JTS Training Limited (JTS) Modern Slavery Statement 2023
Introduction
This statement sets out JTS Training’s (JTSTRAINING) actions and steps we maintain to prevent slavery and human trafficking. In this statement we aim to give a transparent report on our progress in addressing any risks.
Dimension Training Solutions have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking, and we are fully committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our activities and supply chains.
Our Business
Jts training (JTSTRAINING) is a work-based learning provider offering a range of qualifications.
Policy
Our policies reflect our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity.
Safeguarding Policy
Our safeguarding policy sets out the legislative requirements to provide a duty of care and provide a clear process for escalating concerns to protect individuals. We have a dedicated helpline and email address to enable people to easily raise any concerns.
Prevent Policy
Our Prevent policy sets out a clear framework to structure and inform our response to safeguarding concerns for those people who may be vulnerable to the messages of extremism. In addition, it provides details of the local inter agency process and expectations in identifying appropriate interventions based on the threshold of need and intervention model and the Channel process
Code of Conduct
Our code of conduct makes it clear to employees the actions and behaviour we expect from them when representing the company. We strive to maintain high standards of behaviour and strong ethical standards across the business including our supply chain Partners.
Whistleblowing Policy
We encourage all employers, service users and partners to report any concerns related to the direct activity of the business or supply chain partners. The procedure is designed to make it easy for disclosures to be raised, without fear of reprisal.
Equality & Diversity Policy
Our equality and diversity policy ensure that we respect and value the diversity of our learners, customers, employees, supply chain partners, partners, employers and all other people we work with. We strive to create a positive working environment to support learning and improve employment opportunities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect
Due Diligence & Risk Management
We expect the highest standards of conduct throughout our supply chain partners and for everyone to act with honesty and integrity. Part of our due diligence process includes the reviewing of polices to ensure that all supply chain partners we work with have suitable processes in place to reduce risks. JTS training (JTSTRAINING) will continue to work with supply chain partners to ensure that they meet the standards and comply with the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Training
Polices and processes are annually reviewed and cascaded to the business via our internal quality update, which ensures all employees are kept up to date. All our employees undergo a series of online training annually, to ensure they have good understanding and knowledge on a variety of subjects.
Effectiveness
Our due diligence processes help us to understand where we have greater risk. Modern slavery signs can be difficult to identify so we ensure that we improve the understanding of where risks are greatest and priorities activity accordingly. Jts training (JTSTRAINING) commit to continuing to review policies and procedures and putting in correct controls to mitigate risks of modern slavery and human trafficking across our organisation.
Approval
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 2023/2024. This statement has been validated by the JTSTRAINING board, signed by our Group Chief Executive and published on our website.
Review
Following its initial adoption, this Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed by the Company’s Executive Board of Directors on a regular basis (at least annually) and may be amended from time to time.
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
1. Policy Statement
JTS Training Limited (JTS) maintains relationships with many different organisations in its supply chain, as well as employing large numbers of people. In the light of the general law on employment and human rights, and, more specifically, the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we have reviewed our existing compliance and risk management processes to determine which existing measures are in place, and the further measures that may be required to prevent slavery and human trafficking taking place in any part of our business or in our supply chain.
The policy below underpins our approach, and will be used to inform our Statement on Slavery and Human Trafficking.
JTS TRAINING expect all who have, or seek to have, a business relationship with JTS TRAINING to familiarise themselves with our modern slavery statement and to act in accordance with its contents at all times.
JTS TRAINING are committed to opposing modern slavery in all its forms and preventing its occurrence by whatever means we can. We demand the same attitude of all who work for us and expect it of all with whom we have business dealings. Our attitude to modern slavery is that of zero tolerance.
2. Aims of the Policy
Modern slavery is a criminal offence under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the "Act"). Modern slavery can occur in various forms, including servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person's liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain. This document sets out the policy of JTS TRAINING (the "Company") with the aim of the prevention of opportunities for modern slavery to occur within its businesses or supply chain. This policy's use of the term "modern slavery" has the meaning given in the Act.
JTS TRAINING have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or those of our suppliers.
3. Scope of the Policy
JTS TRAINING are committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chains, consistent with our disclosure obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners, and our contracting processes will include specific prohibitions against the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, whether adults or children. Children can only start in full time work once they have reached the minimum school leaving age – they are then allowed to work up to a maximum of 40 hours per week. Children under 16 are not allowed to work in full time employment. In all cases, JTS TRAINING prohibits confiscation of workers' original identification documents. Migrant workers should not have their documentation retained by an employer or a third party and should have complete and free access to their own passport, identification documents, residency papers and should enjoy freedom of movement. JTS TRAINING expect our suppliers to hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.
All employees have an obligation to familiarise themselves with our procedures to help in the identification and prevention of modern slavery and to conduct business in a manner such that the opportunity for and incidence of modern slavery is prevented. Adherence to this policy forms part of all employee's obligations under their contract of employment.
Whilst recognising our statutory obligation to set out the steps we have taken to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in our supply chains, we acknowledge that we do not control the conduct of individuals and organisations in our supply chains. To underpin our compliance with practical steps, we intend to implement the following measures:
(i) conduct risk assessments to determine which parts of our business and which of our suppliers are most at risk of modern slavery so that efforts can be focused on those areas;
(ii) engage with our suppliers both to convey to them our Modern Slavery Policy and to gain an understanding of the measures taken by them to ensure modern slavery is not occurring in their businesses;
(iii) where appropriate, as informed by our risk assessment, seek to introduce supplier pre-screening (for example as part of our tender process) and self-reporting for our suppliers on safeguarding controls;
(iv) introduce contractual provisions for our suppliers to confirm their adherence to this policy and accept our right to audit their activities and (where practicable) relationships, both routinely and at times of reasonable suspicion.
4. Responsibility for the Policy
Ultimate responsibility for the prevention of modern slavery rests with JTS TRAINING's Executive Board. The Executive Board of directors have overall responsibility for ensuring this policy and its implementation comply with our legal and ethical obligations.
Managers at all levels are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them understand and comply with this policy and are given adequate and regular training on it's contents and the issue of modern slavery.
5. Types of Concerns
'Whistleblowing' refers to the disclosure by individuals of suspected malpractice, illegal acts or omissions at work. Examples of the types of concerns that may be raised include:
• You suspect a person acting on behalf of JTS TRAINING is seeking to exploit another in a way which could amount to modern slavery;
• You suspect that a person acting on behalf of one of our suppliers is seeking to exploit another in a way which could amount to modern slavery;
• You have received an approach from a person acting on behalf of JTS TRAINING or one of our supply chain partners who has invited you to participate in acts which could result in offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 being committed;
• You have information which leads to the rational conclusion that a person acting on behalf of JTS TRAINING or one of our suppliers is preparing to commit, is committing or has committed an act in contravention of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
The list is not exhaustive and simply representative of the types of concerns which may be raised.
6. Protection for those raising a concern
JTS TRAINING aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. JTS TRAINING will provide access to remedy, compensation and justice for victims of modern slavery – all workers should have access to judicial remedy and to credible grievance mechanisms, without fear or recrimination or dismissal. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery, of whatever form, is, or may be taking place in any part of our own business or in any of our supply chains. Detrimental treatment includes dismissal, disciplinary action, threats or other unfavourable treatment connected with raising a concern. The Company will accept and take seriously concerns communicated anonymously.
However, retention of anonymity does render investigations and validation more difficult and can make the process less effective. Individuals are therefore encouraged to put their names to allegations.
Any claims or allegations made which are found to be malicious or vexatious will result in disciplinary action being taken against the individual.
7. Raising a concern
7.1. Internal Reporting
As a first step employees should normally raise concerns with their immediate line manager, or contract manager where applicable. However, depending on the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue and the nature of the concern, employees may feel unable to raise the matter with their line manager and in this instance should approach the next level of management. The guiding rule is that employees should address their complaint to the level of management who they believe has no involvement in the matter.
If employees feel unable to raise the matter with their line manager, or their superior, the matter should be raised with one of the designated officers who have responsibility and training in dealing with whistleblowing concerns, namely: the Head of Corporate Services using the dedicated and confidential email: wellbeing@jtstraining.co.uk.
A line manager in receipt of an allegation should refer it to the Head of Corporate Services as outlined above.
7.2. External Reporting
This policy has been developed in order to provide employees with the guidance and reassurance they need to raise a concern internally. However, it is recognised that there may be circumstances where employees feel it necessary to raise their concerns outside the business and in these circumstances employees have a number of external avenues open to them.
'Whistleblowing' refers to the disclosure by individuals of suspected malpractice, illegal acts or omissions at work. Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work) is the UK's whistleblowing charity, aiming to protect worker's rights and organisations' reputations, by encouraging safe and responsible whistleblowing.
https://protect-advice.org.uk/
T: 020 3117 2520
E: Email via web form: Protect Advice Line
Employees can also raise their concerns with the proper authority (guidance is available from GOV.UK - Blowing the whistle: list of prescribed people and bodies).
Investigating Procedure
Action taken by JTS TRAINING will depend upon the nature of the concern. Disclosures will be assessed to:
• Determine whether a further investigation should be conducted.
• Determine the form the investigation should take.
• Appoint an investigating officer to undertake the investigation.
If it is decided that an investigation is required, an investigating officer will be appointed who will aim to abide by the following steps:
• Obtain full details and clarifications of the concern.
• Investigate the concern with third parties / witnesses where possible and obtain objective statements.
• Secure all evidence in an admissible format.
• The discloser will, as far as possible, be kept informed of progress and, if appropriate, the final outcome of the investigation.
• Reporting of the findings will depend on the nature of the disclosure.
• If appropriate, a copy of the outcomes will be reported to the Executive Board.
• Confidential records will be maintained for monitoring purposes.
8. Timescales
Investigations will be conducted as speedily as possible whilst having regard to the nature and complexity of the disclosure.
9. Outcomes
Depending on the findings of the investigation, outcomes may vary from no further action to sanctions against perpetrators.
10. Communication and awareness of this policy
Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery must be communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of our business relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate thereafter.
11. Review
Following its initial adoption, this Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy will be reviewed by the Company’s Executive Board of Directors on a regular basis (at least annually) and may be amended from time to time. This policy will be used to inform our Statement on Slavery and Human Trafficking.
Document version control
Version/Issue Date Approved By Position Revision Notes
1 January 2023 Catherine Rose Director New Policy Publication