Modern Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2020

Introduction

Princebuild Ltd recognises and welcomes the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the duty it places on large organisations to disclose publicly the steps they are taking to prevent modern slavery within the business and their supply chains.  Princebuild Ltd has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and is committed to improve its practices by acting ethically and with integrity to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking does not exist anywhere within the organisation or is in anyway associated with the business. 

Our business

Princebuild Ltd is a family-run business that has been caring for, maintaining and building properties since 1971.

We specialise in providing a diverse range of services across the construction industry and our business is made up of seven key divisions:  Construction, Refurbishment, Insurance, Small Works, Maintenance, Building Services and Renewables.

Our head office is based in Peterborough and is supported by satellite offices in Northampton, Gosberton, Market Rasen and London.  These Offices enable us to operate within the East Anglia, Midlands and London areas, we also work nationwide on large individual projects for several major clients.

We currently employ in excess of 220 skilled individuals who assist us to achieve the aims of our business and deliver and regularly exceed the high levels of service that our customers have come to expect.

As well as delivering services directly, we often act as principal contractor and provide contracts management expertise.  During 2016/2017 financial year 63.65% of our total expenditure was attributed to sub-contractors and, every day, a significant number of their employees will be working on our sites throughout the UK in addition to our directly employed workforce.  When acting as principal contractor we are responsible for other contractors appointed by our client or architect.

Due diligence, risk assessment and auditing

Princebuild Ltd considers its position within the construction industry as low to medium risk in relation to modern slavery.  The company recognises that although comprehensive practices are in place to ensure that modern slavery does not exist within direct recruitment and employment, the very nature of the business is complex when considering the use of sub-contractors and extended supply chain.  Princebuild Ltd insists that large companies associated with business adhere to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act and that smaller companies abide by the principles and policies in operation.  Accordingly Princebuild Ltd expects its sub-contractors to ensure that modern slavery also does not exist within their own supply chain.  Where issues are identified that are not resolved to our satisfaction, we review the ongoing nature of the relationship with that relevant organisation.

Our policies and procedures

Princebuild Ltd adopt many procedures that assist with our management of potential modern slavery and human trafficking issues, details can be found within our bespoke Employee Handbook.  These procedures are located in the following sections: Pre-Employment Checks, Public Interest Disclosure (Whistle Blowing) and Corporate Social Responsibility Statement.

In order to address modern slavery directly, Princebuild Ltd is implementing a dedicated Modern Slavery Policy that sets out the company’s position in relation to modern slavery.  The policy is designed to set out the requirements thereon entering into contractual relationships with others and ensures that its employees are aware of their responsibilities in working to ensure modern slavery does not exist anywhere within the company.

Princebuild Ltd is committed to training its employees to recognise potential situations of modern slavery and procedures to report their concerns.  Training is provided at induction and refresher training via seminars, departmental meetings, IT and tool box talks.

Moving forward

Princebuild Ltd is committed to ensure modern slavery does not exist within its organisation by improving its current practices, adapting existing procedures, creating new policy and continuing to educate its employees.  The board of Directors have set targets for the forthcoming year which include the following;

  • To formulate and issue company-wide a dedicated ‘Modern Slavery and Human trafficking’ policy, to be included within the employees Handbook.
  • To adapt and improve existing key policies and procedures as necessary to address modern slavery issues.
  • To provide refresher training for our employees on identifying any potential unlawful or unethical conduct within our operations and supply chain and how to report their concerns.
  • To ensure that all applicable sub-contractors have a signed statement and policy to abide by the Modern Slavery Act or smaller organisations to agree to comply with the policy and procedures of Princebuild Ltd.
  • To audit our policies and procedures to ensure effectiveness and best practice in addressing risk of modern slavery within our operations.

This statement is made in accordance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Princebuild Ltd.’s modern slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 30th September 2017.

This statement was approved by Princebuild Ltd.’s board of directors on 19th January 2018.