Introduction
This statement is made under section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps that Cheffins has taken and is continuing to take to ensure that Modern Slavery or Human Trafficking is not taking place within our business or supply chain.
Cheffins is committed to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and our responsibilities therein.
Cheffins is a market leading Firm of property advisers, estate agents and auctioneers. Established in 1825, Cheffins operates from six offices and employs approximately 160 staff.
Our standards
As an equal opportunities employer, Cheffins are committed to ensuring a non-discriminatory and respectful working environment for our staff. Cheffins recruitment process ensures that all potential employees are checked to ensure they are eligible to work in the UK (in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996), this includes staff who are employed via agencies, to safeguard against human trafficking or individuals being forced to work against their will.
Cheffins operates a number of policies and procedures that work to ensure Modern Slavery does not occur within our Firm. These include:
- Equal Opportunities policy
- Anti-Harassment and Bullying policy
- Anti-Corruption and Bribery policy
- Whistleblowing policy
- Health & Safety policy
- Recruitment & Selection policy
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policy
- These policies and procedures are available to all staff via the Firms Intranet.
Our supply chain
Due to the nature of our business, we assess the risk of Modern Slavery is low. We do accept there may be a greater risk when third party suppliers and contractors are appointed. We expect that all suppliers will act in accordance with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 (or the equivalent legislation if outside of the UK) to ensure that no employee or individual working in the supply chain is not exploited. Cheffins will carry out due diligence on third party suppliers to ensure compliance and if given any reason to doubt adherence to the regulations, the relationship will be terminated and reported to the relevant authorities where appropriate.
Training
Cheffins provides Modern Slavery training to all staff, providing them with an understanding and awareness of their role. Training is completed at staff induction and repeated at regular intervals and all staff are signposted to this statement on the Firms Intranet.
Review and Update of This Policy
This policy is reviewed regularly by the Compliance Officer to ensure its alignment to the appropriate legal and regulatory requirements and approved by the Firm.