Modern Slavery Act Statement

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Introduction and Purpose

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the “Act”) is a UK law which came into force in 2015. The Act requires commercial organisations with an annual turnover of more than £36 million, to publish a slavery and human trafficking statement for each financial year. This is the Newable Group’s Modern Slavery Act Statement and Newable is fully supportive of the Act. This statement sets out the steps taken during the financial year ended 31 March 2021 to combat slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains, and the further steps that we will continue to take.

Newable has a zero tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery. Newable is committed to acting in an ethical manner, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings and is committed to putting effective systems and controls in place to safeguard against any form of modern slavery or human trafficking, taking place within our business, partnership or supply chain.

Our commitment to our clients is very clear, and we will always treat people in our businesses, partnerships or supply chain fairly. Newable expects its employees, business partners and suppliers to act responsibly and to comply with the requirements of this statement.

 

Newable’s Business Activities

Newable’s purpose is to make a sustainable profit from helping other businesses thrive, principally by providing services to UK Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (“SMEs”).

As a group, Newable’s strategy is to provide money, advice and workspace for clients. Newable also aims to make finance fairer, easier and more accessible to businesses. The legal entities that undertake lending, mortgage and automotive broking and the alternative funds business are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

As a group Newable has in excess of 650 staff in our nationwide offices and all of our business is within the UK, which Newable believes is a lower risk jurisdiction.

 

Newable’s Partner and Supplier Due Diligence Practices

Newable’s partners and suppliers are predominantly based in the UK. Our partners and supply chain includes business partners in the provision of mortgage and automotive broking services, alternative funds, office space, brokers and distributors; and also providers of other services necessary to run our business effectively, such as IT, payroll and facilities.

Our employees who arrange significant contracts with partners or suppliers will be requested to undertake a risk assessment prior to the commissioning of any new partner or supplier, which will consider slavery and human trafficking risks prior to entering into significant new partner or supplier contracts. We have a separate Partnership Transparency Statement which our current and future significant partners or suppliers will be asked to sign to confirm that they are aware of and will comply with the Act, in order to reduce or remove the risk of slavery or human trafficking in their own businesses. Risk assessments and potential additional due diligence will be undertaken by Newable for those partners or suppliers deemed higher risk or who are located in higher risk jurisdictions.

All procurement is based on objective and fair criteria that reflect the principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment, transparency, procedural fairness, mutual recognition, proportionality and business efficiency. In addition to carrying out due diligence on prospective partners or suppliers, as part of any tender process (where applicable) prospective partners or suppliers are expected to confirm their agreement to Newable’s contractual terms and conditions, and confirm that they will comply with Newable’s policies and procedures and provide the services in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Newable expects its partners or suppliers to exercise due diligence along its partnership or supply chain. Newable has the right to end its relationship with a business partner if the partner or supplier does not comply with these requirements or take alternative action if the partner or supplier is not able to prove to Newable’s satisfaction, that it has implemented immediate countermeasures to prevent comparable violations occurring in future. Newable is introducing additional specific obligations in its agreements with partners or suppliers requiring partners or suppliers to comply with all laws relating to slavery and human trafficking and to undertake that there is no trafficked, bonded, child or forced labour within their supply chain. Newable has the ability to terminate the relevant contract immediately if the partner or supplier does not comply with these requirements.

Partners or suppliers will be requested to notify Newable prior to sub-contracting any significant services, and that they will ensure that any sub-contractors also comply with the Act. Newable will request the right to audit partners or suppliers where deemed necessary, and to potentially terminate contracts based on any unfavourable results.

 

Newable’s Employees

Newable treats its employees with respect and dignity and operates internal policies to ensure that it is conducting its business in an ethical, considerate and transparent manner. Newable’s recruitment policies ensure that employee screening checks are carried out to ensure that the individual is legally entitled to work in the UK to safeguard against human trafficking or individuals being forced to work against their will, and expects the same of each of its partners or suppliers. Employees are free to leave their employment after reasonable notice and are not required to lodge deposits of money or identity papers with their employer. The compensation and benefits paid to employees for a normal working week comply at least with guaranteed minimum legal requirements, including minimum wage legislation and working hours comply at least with the national legal standards and are not excessive.

Newable has a separate whistleblowing policy, with a whistleblowing champion which is intended to encourage and enable employees to report suspected wrongdoing and raise serious concerns within the workplace. Newable is committed to ensuring that any employee concerns are taken seriously and investigated.

Further Steps and Employee Training

Following the publication of Newable’s Modern Slavery Act Statement, Newable will develop a broader understanding of the areas within our businesses that require further focus to identify potential risks which relate to modern slavery and human trafficking. To ensure that there is a high level of staff awareness of issues relating to modern slavery and human trafficking, Newable will require relevant employees to make themselves aware of the changing expectations around human rights and modern slavery risks.

This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors of Newable on 17 July 2019 and this is the annual review.  This statement will be published on Newable’s website.

Chris Manson – Chief Executive Officer 

Chris Manson's signature

Michael Walsh – Chief Financial Officer

05 May 2021