Avensys Consulting Modern Slavery Statement - 2023
Introduction
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery, Transparency in Supply Chains (Amendment) Act 2015 UK and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year.
Our Business
Avensys Consulting is a trailblazing IT consulting company, headquartered in Singapore, with offices around the world. It provides cutting-edge Technology Enabled solutions and unparalleled Talent and Recruitment Services to clients across the world.
Since its inception in 2007, Avensys has solidified its position as a trusted partner, guiding numerous organizations on their transformative IT journey. With us, your vision becomes our mission and your success becomes our sole purpose.
Our in-depth technical knowledge, coupled with industry expertise and well tested methodologies, has enabled us to meet all our customers’ expectations. Areas of technology expertise include Analytics & BI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Cyber Security and ERP Services. Under Talent Services, we offer a comprehensive range of quality recruitment services, for both contract, permanent and executive placements.
We are committed to ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business.
Our Policies
We have implemented comprehensive policies and procedures aimed at preventing slavery and human trafficking in our operations, including:
- Recruitment Policy: We operate a robust recruitment policy that ensures all workers have the right to work in the UK and are paid at least the national minimum wage. We conduct thorough background checks to verify the legal status of all employees. Additionally, we provide training to hiring managers to ensure awareness of modern slavery risks during the recruitment process.
- Supplier Code of Conduct: We have developed a Supplier Code of Conduct that outlines our expectations of ethical behavior from our suppliers. This includes a prohibition on the use of forced labor and child labor, as well as requirements for fair wages and safe working conditions. We require our suppliers to warrant compliance with these standards and conduct regular audits to verify adherence.
- Risk Assessment: We conduct regular risk assessments to identify and address areas within our business where there is a higher risk of slavery or human trafficking occurring. This includes assessing the risks associated with different geographical regions, industries, and types of labor. Furthermore, we involve relevant stakeholders in the risk assessment process to gain diverse perspectives.
- Training: We provide comprehensive training to all employees to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking. This training equips staff with the knowledge and tools to identify signs of exploitation and report any concerns effectively. Moreover, we conduct periodic refresher training sessions to ensure continued vigilance among employees.
Supply Chains
We recognize the importance of transparency and accountability throughout our supply chains. Therefore, we take proactive measures to assess and mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking, including:
- Supply Chain Mapping: We map our supply chains to understand the origins of goods and services and identify potential areas of vulnerability. This enables us to prioritize high-risk areas for further scrutiny and action. Additionally, we engage with suppliers to obtain information on sub-tier suppliers to ensure comprehensive mapping.
- Supplier Engagement: We engage with our suppliers to promote responsible sourcing practices and encourage them to adhere to ethical standards. This includes communicating our expectations regarding modern slavery and human rights and providing support and guidance where needed. Furthermore, we collaborate with industry peers and relevant organizations to leverage collective influence for driving positive change across supply chains.
- Due Diligence: We conduct due diligence on new and existing suppliers to assess their compliance with our Supplier Code of Conduct and identify any red flags indicating potential involvement in modern slavery or human trafficking. This includes site visits, document reviews, and interviews with key personnel. Moreover, we establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring of supplier performance and behavior.
Reporting Concerns
We have established clear channels for reporting concerns related to modern slavery and human trafficking, including:
- Whistleblowing Policy: We have a whistleblowing policy in place that enables employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any suspicions or allegations of modern slavery confidentially and without fear of reprisal. Reports are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action is taken. Additionally, we provide regular updates to whistleblowers on the progress and outcome of their reports to maintain transparency and trust.
- Confidential Reporting Mechanisms: We provide multiple avenues for reporting concerns, including a dedicated hotline, email address, and anonymous reporting platform, to ensure accessibility and confidentiality. Furthermore, we regularly review and enhance these reporting mechanisms based on feedback and emerging best practices to optimize effectiveness.
Our Commitment
We are unwavering in our commitment to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking from our business and supply chains. To fulfill this commitment, we pledge to:
- Continuous Improvement: Continuously monitor and evaluate our policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective and aligned with best practices and legal requirements. This includes conducting regular reviews and benchmarking against industry standards to identify opportunities for enhancement.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, and NGOs, to foster collaboration and exchange knowledge on combating modern slavery. This includes participation in industry forums, working groups, and initiatives aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving collective action.
- Resource Allocation: Allocate adequate resources and support to implement anti-slavery initiatives and address any identified gaps or shortcomings. This includes budget allocation for training, audits, and other activities essential for effective modern slavery risk management.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Advocate for broader societal change by actively participating in industry initiatives, supporting legislative efforts, and raising awareness of the issue of modern slavery. This includes engaging with policymakers, contributing to thought leadership articles, and leveraging our platforms for public education and advocacy.
Next Steps
Building on our existing efforts, we will take the following additional steps to strengthen our approach to combating modern slavery:
- Consult with Stakeholders: Actively seek input from our employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to enhance our modern slavery statement and initiatives. This includes conducting surveys, focus groups, and consultations to gather diverse perspectives and insights.
- Review Supply Chains: Conduct a comprehensive review of our supply chains to identify and address any emerging risks or vulnerabilities. This includes leveraging advanced data analytics and supply chain mapping tools to enhance visibility and traceability.
- Conduct Audits: Conduct regular audits of our suppliers to assess their compliance with our anti-slavery policies and identify areas for improvement. This includes expanding audit scope to cover not only direct suppliers but also sub-tier suppliers and critical commodities.
- Set Targets: Establish measurable targets and milestones to track our progress in preventing modern slavery and human trafficking and hold ourselves accountable for achieving them. This includes setting targets related to supplier compliance, employee training, and incident response times.
- Report on Progress: Provide regular updates on our efforts to combat modern slavery in our annual modern slavery statement, ensuring transparency and accountability to our stakeholders. This includes sharing key performance indicators, case studies, and lessons learned to demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement.
By taking these actions, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and contributing to the global fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.
Avensys Consulting