1. Introduction
Accentus Language Services Ltd. is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business operations and supply chains. We uphold the highest ethical standards and comply with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. This statement outlines our approach to identifying, mitigating, and eliminating risks of modern slavery within our organization and its supply chains.
2. Organisation Structure, Business, and Supply Chains
Accentus Language Services is a provider of professional language solutions, including translation, interpretation, and localization services. We operate in the UK and collaborate with a global network of linguists, subcontractors, and technology providers. Our supply chains primarily consist of freelance linguists, software providers, and third-party agencies that support our service delivery.
3. Policies on Slavery and Human Trafficking
Our company maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We have established the following policies to support our commitment:
- Ethical Business Conduct Policy ensuring fair treatment of all employees and suppliers.
- Supplier Code of Conduct requiring all business partners to uphold ethical labor practices.
- Whistleblowing Policy encouraging employees and stakeholders to report any suspected human rights violations confidentially.
4. Due Diligence Processes
We undertake rigorous due diligence processes to prevent slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains. Our actions include:
- Conducting risk assessments of our suppliers and contractors.
- Requiring suppliers to confirm compliance with modern slavery laws.
- Regularly reviewing and auditing high-risk suppliers to ensure ethical labor practices.
5. Risk Assessment and Management
While our industry has a lower risk of modern slavery compared to other sectors, we recognize potential vulnerabilities in:
- Freelance linguist recruitment: Ensuring fair pay and working conditions for all contractors.
- Third-party agencies: Verifying that agencies adhere to labor rights and anti-exploitation standards.
- Technology service providers: Ensuring ethical business conduct among subcontractors and offshore teams.
To mitigate risks, we implement:
- Screening procedures for new suppliers and subcontractors.
- Contractual obligations requiring adherence to labor laws.
- Ongoing supplier engagement and compliance monitoring.
6. Measuring Effectiveness
Accentus Language Services evaluates the effectiveness of its anti-slavery measures through:
- Supplier compliance audits and assessments.
- Monitoring whistleblowing reports and employee feedback.
- Reviewing contracts and policies annually to ensure alignment with best practices.
7. Training and Awareness
To strengthen awareness and accountability, we provide:
- Mandatory training for employees on modern slavery risks and reporting procedures.
- Guidance for procurement and HR teams on ethical supplier selection.
- Awareness programs to educate suppliers and partners on their responsibilities.
8. Commitment and Review
This statement is approved by Accentus Language Services’ senior management and is reviewed annually to reflect our ongoing efforts in combating modern slavery.
Elias Lemoine
Operations Manager
May 1st, 2023