Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Statement and policy
Business and supply chain
Oakland Care is a provider of care for older people in England. The group delivers exceptional care to residents within purpose built high quality facilities. Residents living in our Care Homes are either self-funded or Government funded.
Oakland Care purchases a range of goods and services including clinical equipment, food and drink, waste disposal services, building equipment and office supplies. Some of these products are used in the provision of care to our residents. The group has a large number of suppliers which can make our supply chain complex. We therefore prioritise our attention on the companies that supply the largest amount of products and services, particularly those critical to our business.
Outlined below is Oakland Care’s position on slavery and human trafficking which is reviewed to monitor risk, supplier engagement and staff training.
Statement
Oakland Care is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business operations and to ensure that systems are in place to prevent modern slavery. The group is transparent in its approach and expects the same level of transparency from suppliers to our business.
Our suppliers are required to comply with the law and our policy to combat the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, whether adults or children. Oakland Care expects its suppliers to hold their suppliers to the same standards.
Checking compliance
Oakland Care checks compliance of suppliers during procurement tender processes and on supplier reviews – with priority being given to the larger suppliers. There will be follow up if there is insufficient or unsatisfactory compliance. All new suppliers will have to confirm explicitly that they comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Where a supplier does not comply, Oakland Care will initially try to work with that supplier to assist them in improving their practice. If the supplier is unwilling to amend their practice Oakland Care will review the use of that supplier. The group will ensure any suspected illegal activity with suppliers would be reported to the police.
Recruitment
Oakland Care operates a robust recruitment policy, including conducting eligibility to work in the UK checks for all directly employed staff. Agencies, approved by Oakland Care are audited to provide assurance that pre-employment clearance has been obtained for agency staff, to safeguard against human trafficking or individuals being forced to work against their will
Equal Opportunities
Oakland Care has a range of controls to protect staff from poor treatment and or exploitation, which comply with all respective laws and regulations. These include provision of fair pay rates, fair terms and conditions of employment, and access to training and development opportunities
Safeguarding policies
Oakland Care adheres to the principles inherent within both our safeguarding children and adults policies. These are compliant with the multiagency agreements of the Clinical Commissioning Groups that we work with. They provide clear guidance so that our employees are clear on how to raise safeguarding concerns about how colleagues or people receiving our services are being treated, or about practices within our business or supply chain.
Whistleblowing policy
Oakland Care operates a whistleblowing policy so that all employees know that they can raise concerns about how colleagues or people receiving our services are being treated, or about practices within our business or supply chain, without fear of reprisals
Training
Oakland Care’s staff handbook sets out the behaviours expected from its staff which include respect and acting fairly.
The group provides mandatory safeguarding children and adults training where information and advice is given regarding modern slavery and human trafficking. This training is part of induction and is updated annually. In addition, there are safeguarding policies and procedures in place which are robustly adhered to. All employees who work face to face with suppliers will have received safeguarding training to raise awareness on the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and will be required to support the continuous risk assessment related to this.
Oakland Care are looking at ways to continuously increase awareness within our organisation, and to facilitate a high level of understanding of the risks involved with modern slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains and in our business.
Reporting of incidents
Employees who suspect that modern slavery may be taking place within Oakland Care must report this to their line manager or use the Oakland Care whistle blowing policy. Any concerns raised will be taken seriously, investigated and responded to appropriately. Any request for confidentiality will be respected to the extent possible under the applicable law and regulation).
Oakland Care Modern Slavery Act 2015 statement and policy
Issue 1 – March 2025 Review – March 2028
