Modern Slavery Statement
Policies in relation to slavery and human trafficking
Microbiological Supply Company Ltd fully endorses the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, human trafficking and forced labour. Alpha Laboratories, and thereby its staff, have a duty of care to ensure that modern slavery or human trafficking is not taking place within our business or supply chain.
Our commitment is embodied in our Anti-Slavery, Social Compliance and Code of Conduct, Whistle blowing and Equality & Diversity Policies.
Our Internal processes of Recruitment, staff Training, Inductions define our expectations for business and staff behaviours. Externally, Microbiological Supply Company Ltd requires its business partners and its supply chain to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, industry codes and contractual terms.
Due diligence processes
Microbiological Supply Company Ltd enters into formal agreement following visits and technical audit with suppliers. Internal quality procedures are followed and a social compliance declaration is completed by the supplier as part of our due diligence on all suppliers before allowing them to become a preferred supplier. The visits and declaration include:
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They have taken steps to eradicate modern slavery within their business
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They hold their own suppliers to account over modern slavery
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(For UK based suppliers) They pay their employees at least the national minimum wage / national living wage (as appropriate)
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(For international suppliers) They pay their employees any prevailing minimum wage applicable within their country of operations
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We may terminate the contract at any time should any instances of modern slavery come to light
Risk assessment and management
Microbiological Supply Company Ltd understands that there is a potential exposure to Modern Slavery when we are purchasing goods and services from third parties but due to the nature of our business and our approach to governance, we assess that there is a very low risk of slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains but we continue to remain vigilant - re-assess and review the effectiveness of our policies periodically. Moreover, we continue to review through Supplier Assessments (part of our Quality System and each is actively reviewed by our Senior Management – the Director of Quality & Regulatory Assurance & Finance Director) of our expectations to all ethical standards expected of our suppliers, regardless of the area in which they operate.
Training on modern slavery and trafficking
All Staff undertake a thorough Induction hinging on values and ethics. All line managers, Managers and Senior Managers undertake bespoke Modern Slavery Training to underpin their roles and responsibilities.
Microbiological Supply Company Ltd will continue to update its policies and procedures, raise awareness on this important topic and look at how it can address the issue of Modern Slavery within its business and supply chain. We will continue to work at maintaining appropriate safeguards against any mistreatment of persons involved in our supply chain or our own business.