Modern Slavery Statement

GOSH supports the Government’s objective to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking and recognises the significant role the NHS has to play in both combating it and supporting victims. In particular, we are committed to ensuring our supply chains and business activities are free from ethical and labour standards abuses. Steps taken to date include:

The Trust makes appropriate pre-employment checks on all directly employed staff. Only agencies on approved frameworks are used and they are audited to provide assurance that pre-employment clearance has been obtained for all agency staff.

There are a range of policies and procedures designed to protect staff from poor treatment and/or exploitation, which comply with all relevant employment law and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service code of practice. These include the provision of fair pay rates based on nationally negotiated terms and conditions of employment. There are also a range of benefits, including health and wellbeing support, and access to training and development opportunities.

Where changes to employment, work, organisation and policies and procedures are proposed, there is communication, consultation and negotiation with Trade Unions.

Efforts to engage and involve staff in matters which affect them include regular staff briefings and consultation with a range of staff forums, including BAME and LGBT, women and staff with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

The majority of our products and services are purchased from UK or EU based firms, which may also be required to comply with the requirements of the UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) or similar legislation in other European states. Where appropriate to the subject matter, tenders also require suppliers to submit details of their compliance in this area.

A significant number of products, equipment and services are purchased through NHS Supply Chain. Its Supplier Code of Conduct includes a provision around forced labour. NHS Supply Chain also carry out due diligence for this issue.

Advice and training about modern slavery and human trafficking is available to staff through our Safeguarding Children and Adults training, our safeguarding policies and procedures and our Safeguarding team.

Any concerns about modern slavery are taken seriously and managed sensitively, and support is provided. This includes referring to external agencies, where appropriate.

This statement has been approved by the Chief Nurse, who chairs the Strategic Safeguarding Committee. The committee reviews and updates the statement on an annual basis.

Page updated June 2023