Modern Day Slavery Policy

Citizens Advice Sheffield is opposed to modern day slavery in all its forms, and proactively takes a number of steps to combat modern day slavery in furtherance of a zero tolerance approach. Citizens Advice Sheffield has a turnover which is currently below the threshold set out in Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Recruitment

Citizens Advice Sheffield has a clear recruitment policy which sets out how we advertise vacancies along with a clear process for recruitment and selection.  Citizens Advice Sheffield does not usually recruit through agencies or employ agency staff.  In exceptional cases where such agencies or agency staff are used, extra vigilance is applied as part of our due diligence process. 

Safeguarding Policies

Our Safeguarding Adults Policy and our Safeguarding Children Policy both describe characteristics of modern day slavery in detail, to support our staff in identifying potential cases of modern day slavery amongst our clients when they seek our assistance.  

Whistleblowing Policy

We have a whistleblowing policy which sets out how staff can raise concerns, including a right to external disclosure where necessary if those concerns are not addressed internally.  We have an explicit statement that staff are not at risk of losing their employment or suffering detriment as a result of whistleblowing under our procedure. 

Training

Our staff undergo extensive training in a wide variety of areas, which includes modern day slavery.  We also have Employment law specialist advisers who can bring expertise to situations where modern slavery may be a factor. 

Suppliers

Citizens Advice Sheffield has a large number of suppliers.  We are committed to ensuring that our suppliers do not use modern day slavery. We actively consider this as part of the due diligence checks we carry out prior to engaging a new supplier, and at the time of renewal of existing supplier contracts.  We will terminate contracts where there is evidence of non-compliance or criminal activity. 

Audit

We are subject to a full annual audit, as required by law.  The Board of Trustees appoints the external auditor annually.  The auditors are required to identify any risks of non-compliance with regulations, including modern slavery, and highlight such risks in their reports on an annual basis.  Such risks may occur internally or in supply chains.  These statements are published as part of our audited accounts filed with Companies House and the Charity Commission, and available on our website.