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Modern slavery and human trafficking statement

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Introduction

This statement, made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, sets out Ascenti’s actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year 2021/2022.

As part of the healthcare sector, Ascenti recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. Ascenti is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and ensuring that those in its supply chains, and contractors, are free from slavery and human trafficking and comply with our values.

Organisational structure and supply chains

This policy covers the activities of bd-c Incline Midco Limited, bd-c Incline Bidco Limited, Ascenti Health Limited and Ascenti Physio Limited, all members of the Ascenti Group (including Advo Health which is a trading name/division of Ascenti Health Limited and Ascenti Physio Limited).

Ascenti is a provider of rehabilitation services nationwide to insurers, employers, the NHS, personal injury and private patients. Ascenti’s head office is in Fareham but operates from numerous sites across the United Kingdom.

Ascenti’s supply chain mainly comprises physiotherapy and treatment providers instructed to provide physiotherapy and related services. Our supply chain also comprises suppliers as expected in the running of offices and healthcare and assessment clinics; including facilities services, recruitment agencies, training and equipment providers. 

The Ascenti Group currently only operates in the United Kingdom and collectively the Ascenti Group has an annual turnover in excess of £32m.

Risk Assessment Process

On an annual basis, Ascenti evaluates the business risks, comprising country risks, sector risks, transaction risks and business partnerships, to determine whether or not particular activities or countries are high risk in relation to slavery or human trafficking. Any risks identified from the above process will be prioritised and dealt with in accordance with the due diligence section below.

High-risk activities

Ascenti does not believe it has any particular activities or is involved with any countries which are high risk in relation to slavery or human trafficking.

Responsibility

Responsibility for Ascenti's anti-slavery initiatives is as follows:

  • Overall: Ascenti Executive Team
  • Policies: People Team
  • Risk assessment, due diligence and training: Chief Governance & Quality Officer

Relevant policies

Ascenti operates the following policies that describe its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations:

  • Code of Conduct: Ascenti has a Code of Conduct published on its website to ensure that suppliers are aware of our expectations and fundamental principles, and that these should extend into their own businesses and supply chain.
  • Whistleblowing policy: Ascenti encourages all its staff, clients and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, Ascenti. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. Ascenti's whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for staff to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation and therefore includes an anonymous hotline and online reporting service via Safecall. Employees, clients or others who have concerns can complete our confidential disclosure form or make a report with Safecall.
  • Behaviour at work policy: Ascenti’s policy makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing Ascenti. Ascenti strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating abroad and managing its supply chain.
  • Environmental Management System: It is part of Ascenti’s on-going commitment to reduce the impact the company has on the environment by checking and monitoring suppliers and contractors’ standards through a third party questionnaire. This process of checking supplier standards can be expanded to include Human Trafficking and slavery checks to increase knowledge and confidence when dealing with suppliers and contractors.
  • Quality Management System: The Quality Policy sets out Ascenti’s commitment to high quality practices, including a collaborative partnership approach to working with our key suppliers. Our commitment to this approach allows us to have confidence in our suppliers’ commitment to preventing slavery and human trafficking in their operations, and those of their suppliers.

Due diligence

Ascenti has committed to undertaking due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers, and regularly reviews its existing suppliers. Ascenti's due diligence and reviews will include:

  • Broadly considering suppliers to assess particular product or geographical risks of modern slavery and human trafficking;
  • When engaging a new frequent supplier as part of contract negotiations/tender processes, enquire if they are a business that is required to have a Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement, and what policies they have in place;
  • Evaluating the modern slavery and human trafficking risks of each new supplier;
  • Where we identify high risk areas, explore those suppliers in greater detail;
  • Taking steps to improve substandard suppliers' practices, including providing advice to suppliers and requiring them to implement action plans;
  • Where a potential frequent supplier is unwilling to provide statements, or complete a questionnaire on the matter, we will consider if we commence that business relationship;
  • Invoking sanctions against suppliers that fail to improve their performance in line with an action plan, including the termination of the business relationship;
  • Ensuring contractual controls are in place with suppliers in relation to complying with Modern Slavery legislation.

Performance indicators

In order to assess the effectiveness of our approach to modern slavery, Ascenti will be reviewing on an annual basis the following areas:

  • Staff awareness
  • Reviewing existing supply chains; and
  • Developing a new suppliers’ evaluation process.