We have published our modern slavery statement, which highlights our approach to understanding all potential modern slavery risks related to our business and ensures there is no slavery or human trafficking in our business or supply chains. This statement relates to the financial year 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018.

RHP Group has examined the risk of modern slavery within its business operations and considers the risk to be very low.

This assessment is based upon the nature of RHP Group’s business, which is a service operating solely in England.

As part of the housing sector, RHP Group recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking and is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities and to ensuring that its infrastructure is free from slavery and human trafficking.

Relevant policies
The RHP Group operates the following policies that could support preventing slavery and human trafficking in its operations:

• Whistleblowing Policy - the organisation encourages all its workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, the organisation. This would include any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. RHP Group’s Whistleblowing Policy is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation.
• Code of Conduct for Employees, Board Members and Involved Residents – RHP Group’s code of conduct makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing the organisation. RHP Group strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour
• Recruitment and Selection Policy and Recruitment Policy: Fixed Term Contracts, Temporary and Agency Workers – RHP Group uses only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting workers from that agency.

Our supply chain
Our procurement activities take place in England and our contractors and suppliers are predominantly UK based. Some of our suppliers subcontract work or rely on recruitment agencies to supply permanent or temporary staff. Whilst we consider that the risk in our supply chains is low, we recognise that no supply chain can be considered entirely risk free.  Our robust tendering process ensures we engage with reputable contractors who adhere to all appropriate legislation, regulation and practices. Our contract management arrangements help us ensure they maintain the standards required.

Modern slavery statement

We require that new and existing suppliers declare that they are not involved in slavery or human trafficking and are fully compliant with the Modern Slavery Act 2015

During 2017/18, the RHP Group will:

• Raise general awareness amongst our staff of our commitment and encourage them to report concerns and ensure that these are acted upon.
• Co-operate with relevant authorities, and take appropriate tenancy enforcement action, where cases of slavery and human trafficking are identified within our homes or by our customers
• Review and update relevant internal policies and procedures to ensure we are taking effective and proportionate steps to ensure there is no slavery or human trafficking in our business.
• Explain to employees the basic principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and advise on how they flag up potential slavery or human trafficking issues to the relevant parties within the organisation.