Modern slavery statement

Introduction

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the “MSA”) and is the public slavery and human trafficking statement of Florence for the financial year ending 31 December 2024. We are committed to continuously improving our behaviours to combat slavery and human trafficking and ensuring that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in our supply chains or any parts of our business operations.

Organisational structure

Florence is the trading name of both the parent company Digital Staff Solution Ltd. No. 10434349 and Florence Staffing Ltd. No. 12178272.

Our business

Florence is a technology-led recruitment company operating in the UK. We provide our health and social care clients with the ability to cover rota gaps with their own staff or agency workers seamlessly. Our business model includes building technology, sourcing candidates directly and via other agencies, vetting, and allowing candidates to work with our clients. We also manage some payments to agency workers and agencies. The vast majority of the items we procure to operate are from top-tier technology companies which are publicly listed or other large suppliers. However, we also support the booking of agency staff from other agencies where there is an increased risk.

Our policies

We have implemented the following policies to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains:

  • Modern Slavery Policy: Outlines our commitment to preventing slavery and human trafficking and provides guidance to our employees on how to identify and report related concerns.
  • Supplier Code of Conduct: Requires our agency suppliers to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which includes strict provisions against forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking.
  • Whistleblowing Policy: Encourages all employees, clients, and suppliers to report any concerns related to modern slavery. Ensures that any reports are taken seriously and investigated appropriately.

Due diligence processes

To identify and mitigate the risks of modern slavery, we have established the following due diligence processes:

  • Supplier Assessment: We conduct thorough assessments of our agency suppliers to ensure compliance with our anti-slavery standards. This includes reviewing their policies, practices, and history regarding modern slavery.
  • Employee Training: We provide regular training to our employees to help them recognize the signs of modern slavery and understand the importance of reporting any suspicions.
  • Risk Assessment: We continually assess the risk of modern slavery within our business operations and supply chains and take appropriate action to address any identified risks.

Monitoring and reporting

We monitor our efforts to combat modern slavery and are committed to transparency in our practices. We will:

  • Conduct regular reviews of our policies and procedures to ensure their effectiveness in preventing modern slavery.
  • Publish an annual modern slavery statement outlining the steps we have taken to combat modern slavery and any progress made.

Steps we’re taking:

  • Comprehensive onboarding check for agencies as well as audits, which are the highest risk part of our supply chain.
  • Identifying and training key individuals who have authority to purchase to ensure this policy is reflected in all purchasing and contracting.
  • Implementing a risk-based approach to assess new and existing providers where risks of solution. The repository will include functionality to identify risk types, including modern slavery.
  • Requirements being established for appropriate due diligence for new suppliers with whom we contract, which will include modern slavery and trafficking requirements and checks.
  • Updating standard terms and conditions of purchasing, which will include provisions concerning compliance with applicable modern slavery laws.
  • Developing the policies and supporting practices referred to above.
  • Continuing to identify and assess potential risk areas in our supply chains.
  • Continuing to establish how to mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking occurring in our supply chains.
  • Continuing to monitor potential risk areas in our supply chains and consider proportionate ways to ensure compliance by our suppliers.
  • Continuing to commit to the protection of whistleblowers and to encourage the reporting of genuine concerns, including in respect of modern slavery and human trafficking.
  • Considering appropriate, effective, and proportionate ways of raising staff awareness.
  • Providing input on the above-referred policies which are in development.

Commitment

Florence is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our business or supply chains.

This statement was approved by the Executive Board Directors on 10/01/2024 and covers our financial year ending 31 Dec 2023.

Signed,

Charles Armitage
CEO
10/01/24 (For Financial Year 2023)