Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement 2024
Zero Tolerance for Modern Slavery: Building a Safe, Ethical Future Together.
Introduction
Solacia Cares is fully committed to preventing and addressing all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and are dedicated to ensuring that our business activities do not contribute to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
This statement outlines the steps we have taken and will continue to take to combat modern slavery and human trafficking in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Solacia Cares is a provider of quality temporary housing and support services, dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and sustainable communities. We operate within a framework of social responsibility, aiming to improve the lives of our residents and the broader community. We understand the importance of transparency in our operations and the need to actively prevent human rights abuses within our business and supply chains.
Our Commitment
At Solacia and Solacia Cares, we are committed to the following principles:
Zero Tolerance
We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking in any form. This commitment extends to all individuals and organisations we work with, including contractors, suppliers, and partners.
Working Hours Compliance
We actively encourage all colleagues to comply with legal limits on working hours, ensuring that no one is overworked and that the welfare of our employees is prioritised.
Equality, Diversity, and Safeguarding Policies
We have robust strategies and policies in place covering equality and diversity, vulnerability, safeguarding, domestic abuse, and violence against women and girls. We provide specialist training and support for front-line employees to ensure they can effectively identify and respond to these issues.
Adherence to Code of Conduct
All employees are required to adhere to Solacia Care’s updated Code of Conduct and related policies, which include provisions against bribery, and requirements concerning workplace behaviour, equality, and diversity.
Compliance and Due Diligence
We ensure that all our operations comply with relevant laws and regulations regarding modern slavery and human trafficking. We conduct thorough due diligence on our supply chains to identify and mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Monitoring During Visits
During home, site, or scheme visits, our staff are trained to check for signs of modern slavery and human trafficking, as well as any other welfare concerns related to tenants, their households, contractors, or members of the public. Where we have concerns, we undertake a thorough review, involving specialist and/or independent advice as required, and report the matter to the relevant authorities in line with our policies and procedures and wider safeguarding approach.
Reporting and Accountability
We have implemented clear reporting mechanisms for employees, residents, and partners to raise concerns about potential instances of modern slavery or human trafficking. These mechanisms are supported by a robust process for investigating and addressing any reports.
Real Living Wage
We ensure that all our employees are paid at least the Real Living Wage, reflecting our commitment to fair remuneration and helping to combat economic exploitation.
Employment Verification
All new employees are required to provide verified documentation (such as a passport) before their start date to verify their legal right to work in the UK. This is part of our rigorous due diligence to prevent illegal working practices.
Supplier Code of Conduct
We have established a Supplier Code of Conduct that outlines our expectations regarding human rights, labour practices, and ethical conduct. All suppliers and partners are required to adhere to these standards as a condition of doing business with Solacia Cares.
Whistleblowing Policy
We have a Whistleblowing Policy in place to protect employees and contractors from negative repercussions if they report, in good faith, an apparent breach of legislation or Solacia Care’s Code of Conduct. We ensure that all such reports are properly investigated and acted upon as necessary. Our policy encourages individuals to raise concerns with confidence that they will be treated seriously and confidentially.
Risk Assessment
We regularly assess the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. This includes evaluating the geographical regions and industries we engage with to ensure they meet our ethical standards.
Robust Action Against Subletting
We thoroughly investigate reports of subletting and take robust action against it. Solacia Cares will support prosecutions where appropriate and issue money claims to prevent profiteering from subletting social housing.
Freedom is the right of every human being. At Solacia Cares, we stand together to safeguard that right, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.
Comprehensive Supply Chain Audits
In line with recommendations from the Exempt Accommodation Report, we conducted rigorous audits of our supply chains, focusing on the quality of accommodation, support, and care services provided by our partners. These audits have identified and addressed any gaps in ethical practice and safeguarding.
Improved Quality Standards for Accommodation
We introduced a stricter vetting process for housing quality, ensuring that all properties adhere to national housing standards, including fire safety and hygiene. This process ensures that residents live in safe, clean, and secure environments, addressing the report’s concerns about poor living conditions.
Training and Capacity Building for Staff
We expanded our internal training programmes, particularly focusing on equipping staff with the skills to support vulnerable residents effectively. Training also addressed safeguarding, domestic abuse, and anti-trafficking measures, reflecting the importance of skilled, experienced staff.
Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies
In response to a call for better oversight and regulation, we enhanced our collaboration with local authorities and relevant regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. This included sharing data on our exempt accommodation, working more closely with councils, and committing to a more transparent referral process for residents.
Strengthened Whistleblowing and Reporting Mechanisms
We reinforced our whistleblowing policies to allow residents and employees to report concerns about poor standards or exploitation without fear of reprisal. These mechanisms were aligned with national best practices to ensure that reports are properly investigated and resolved.We expanded our internal training programmes, particularly focusing on equipping staff with the skills to support vulnerable residents effectively. Training also addressed safeguarding, domestic abuse, and anti-trafficking measures, reflecting the importance of skilled, experienced staff.
Steps taken in 2023
Throughout 2023, Solacia Cares has taken significant steps to improve our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking. These steps include:
Looking Ahead in 2024
In 2024, Solacia Cares will further enhance our approach by addressing the remaining gaps in oversight, care provision, and transparency, as identified not only in the Exempt Accommodation Report but other reports.
Key initiatives include:
National Standard Compliance
We will actively work to align with the forthcoming national standards on care, support, and accommodation for exempt housing, as recommended by the report. Our internal processes will be updated to meet these minimum standards and ensure continuous compliance with local authority regulations.
Improved Referral Pathways
To ensure that residents are placed in the right accommodation suited to their needs, we will develop a more rigorous and transparent referral system. We will work closely with local authorities to standardise assessments and ensure that no resident is placed in inappropriate or unsafe housing, addressing the report’s concerns around improper placements.
Dedicated Support for Domestic Abuse Survivors
In line with recommendations that housing for domestic abuse survivors should be managed by specialist providers, we will establish partnerships with recognised experts in domestic abuse support. This will ensure that survivors receive the specialised care they need and are housed in safe, supportive environments.
Increased Oversight of Providers
Solacia Cares will implement stricter oversight measures for all non-commissioned providers we work with. This includes regular inspections, performance evaluations, and reporting, ensuring that all partners meet the required care and accommodation standards.
Data Collection and Transparency
We will enhance our data collection and reporting systems to better track the number of residents in exempt accommodation, their care outcomes, and the quality of services provided. This will align with the report’s recommendation to improve transparency and data sharing within the sector.
Conclusion
Solacia Cares remains steadfast in our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms. We believe that by taking a proactive and transparent approach, we can help to protect the rights and dignity of individuals both within our organisation and across our supply chains.
This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors and is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 for the financial year ending 31 December 2024.
Board of Directors
Solacia Cares LTD
Date: 20 August 2024
Start Your Path Now
Solacia Cares is a provider of quality temporary housing and support services, dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and sustainable communities. We operate within a framework of social responsibility, aiming to improve the lives of our residents and the broader community. We understand the importance of transparency in our operations and the need to actively prevent human rights abuses within our business and supply chains.