Modern Slavery Policy 2023

Statement

This statement sets out the actions of Synaptik to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there are no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. This statement relates to action and activities during the financial year October 2022 to September 2023. We realise we are not statutorily obligated to publish a statement however we feel it is best practice for a responsible organisation. As part of the healthcare sector we recognise that we have a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking.

Organisational structure and supply chains

This statement covers the activities of Synaptik.

Synaptik provide a variety of healthcare services to patients across the UK. Our services include but are not limited to waiting list support.

Countries of operation and supply

We currently operate in the following countries:

– England – Services to both the NHS and private healthcare partners

– Scotland – Waiting list support to Health Boards and private hospitals

The following is the process by which the company assesses whether or not particular activities or countries are high risk in relation to slavery or human trafficking:

– All potential workers undergo a selection process which rigorously checks the Right to Work in the UK and follows Safer Recruitment guidelines.

– Preferred suppliers lists where we build long standing relationships and communicate our expectations.

– Safeguarding training for employees so they know what to look out for and are vigilant.

– We have a Contractor approval questionnaire in place

Responsibility

Responsibility for our anti-slavery initiatives is as follows:

Policies: The Human Resources Director and Director of Nursing and Quality are jointly responsible for putting in place and reviewing policies and the process by which they were developed.

Risk Assessments: Use contractor approval process and are currently working on a supplier approval process which includes a requirement to provide their modern slavery statement or details of their risk assessments and/or processes for assurance.

Investigations/due diligence: The Human Resources Director and Director of Nursing and Quality are responsible for investigations and investigations and due diligence in relation to known or suspected instances of slavery and human trafficking as this covers our patients as well as our supply chain.

Training: Our employees carry out Safeguarding training and all hiring managers carry out Safer Recruitment training.

Relevant Policies

We operate the following policies that describe our approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations.

Freedom to Speak up policy

We encourage all our workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, our organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking.

Employee code of conduct

Our code makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing our organisation. We strive to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating abroad and managing its supply chain.

Recruitment policy

We use only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting workers from that agency. All hiring managers are trained in Safer Recruitment practices.

Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children and Young People Policies.

The purpose of these Policies is to help all Synaptik staff understand their role and be aware of their safeguarding responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our patients who access Synaptik services.

Due diligence

We undertakes due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers, and regularly reviews its existing suppliers. Our due diligence and reviews include:

– evaluating the modern slavery and human trafficking risks of each new supplier;

– creating an annual risk profile for each supplier;

– participating in mandatory training for both children and adult safeguarding.

– using preferred suppliers where suppliers can be checked for their labour standards, compliance in general, and modern slavery and human trafficking in particular.

Performance Indicators

We have reviewed our key performance indicators (KPIs). As a result, we aim for:

– All staff to have completed their mandatory training with a compliance level of 97% or over.