Simetrica-Jacobs Limited is committed to conducting its business ethically, responsibly and with integrity. We recognise that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, servitude and other forms of exploitation are serious violations of fundamental human rights and have no place within our business or our supply chains.
We are committed to taking proportionate and effective steps to identify, assess and manage the risk of modern slavery occurring within our operations and through the organisations with which we work.
This statement has been prepared with reference to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains.
Simetrica-Jacobs Limited is a UK-based consultancy providing economic, social value and related professional advisory services. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Jacobs UK Limited.
As a professional services business, our direct exposure to sectors traditionally considered to present a higher risk of modern slavery is comparatively limited. Nevertheless, we recognise that modern slavery risks can arise within any organisation or supply chain and that responsible procurement requires appropriate oversight.
Our supply chain primarily consists of suppliers and service providers supporting our professional activities, including professional and consultancy services, information technology and software, office and facilities services, recruitment and employment services, travel, hospitality and other business support services.
Our approach to modern slavery forms part of our wider commitment to ethical and responsible business conduct.
We expect our employees, contractors, suppliers and other business partners to act lawfully and ethically and to respect fundamental employment and human rights. We do not tolerate forced or compulsory labour, human trafficking, servitude, child labour or any other form of modern slavery.
Where appropriate, concerns relating to modern slavery may also be addressed through our wider policies and procedures concerning ethical conduct, procurement, recruitment, employment practices, whistleblowing and the reporting of concerns.
Employees are encouraged to raise concerns promptly where they believe that modern slavery, exploitation or unethical working practices may be occurring within our organisation or our supply chain. Concerns raised in good faith will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.
We take a risk-based and proportionate approach to supplier due diligence.
When engaging suppliers and contractors, we consider factors such as the nature of the goods or services being supplied, the geographical location of the supplier and its operations, the nature of the workforce involved and any other circumstances that may indicate an increased risk of labour exploitation or modern slavery.
Where a supplier, contractor or business relationship is assessed as presenting a higher level of risk, we may seek further information or assurance regarding its employment practices, supply chains and measures to prevent modern slavery.
We expect suppliers and contractors working with us to comply with applicable employment, labour and human rights legislation and to take reasonable steps to prevent modern slavery within their own operations and supply chains.
Where serious concerns are identified, we will consider appropriate action. Depending upon the circumstances, this may include seeking further information, requiring remedial action, escalating the matter within the organisation or reconsidering or terminating the relevant business relationship.
We recognise that modern slavery risk is not uniform across all suppliers or activities.
Our assessment of risk therefore considers matters including:
As a professional services organisation operating predominantly within the United Kingdom, we currently consider the overall risk of modern slavery occurring directly within our own workforce to be non-existent. We nevertheless recognise that risks may exist further within supply chains and remain committed to maintaining appropriate vigilance.
We are committed to fair and lawful employment practices.
Our employees have written terms and conditions of employment and are free to leave their employment in accordance with those terms. We do not support practices involving the withholding of identity documents, unlawful recruitment fees, coercion or restrictions on an individual's freedom to terminate their employment.
Where recruitment agencies or other third parties are used, we expect them to comply with applicable UK employment legislation and appropriate ethical employment standards.
We recognise that awareness is important in identifying and preventing modern slavery.
We aim to ensure that colleagues whose responsibilities may involve procurement, recruitment, supplier management or other relevant business activities understand the importance of identifying and escalating potential modern slavery concerns.
We will keep the need for further guidance or training under review, taking account of the nature and level of risk within our operations and supply chain.
We are committed to continually improving our approach to managing modern slavery risk.
We will periodically review the effectiveness of our arrangements, taking into account matters such as:
Where weaknesses or areas for improvement are identified, we will take proportionate steps to address them.
We encourage employees, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions relating to modern slavery or human trafficking connected with our business or supply chain.
Concerns should be raised through the appropriate internal reporting or whistleblowing channels. We will take concerns raised in good faith seriously and will consider appropriate investigation, escalation and remedial action.
Where there is an immediate risk of harm or suspected criminal activity, concerns should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
We recognise that preventing modern slavery requires continued awareness, vigilance and improvement. We will continue to review our operations, supply chains, policies and procedures and will take proportionate action where modern slavery risks are identified.
Signed:
Dr Mary-Kathryn Adams
Chief Executive Officer
Simetrica-Jacobs Limited
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