Modern Slavery Policy

1. Policy Statement and Scope

Modern slavery is a violation of human rights. It takes various forms of exploitation, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which seek to deprive a person of their freedom, for personal or commercial gain, by others.

We, at Quiss Technology, are committed to upholding the highest standards of professional integrity, in all or our business dealings and relationships. We are fully committed to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the abolition of modern slavery and human trafficking. Our reputation with our clients, suppliers and other partners is underpinned by our ethical behaviour, transparency, and honesty.

This policy exists to:

  1. set out the expectations of the Company and those working for it, in observing and upholding its zero-tolerance position to any form of exploitation
  2. act as a source of information and guidance for all employees working for Quiss
  3. act as a clear statement to all our business partners: clients, suppliers, contractors and any third parties

This policy applies to all employees of Quiss. It also extends to individuals working on our behalf, for example, agency staff or contractors or other individuals representing Quiss. All employees and associated individuals are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of business conduct and are expected to behave honestly and with integrity.
Conduct by an employee, deemed to be contrary to this policy, will face disciplinary action.

2. General Principles

Quiss Technology are an equal opportunities employer, fully committed to creating and ensuring an inclusive and respectful working environment for all. The Companyā€™s strength and success is built on the effort, integrity and team spirit of its employees and its strong ethical sense.Ā Our culture, management team and policies reflecting current employment legislation and HR best practice, enable our staff to feel confident that they can report concerns without any fear of retribution.

Our recruitment and people management processes are designed to ensure that all prospective employees are legally entitled to work in the UK and embeds HR best practice to safeguard employees from any abuse or coercion.

Quiss recognise that as an ethical organisation, we have a responsibility to be alert to the risks of exploitation and in the wider supply chain. As a purchaser of goods and services, we do not knowingly enter business with any organisation, in the UK or abroad, which supports or is found to be involved in slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.

3. Supply Chain

Quiss procure goods and services from the UK and a limited number of overseas suppliers. Our procurement procedures are in line with guidance on best practice from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

Quiss build relationships with our suppliers to ensure they understand our values and comply with our expectations and commitment to protect human rights. As part of our procurement processes, we require our suppliers to ensure they uphold our values and commitment.

4. Our policies which relate to the Modern Slavery Act 2015

The following policies are available to all employees via our intranet, Q-Hub and will be made available to associated individuals:

  • Code of Conduct
  • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Dignity at Work
  • Whistleblowing
  • Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Recruitment and Selection
  • Disciplinary

These policies set out the standards required of our staff and associated individuals and include details of the mechanisms in place which can be used report issues or concerns.

5. Due Diligence

Through undertaking due diligence in our activity, the Company seek to ensure that it does not inadvertently support Modern Slavery or human trafficking or any form of exploitation.

We ensure that individuals employed by Quiss are legally entitled to work in the UK and that the contract of employment is directly with the new employee. If Quiss should use recruitment agencies to find staff, they are required to also follow the same due diligence and will look to confirm the identity and right to work of individuals who are placed within Quiss. We also ensure bank account details that are supplied by the employee matches the name of the employed individual.

All potential suppliers are required to self-declare if they meet the relevant criteria in the Modern Slavery Act 2015, through our supplier questionnaire and provide supporting documentation. This is an integral part of our new supplier on-boarding process.

6. Awareness and Training

This policy is available to all staff through Q-Hub. Quiss will also provide online training on the Modern Slavery Act 2015, so individuals are aware of the appropriate action to take if they suspect any form of exploitation. Our procurement team will also undertake specific training on ethical procurement.

Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking will be clearly communicated to all suppliers, contractors, business partners, and any third parties at the outset of business relations. This policy is also available on our website.

7. Reporting Suspicions of Slavery

Anyone with concerns over any form of exploitation, can:

  • speak to HR.
  • go through the Companyā€™s Whistleblowing policy.
  • report it via the Modern Slavery Helpline
    • Tel: 08000 121 700
    • Website: https://www.modernslaveryhelpine.org/report
  • or ring the Police: 101 or 999 in an emergency.

8. Monitoring and Reviewing

The Director of Operations has the overall responsibility for monitoring the effectiveness of this policy and will ensure it is reviewed on an annual basis to reflect current legislation and HR best practice.

This policy does not form part of an employeeā€™s contact of employment and may be reviewed and amended at any time.