AG Modern Slavery Statement
For the period 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024.
This statement made on behalf of AG Communications Ltd (AG), will be updated annually, and each statement will cover the previous completed financial year. We will publish an updated version in January the following financial year.
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps we have taken to minimise the risk of modern slavery in our business and supply chain.
Introduction
At AG we are committed to our social and environmental responsibilities. In all our business activities we advocate for a better world with equality, equity and climate action at the core of everything we do. We are appalled that modern slavery and human trafficking exists however this is the reality, and we are committed to eradicating this awful crime.
This statement sets out the approach that we have taken to understand the potential modern slavery and human trafficking risks related to our business, and the actions undertaken to reduce any such risks and further action we will take.
What is modern slavery?
Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking. It is a heinous crime that the UK Government is committed to tackling; ensuring that victims are provided with the support they need to begin rebuilding their lives and that those responsible are prosecuted.
The UK response is underpinned by the Modern Slavery Strategy 2014 and the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the first legislation of its kind.
About AG
We are a WE Connect certified women-owned communications and impact consultancy, powered by purpose to deliver meaningful solutions that benefit our team, clients, community, nature and our planet. We are committed to operating to the highest ethical, sustainable and lawful practices as evidenced through our certifications and accreditations which includes Certified B Corp, Ecovadis platinum rating, CDP disclosure and SBTi.
Our supply chain is limited, and we procure goods and services for our internal use and our client work. We internally purchase goods and services from suppliers providing IT services, travel, telecommunications, financial services, professional services and meeting room hire with established organisations.
We also have established working relationships with approx. 24 suppliers (AG members) to work on our client projects. Currently these are limited companies registered in the UK however we also work with suppliers globally.
Our policies and processes
Our certifications and accreditations hold us to the highest levels of social, environmental and ethical governance. To help manage risk, we use our Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics so that suppliers and employees understand and agree to comply with our expected standards in business dealings related to AG. We have several policies in place to prevent slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains and other parts of our business. Our policies include:
Employee code of conduct
Member code of conduct
Code of Ethics
Diversity and inclusion policy
Bullying and Harassment Policy
Whistleblowing policy
At AG we encourage a transparent and open working environment for all employees, members and suppliers to report any concerns they may have regarding our direct activities or our supply chains. Our approach is designed to make it easy for employees to make disclosures in a confidential manner without fear of retaliation.
Risk Assessment and Due Diligence
Due to the nature of our business, we assess ourselves to have a low risk of modern slavery in our business and supply chain. All employees and members are home-based. All employees and members are responsible for compliance through all business operations. AG employees, especially individuals involved for recruitment or client management, are responsible for identifying and mitigating the risks of human trafficking and modern slavery materialising;
Making sure we carry out appropriate due diligence before recruiting new team members or deciding to work with new partners and suppliers. For example, implementing thorough vetting procedures for potential suppliers, including background checks through Horus security screening.
We have clear and fair recruitment and employment policies and processes in place. Part of our HR onboarding process for new starters includes carrying out checks to ensure we only employ people who are entitled to work in the UK. These checks also help to safeguard against human trafficking and are intended to identify individuals who may be forced to work against their will.
Updating our Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics annually and ensuring all employees confirm they have read, understood and agree with the contents.
Updating the Code of Conduct and Ethics annually and ensuring all members (suppliers) confirm they have read, understood and agree with the contents prior to contract renewal in April.
Reminding all employees and members of our clear Whistleblowing policy which encourages all team members, anonymously, if necessary, to speak up and raise concerns about any wrongdoing
Action for 2025
We aim to take the following further steps over the course of the next financial year ending October 2025:
Review and update all policies to further strengthen our zero-tolerance to modern slavery, human trafficking and abuse of workers. – March 2025
Make sure our procurement strategies and contract terms and conditions with clients and suppliers include references to modern slavery and human trafficking – April 2025
In accordance with our commitment to the Women’s Empowerment Principles, address safety and security issues, including traveling to/from work and business trips, and train all colleagues to recognise signs of violence against women, human trafficking, labour and sexual exploitation and harassment – June 2025
Providing awareness training for the AG team (employees and members) on the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and informing them of the appropriate action to take if they suspect a case of slavery or human trafficking ensuring staff involved in procurement activity are aware of and follow modern slavery procurement guidance on GOV.UK – June 2025
Update annual supplier survey to further understand any changes to the employees in their business and potential risks in their supply chain – September 2025