This statement is made as part of Forte Recruitment Solutions commitment to eliminating the exploitation of people under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the Act). It summarises how Forte Recruitment Solutions Ltd operates, the policies and processes in place to minimise the possibility of any risks we have identified and how we monitor them, and how we train our staff.
This statement is published in accordance with section 54 of Act, and relates to financial year 2023 – 2024. It was approved by the board of directors on the 23.08.2023.
1 Our Business
Forte Recruitment Solutions Ltd is a limited company operating in the recruitment sector. We provide introduction services and supply temporary workers in the Industrial, Distribution & Commercial Sectors.
Forte Recruitment Solutions Ltd is an independent business.
1.1 Who We Work With
All of the hirers that we work with, and all of the work-seekers we provide, are known to and identified by our staff. All of the temporary workers we supply are identified by our staff. We do not supply work-seekers to hiring companies through any intermediaries.
The hiring companies that we work with are located within the Hampshire, Surrey, Wiltshire and Berkshire areas. The work-seekers / workers we supply live in the Hampshire, Surrey Wiltshire and Berkshire areas.
1.2 Other Relationships
As part of our business, we also work with the following organisations:
• The Recruitment and Employment Confederation - www.rec.uk.com
• GLAA Gangmaster Licenced supplier - www.gla.gov.uk
• Association of Labour Providers - www.labourproviders.org.uk
• Stronger Together - www.stronger2gether.org
2 Our Policies
Forte Recruitment Solutions Ltd has a modern slavery policy upon request
In addition, Forte Recruitment Solutions Ltd has the following policies which incorporate ethical standards for our staff;
• Anti Bribery & Corruption Policy
• Whistle Blowing Policy
• Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy
2.1 Policy development and review
Forte Recruitment Solution’s policies are established by our directors and based on advice from HR professionals, industry best practice and legal advice. We review our policies annually or as needed to adapt to changes.
3 Our Processes for Managing Risk
In order to assess the risk of modern slavery, we use the following processes with our suppliers and contract of service employees:
• When engaging with suppliers, we ask for evidence of their processes and policies, including commitments around modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, human rights, and whistle-blowing.
• We review the potential for risk at regular intervals, including the possibility of re-auditing a supplier or conducting spot checks.
• We complete an exploitation risk identification questionnaire & interview at point of registration.
• We conduct six monthly exploitation risk follow up reviews with all workers.
• We complete quarterly reports that highlights duplicate information.
• We conduct thorough training for both permanent & temporary employees and provide practical tools and avenues for discussing and reporting concerns.
• We offer safe and supportive environments to help encourage confidential conversations.
After due consideration, we have not identified any significant risks of modern slavery, forced labour, or human trafficking in our supply chain. However, we continue to be alert to the potential for problems.
Additionally, we have taken the following steps to minimise the possibility of any problems:
• We reserve the right to conduct spot-checks of the businesses who supply us, in order to investigate any complaints.
• We require the businesses we work with to address modern slavery concerns in their policies / publish a modern slavery statement.
• We proactively collaborate with our suppliers in order to improve standards and transparency across our supply chain.
• Only senior members of staff who have undergone appropriate training for assessing modern slavery risks in the supply chain are authorised to sign contracts and establish commercial relationships in any area where we have identified the potential for risk.
• Our staff are actively encouraged to bring any concerns they have to the attention of management within a safe environment.
4 Our Training
All of our staff receive training and support that is appropriate to their role. In particular:
• Our leadership team receive dedicated & detailed training in identifying and resolving concerns around modern slavery and human trafficking.
• Our recruiters and staff involved in our procurement and supply chains undertake training courses that include guidance around modern slavery and human trafficking, as well as other wider human rights issues.
• All staff are trained in how to spot warning signs and given the correct channels to escalate concerns.
• All of our staff receive awareness-raising information around issues involving modern slavery and human trafficking, so that they can bring any concerns they have to the attention of management.