Related policies
Human rights and modern slavery
We value human rights and champion fairness, putting steps in place to prevent modern slavery within our supply chain, and we are a committed Living Wage Employer.
As a homebuilder, we recognise the potential to cause, contribute to, or be indirectly associated with a wide spectrum of human rights impacts. At the same time, we have the opportunity to positively influence the lives of individuals throughout our value chain.
We uphold high labour standards through a risk-based approach that addresses both direct and indirect impacts.
Our approach
We are committed to respecting human rights and preventing modern slavery across our operations and value chain, in line with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and OECD due diligence guidance. We recognise the heightened risks within construction supply chains and our responsibility to identify, mitigate and address them effectively.
Whilst operating solely in the UK, we are supported by a complex supply chain of materials suppliers and subcontractors. We continue to strengthen our risk-based human rights due diligence framework, focusing on supply chain engagement and enhancement of our operational controls.
Oversight is provided by the Board Sustainability Committee and a cross-functional Human Rights Steering Committee. Our Human Rights Approach (link) sets out our framework for upholding high quality labour standards and human rights across our value chain.
Key risk areas include subcontracted and agency labour, particularly where workers may be vulnerable due to temporary employment, migration status or language barriers. Within materials sourcing, risks are greatest in global supply chains and product categories where there may be reduced visibility of labour conditions beyond Tier 1 suppliers.
We continue to enhance due diligence through supplier screening, self-assessment questionnaires, tender questionnaires and targeted engagement in higher-risk categories. Site controls have also been strengthened through enhanced inductions, confidential worker interviews and training for site management.
Partnerships
We collaborate with the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Built Environment Against Slavery group. This cross-industry group looks at opportunities to drive a common approach to combatting modern slavery and labour exploitation, through the upskilling across supply chain. We co-sponsored its procurement guidance: ‘ Addressing Modern Slavery and Labour Exploitation in Solar PV Supply Chains ’ and have adopted the guidance within our own solar procurement practices.
Modern Slavery Statement
Our modern slavery statement sets out steps taken by the Group to prevent human trafficking and slavery in our business and supply chain.
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