants or employees.

Recruitment and employees
We have a variety of policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with UK employment law, and periodic internal audit reviews provide assurance on the operation of these policies.

We carry out appropriate background checks including Right to Work and role-appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service checks for all appointments.
All our employees are UK based, and we are compliant with the National Living Wage requirements. We minimise the use of agency support and ensure compliance with all aspects of UK employment law.

Employees are able to discuss any issues affecting them during regular structured meetings.
 
Training:
All staff members have access to Modern Slavery training through our eLearning partner/s.

Relevant policies:
In addition to our core values which guide how we work at Diverse Matters, we also have the following policies accessible by all employees and Associates

• Whistleblowing policy: protecting whistleblowers through our confidential reporting process.
• Bullying and Harassment policy: and guidance for employees prohibiting harassment and intimidation.
• Disciplinary policy: prohibiting any threat of violence.
• Safeguarding policy: protecting from harm and promoting the wellbeing of young people and vulnerable adults.
• Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy: supporting our commitment to equity and in inclusion in our practice.
• Well-Being Policy:  Outlining the organisation's commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of employees and the range of services available to help employees maintain health and wellbeing. 

Due diligence
The procedures set out in this Statement are intended to reduce the risk of slavery and human trafficking occurring in our business and supply chains, and to enable us to monitor potential risk areas in our business and supply chains. We will continue to monitor our due diligence against CIPS ethical guidance and standards.