Modern Slavery Policy

Introduction

Oxford College of Business and Management (https://www.ocbm.uk/) (“OCBM”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), including our sub-brands eConsultancy (https://econsultancy.ocbm.uk/) and eLearning (https://elearning.ocbm.uk/) (collectively referred to as the “Websites”), is fully committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in any form. We adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity, in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, ensuring that our operations and supply chains remain free from these abhorrent practices.

 

1. Definition of Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and includes various forms of exploitation, such as:

• Forced Labor: Work or services that individuals are compelled to perform against their will under the threat of punishment.
• Human Trafficking: The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons through force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, or abuse of power for exploitation.
• Debt Bondage: When a person is forced to work to pay off a debt under exploitative terms.
• Child Labor: The use of children in work that deprives them of their childhood, education, or is harmful to their health and well-being.
• Slavery and Servitude: When individuals are owned or controlled by another person, forcing them to work or provide services without the freedom to leave.

 

2. Offences Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 criminalizes various forms of exploitation and human trafficking. Offences include:

• Slavery, Servitude, and Forced or Compulsory Labor: Engaging in or benefiting from practices where individuals are treated as property or coerced into work.
• Human Trafficking: The act of arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploiting them.
• Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals: Including, but not limited to, sexual exploitation, forced labor, and removal of organs.

These offences carry severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines for individuals and organizations found guilty.

 

3. Victims of Modern Slavery

Victims of modern slavery often face severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. They may include individuals from vulnerable populations, such as:

• Migrant Workers: Exploited due to their precarious legal status or lack of local support networks.
• Children: Subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse.
• Domestic Workers: Isolated in private homes and subjected to exploitation without external oversight.
• Individuals in Debt Bondage: Trapped in exploitative working conditions as a means of repaying debts.

 

4. Protection of Victims

OCBM is committed to ensuring that victims of modern slavery are protected and supported. Our approach includes:

• Confidential Reporting: Providing secure and confidential channels for victims or witnesses to report concerns without fear of retribution.
• Access to Support Services: Referring victims to appropriate external support services, including legal aid, counselling, and safe housing.
• Non-Retaliation: Ensuring that victims or individuals reporting suspected cases are not subjected to any form of retaliation or disadvantage.
• Respect and Dignity: Treating all individuals with respect, ensuring that their rights and dignity are upheld during any investigation or intervention.

 

5. Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

OCBM conducts thorough risk assessments to identify potential modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains. Our due diligence procedures include:

• Supplier Audits: Evaluating suppliers and partners to ensure compliance with modern slavery laws and ethical standards.
• Contractual Clauses: Including specific clauses in contracts requiring adherence to modern slavery laws.
• Training and Awareness: Providing training for employees to recognize and address modern slavery risks effectively.

 

6. Continuous Improvement

To combat modern slavery, OCBM commits to ongoing efforts, including:

• Policy Reviews: Regularly reviewing and updating our modern slavery policy to ensure alignment with legal standards and industry best practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Working closely with stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, and employees, to raise awareness and drive improvements.
• Monitoring and Auditing: Continuously monitoring our supply chains and operations to identify and address any emerging risks.
• Corrective Actions: Implementing corrective actions promptly if any modern slavery practices are identified.

 

7. Reporting Concerns

OCBM encourages anyone with concerns about modern slavery or human trafficking to report these concerns confidentially. Reporting channels include:

• Email: [info@ocbm.uk]
• Address: Address: [MC 101, 3 HQ, The Quadrant, Warwick Road Coventry UK, Postcode: CV1 2DY]

All reports will be investigated thoroughly, and appropriate action will be taken to address any issues.

 

8. Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary actions, termination of contracts, or legal proceedings, depending on the severity of the breach. OCBM will not tolerate any form of modern slavery in its operations or supply chains.

 

9. Legal Framework

This policy is designed to comply with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 and reflects our commitment to the principles of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

 

Contact Information

For further information or questions regarding this Modern Slavery Policy, please contact:

Oxford College of Business and Management

Address: [MC 101, 3 HQ, The Quadrant, Warwick Road Coventry UK, Postcode: CV1 2DY]
Email: [info@ocbm.uk]

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This modern slavery policy is effective as of 1st August 2024.

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Thank you for your trust in Oxford College of Business and Management. We are committed to providing the best education and consultancy services.