Modern Slavery Act Statement

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council are recommended, pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to produce a modern slavery and human trafficking statement.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 defines slavery as:

• a person holds another person in slavery or servitude and the circumstances are such that the person knows or ought to know that the other person is held in slavery or servitude, or
• the person requires another person to perform forced or compulsory labour and the circumstances are such that the person knows or ought to know that the other person is being required to perform forced or compulsory labour.

The Act defines Human Trafficking as:

• a person commits an offence if the person arranges or facilitates the travel of another person with a view exploiting that person.
• a person is exploited if one or more of the following apply in relation to the person - slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.

What are we doing?

We are committed to improving our practices to combat slavery and human trafficking.  As part of Local Government, we recognise that we have a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking.  In addition to our responsibility as an employer, we also acknowledge we have a duty as District Councils to notify the Secretary of State of suspected victims of slavery or human trafficking as introduced by section 52 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

We are absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our corporate activities and to ensure our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking. 

Malvern Hills District Council has a five year plan (2020-2025) which identifies three strategic priorities: Our Communities; Our Economy and Our Environment. 

Key action that covers the prevention of slavery and tackling human tracking includes but is not limited to: Work with partners to reduce the crimes most affecting our district through supporting communities, delivering education and awareness campaigns, coordinating community days of action, property marking events and road safety campaigns across the district.

Wychavon District Council’s Strategic Plan (2020-2024) which also identifies three priorities: Supporting People; Strong Economy and Places; and Sustainable Environment.

Key action that covers the prevention of slavery and tackling human trafficking includes but is not limited to: Work with partners to reduce the crimes most affecting our district through supporting communities, delivering education campaigns, coordinating community days of action and awareness campaigns on cyber-crime, domestic abuse and road safety.

We also put personal integrity, honesty and respect for others along with recognising the diversity and equality of individuals at the core of our overall values.

Through the above, we firmly put community leadership at the heart of everything we do and therefore are committed to the various elements supporting this overall vision which include combating slavery and human trafficking.

Organisational Structure:

This statement covers the full activities of Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council and its organisational structures.

Our Supply Chains:

We purchase goods and services under robust contract procedure rules which include a commitment to ethical purchasing and equality and diversity in procurement.

We expect all suppliers to adhere to the same principles and would always aim to ensure that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in any part of its business.

We recognise that we all have a responsibility to be alert to the risks, however small, in our business and in the wider supply chain.

We have identified the Director of Housing and Communities as the single point of contact for council officers to report any concerns or suspicions that may arise as they carry out their day to day activities.  The Director of Housing and Communities also has a duty to report relevant matters to the Home Office.

To date we have not identified or been notified of any slavery or human trafficking activities in our supply chain or in any part of the business.  If we did become aware of such issues we would act immediately.

Although we have robust processes in place we remain committed to improving all aspects of its business and further actions proposed include:

• The provision of awareness through communication and training – to both officers and elected members
• Ensuring specifications include a commitment from suppliers to support the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
• Not awarding contracts where suppliers do not demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in their own business or supply chains
• An on-going commitment and expectations from officers to be included in future revisions to our contract procedure rules and financial regulations
• Protection of whistle blowers.

Cllr. Tom Wells
Leader of Council
Malvern Hills District Council

Vic Allison
Chief Executive
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils

Cllr. Bradley Thomas
Leader of Council
Wychavon District Council