Modern Slavery Statement

This statement is published in accordance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015

 

Statement on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

 

In respect of the section 54(1) of the Modern Slavey Act 2015, we recognise our responsibililty to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from existing in our business and from our supply chain.

 

Rawlinson & Hunter LLP is a well established accountancy practice employing approximately 270 staff in the UK. We have offices in central London and Leatherhead, Surrey. Our core business is the provision of taxation and accountancy services to a broad international and UK client base. Rawlinson & Hunter LLP is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and all Partners and members of staff demonstrate high standards of professional conduct by following the ICAEW Code of Ethics throughout our business activity.

 

We believe that our business and the sector in which we operate are relatively low risk in this regard as we employ a workforce of well paid and highly skilled people, we do not generally subcontract out work and we have a limited number of third party suppliers. This statement, however, is a reflection of our commitment to develop and implement working practices to minimise the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking taking place.

 

We have clear employment policies and processes in place and believe that we operate to a high level of compliance with best employment practices. New and existing staff receive thorough training in our employment policies.

 

We have rigorous processes in place to vet all staff who we directly employ. It is a requirement that all staff we employ provide evidence of their right to work in the UK and we additionally conduct employment reference and disclosure and barring checks for all staff.

 

We have a whistleblowing policy in place which encourages employees to report wrongdoing in our business, including any suspected criminal activity such as human trafficking or modern slavery. The policy protects employees from detrimental treatment as a result of making the report. We have a clear process for investigating such claims and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken. 

 

Our key suppliers are providers of services such as IT software and hardware, professional training and education, cleaning, maintenance, utilities and recruitment. We expect our suppliers to have appropriate anti-slavery and human trafficking policies and processes in place and when we engage new suppliers we communicate to them that we have zero tolerance in regard to these matters. As we renew our supplier contracts, we will be seeking reassurances that these suppliers have similar procedures in place to help prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.

 

Training

 

Staff are made aware through training of our intolerance towards modern slavery and human trafficking and we provide training to those involved in procurement and supplier management to help them to address risks directly with providers.

 

 

 

This statement has been approved by the Management Team for and on behalf of Rawlinson & Hunter LLP.