Effective Date: 10 January 2026
Review Date: Annually
1. Policy Statement
Lawson & Partners is committed to conducting its business ethically, responsibly and with integrity. We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation.
We are committed to acting ethically in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to minimise the risk of modern slavery occurring within our business or supply chains.
This policy applies to all employees, directors, agency workers, consultants, contractors, suppliers and any other individuals working on behalf of Lawson & Partners.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains.
- Ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
- Promote ethical business practices.
- Protect the rights and dignity of all workers.
- Set out the responsibilities of employees and those working on behalf of the Company.
3. Our Commitment
Lawson & Partners will:
- Conduct business fairly, ethically and transparently.
- Seek to work with reputable suppliers and business partners who share our commitment to preventing modern slavery.
- Expect suppliers and contractors to comply with all applicable employment legislation.
- Take appropriate action where concerns regarding modern slavery are identified.
- Review this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective.
4. Responsibilities
Directors
The Directors have overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly.
Managers
Managers are responsible for:
- Promoting awareness of this policy.
- Remaining alert to potential indicators of modern slavery.
- Reporting concerns promptly.
- Supporting any investigation where concerns arise.
Employees
All employees are expected to:
- Read and comply with this policy.
- Remain vigilant to any signs of modern slavery or exploitation.
- Report concerns immediately.
- Cooperate with any investigation undertaken by the Company.
5. Identifying Modern Slavery
Modern slavery can take many forms, including:
- Forced or compulsory labour.
- Human trafficking.
- Debt bondage.
- Child labour.
- Domestic servitude.
- Exploitation through coercion, intimidation or abuse.
Potential warning signs may include:
- Individuals appearing fearful or unable to speak freely.
- Workers living in poor conditions or under the control of others.
- Restricted freedom of movement.
- Lack of appropriate employment documentation.
- Unusual payment arrangements or withholding of wages.
6. Suppliers and Business Partners
Lawson & Partners expects all suppliers, contractors and business partners to operate ethically and comply with all applicable employment and human rights legislation.
Where appropriate, the Company may:
- Carry out proportionate due diligence on suppliers.
- Request confirmation of compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
- Review supplier practices where concerns are identified.
- Cease working with organisations that fail to meet acceptable ethical standards.
7. Reporting Concerns
Any employee who suspects modern slavery, forced labour or human trafficking must report their concerns immediately to their line manager or a Director.
Reports will be treated seriously, investigated appropriately and handled as confidentially as reasonably practicable.
Employees raising genuine concerns in good faith will not suffer any detriment for doing so, even if those concerns are ultimately found to be unfounded.
8. Breaches of this Policy
Any employee found to have breached this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, which could include dismissal for gross misconduct.
The Company may also terminate relationships with suppliers, contractors or other third parties found to be involved in modern slavery or human trafficking.