Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This statement comprises the slavery and human trafficking statement of NHS Professionals Ltd for the financial year ending 31st March 2023 in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Our organisation recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking and is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

 

Organisational Structure

NHS Professionals is the leading provider of managed flexible worker services to the NHS. We have more than 140,000 flexible workers registered with us working in a variety of roles in our client Trusts, including general and specialist nurses, doctors, administrative and other healthcare professionals. In addition, we have over 900 corporate employees employed to help support its flexible worker services.

NHS Professionals has a permanent presence within the United Kingdom. Whilst we do not have any permanent presence within other countries, we do carry out international recruitment activity, primarily in Asia and the Middle East and have a diverse workforce with employees and workers from around the world.

 

Procurement and Supply Chains

Our procurement activities include a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) which includes a mandatory exclusion question regarding the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Any suppliers who declare that they do not comply with the legislation will be excluded or disqualified from the procurement process. Additionally, when procuring goods and services, we apply NHS Terms and Conditions which requires suppliers to comply with legislation.

 

Recruitment

The organisation takes a robust approach in recruiting both its corporate and flexible workforce. We communicate directly with all candidate to discuss any work opportunities and to confirm details of any offer made. We have rigorous procedures in place for the vetting of new employees and workers and ensure that we are able to confirm their identities, their right to work in the United Kingdom and that they are paid above the National Living Wage directly into a personal bank account.

All employees and workers are required to meet with someone from the organisation in person and provide us with their original Right to Work in the United Kingdom documentation for certification and verification. For any employee or worker with a work permit or visa, we carry out regular audits and management of these documents to ensure they remain valid. All new corporate starters are required to complete an induction which includes information and training on the company policies.

When using employment agencies, we only use specific reputable companies to source workers and always verify their practices in the first instance.

 

Whistleblowing Policy

We encourage all our employees and workers to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of the Organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The NHS Professionals Whistleblowing Policy is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. The policy encourages people to raise concerns directly with their Line Manager or the HR Department, but also contains contact details of an independent charity and the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line should an employee wish to seek independent advice on a concern that may have.

Our large pool of flexible workers are also reminded and made aware of the NHS Whistleblowing Helpline via organisational newsletters that are sent to them.

In addition, the NHS Professionals Grievance procedure, the inhouse Equality Diversity and Inclusion Champions group and the NHSP Your Voice scheme give platforms for employees to highlight and raise concerns regarding poor working practices.

 

Employee Code of Conduct

The NHSP Code of Conduct specifies the behaviour and actions required of employees when representing our organisation. We strive to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating in the UK and abroad in managing its supply chain.

 

Nicola McQueen

Chief Executive, NHS Professionals

March 2023