Modern slavery statement

Modern Slavery Statement

This statement is provided on behalf of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and is made in pursuant to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (‘the Act’). It is NatCen’s third annual statement covering the financial year ended 30 June 2023. NatCen aims to adopt an approach of continuous improvement in relation to actions to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking in line with the Act.

Organisation structure and supply chains

NatCen is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. NatCen’s principal activity is the delivery of a large number of research projects in all areas of social policy. Projects are delivered mostly within the United Kingdom. NatCen also has a few international funded projects but international project work is carried out within the United Kingdom.  

The services provided within NatCen’s supply chain include direct research expertise or indirect operational support. The large majority of NatCen’s suppliers are long term and UK based with the exception of software providers, IT services and academic expertise based in Europe. 

Policies and training in relation to slavery and human trafficking

NatCen recognises that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity in the workplace and has an equal opportunities and dignity at work policy. NatCen also has a whistle-blowing policy applicable to all employed staff, interviewers and agency staff to encourage all to report any concerns or wrongdoing by the organisation or individuals within the organisation. 

NatCen has developed and introduced an Anti-Slavery policy in the year which has been made available to all employees to ensure awareness of our collective obligations and responsibilities in complying with the Act.

Due diligence processes

All new suppliers are subject to a due diligence review as per NatCen’s contract management procedures to determine if they can be approved. 

NatCen introduced a ‘New Supplier Form’ in the year as part of our supplier due diligence and all new suppliers have been asked to confirm their agreement to NatCen’s Anti-Slavery Policy and to confirm that their employees are paid at least the Living Wage. All suppliers paid within the last three years have also been asked to complete the form. 

All Subcontracts contain a provision noting that the Subcontractor shall comply with all applicable anti-slavery and human trafficking laws, statues, regulations and codes from time to time in force including but not limited to the Modern Slavery Act 2015; have and maintain its own policies and procedures to ensure its compliance; not engage in any activity, practice or conduct that would constitute an offence under the Modern Slavery Act 2015; include in its contracts with its subcontractors and suppliers’ similar antislavery and human trafficking provisions to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Risk assessment and management

NatCen employees and workers are paid at least the Living Wage and are not considered to be vulnerable to modern slavery. NatCen considers the risk of modern slavery to be low within their supply chain due to the nature of the services engaged.

Key performance indicators to measure effectiveness of steps being taken

NatCen consider due diligence reviews for new suppliers as a key performance indicator to measure effectiveness in ensuring that any risks in relation to modern slavery and human trafficking are identified, monitored and mitigated within its supply chains. NatCen is committed to a zero tolerance approach to non-compliance and will uphold the Act and all laws relevant to countering slavery and human trafficking. 

This statement was approved by the Board of Trustees on 29 February 2024.