DSC Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

1. Introduction
DSC is committed to the highest ethical standards and opposes all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This statement outlines the steps taken by chambers to prevent and address modern slavery within our operations and supply chains.

2. Organisation Structure and Supply Chains
While DSC does not operate in high-risk sectors, we acknowledge that indirect risks may exist within our supply chains, which include professional service providers, office suppliers, and facilities management contractors.

3. Policies and processes in Relation to Slavery and Human Trafficking
DSC has implemented policies and processes to ensure modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in our operations or supply chains, including:

  • Ethical Procurement Process: Ensures all suppliers comply with modern slavery laws and ethical labour standards
  • Whistleblowing Policy: Provides a confidential mechanism via a dedicated email address (concerns@doughtystreet.co.uk) for reporting concerns related to modern slavery or unethical conduct.
  • Equality and Diversity Policy: Promotes fair treatment and safeguards against exploitation within chambers and affiliated organisations.

4. Due Diligence Processes
To mitigate modern slavery risks, DSC has introduced the following due diligence measures:

  • Conducting risk assessments on suppliers and contractors.
  • Requiring key suppliers to confirm compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
  • Reviewing contractual agreements to include anti-slavery provisions where relevant.

5. Risk Assessment and Management
DSC conducts risk assessments to identify areas of potential exposure to modern slavery risks, focusing on:

  • High-risk service providers, including cleaning, maintenance, and catering contractors.
  • Overseas suppliers, where applicable, particularly in jurisdictions with weaker labour protections.
  • Recruitment practices to ensure fair treatment of all staff and contractors.

6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Measure Effectiveness
To evaluate the effectiveness of our modern slavery prevention efforts, chambers monitors:

  • The number of supplier assessments conducted annually.
  • Compliance confirmations received from key suppliers.
  • The number of reports received through the whistleblowing mechanism.
  • The frequency and uptake of modern slavery awareness training among staff who have direct responsibility over hiring and contracting.

7. Training on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Chambers provides training to staff who have direct responsibility over hiring and contracting on modern slavery risks, covering:

  • Recognising signs of modern slavery and trafficking.
  • Legal obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
  • Best practices for ethical procurement and risk mitigation.

8. Governance and Approval
This statement has been reviewed and approved by the Finance and Risk Committee and the Management Board. It is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure ongoing compliance with best practices.1. Introduction
DSC is committed to the highest ethical standards and opposes all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This statement outlines the steps taken by chambers to prevent and address modern slavery within our operations and supply chains.

2. Organisation Structure and Supply Chains
While DSC does not operate in high-risk sectors, we acknowledge that indirect risks may exist within our supply chains, which include professional service providers, office suppliers, and facilities management contractors.

3. Policies and processes in Relation to Slavery and Human Trafficking
DSC has implemented policies and processes to ensure modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in our operations or supply chains, including:

  • Ethical Procurement Process: Ensures all suppliers comply with modern slavery laws and ethical labour standards
  • Whistleblowing Policy: Provides a confidential mechanism via a dedicated email address (concerns@doughtystreet.co.uk) for reporting concerns related to modern slavery or unethical conduct.
  • Equality and Diversity Policy: Promotes fair treatment and safeguards against exploitation within chambers and affiliated organisations.

4. Due Diligence Processes
To mitigate modern slavery risks, DSC has introduced the following due diligence measures:

  • Conducting risk assessments on suppliers and contractors.
  • Requiring key suppliers to confirm compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
  • Reviewing contractual agreements to include anti-slavery provisions where relevant.

5. Risk Assessment and Management
DSC conducts risk assessments to identify areas of potential exposure to modern slavery risks, focusing on:

  • High-risk service providers, including cleaning, maintenance, and catering contractors.
  • Overseas suppliers, where applicable, particularly in jurisdictions with weaker labour protections.
  • Recruitment practices to ensure fair treatment of all staff and contractors.

6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Measure Effectiveness
To evaluate the effectiveness of our modern slavery prevention efforts, chambers monitors:

  • The number of supplier assessments conducted annually.
  • Compliance confirmations received from key suppliers.
  • The number of reports received through the whistleblowing mechanism.
  • The frequency and uptake of modern slavery awareness training among staff who have direct responsibility over hiring and contracting.

7. Training on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Chambers provides training to staff who have direct responsibility over hiring and contracting on modern slavery risks, covering:

  • Recognising signs of modern slavery and trafficking.
  • Legal obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
  • Best practices for ethical procurement and risk mitigation.

8. Governance and Approval
This statement has been reviewed and approved by the Finance and Risk Committee and the Management Board. It is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure ongoing compliance with best practices.

 

For further information, please contact J.ahadi@doughtystreet.co.uk