Modern Slavery Policy
30 January 2024
Introduction and Purpose
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the “Act”) is a UK law which came into force in 2015. The Act requires commercial organisations with an annual turnover of more than £36 million to publish a slavery and human trafficking statement for each financial year. OI Space does not meet this turnover threshold but is nevertheless fully supportive of the Act. This statement therefore sets out the steps taken to combat slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains, and the further steps that we will continue to take.
OI Space has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery. We are committed to acting in an ethical manner, with integrity and transparency in all our business dealings and are committed to putting effective systems and controls in place to safeguard against any form of modern slavery or human trafficking taking place within our business or supply chain.
Our commitment to our clients is very clear, we will always treat people in our business or supply chain fairly. OI Space expects its employees, suppliers and customers to act responsibly and to comply with the spirit of this statement.
Our Business Activities
OI Space operates innovation spaces and enterprise hubs that provide offices, workshops, laboratories, co-working/shared and private space to entrepreneurs and innovative start-ups – our customers - in order to support their growth. We provide business support to our customers, curate impactful ecosystems around our centres and manage all building operations, including FM, commercial and staffing.
Our Supplier Due Diligence Practices
OI Space’s suppliers are predominantly based in the UK and are local. Our supply chain includes supply in the provision of office space, construction and maintenance and repair; and also providers of other services necessary to run our internal functions effectively, such as IT, payroll and facilities.
Our employees who arrange significant contracts with suppliers are expected to consider the risk posed by a new supplier prior to commissioning, and should consider slavery and human trafficking risks prior to entering into significant new partner or supplier contracts.
All procurement is based on objective and fair criteria that reflect the principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment, transparency, procedural fairness, mutual recognition, proportionality and business efficiency.
In addition to carrying out due diligence on suppliers, as part of any tender process (where applicable) suppliers are expected to confirm their agreement to OI Space’s contractual terms and conditions, and confirm that they will comply with OI Space’s policies and procedures and provide the services in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. OI Space expects its suppliers to exercise due diligence along its supply chain.
OI Space will require its suppliers to confirm that they comply with all laws relating to slavery and human trafficking and to undertake that there is no trafficked, bonded, child or forced labour within their supply chain. OI Space has the ability to terminate the relevant supply contract immediately if the supplier does not comply with these requirements.
Suppliers will be requested to notify OI Space - prior to sub-contracting any significant services - that they will ensure any sub-contractors also comply with the Act. OI Space may request the right to audit suppliers where deemed necessary and to potentially terminate contracts based on any unfavourable results.
Our Employees
OI Space treats its employees with respect and dignity and operates internal policies to ensure that it is conducting its business in an ethical, considerate and transparent manner.
OI Space’s recruitment policies ensure that employee screening checks are carried out to ensure that the individual is legally entitled to work in the UK to safeguard against human trafficking or individuals being forced to work against their will and expects the same of each of its suppliers.
Employees are free to leave their employment after reasonable notice and are not required to lodge deposits of money or identity papers with their employer. The compensation and benefits paid to employees for a normal working week comply at least with guaranteed minimum legal requirements, including minimum wage legislation, and working hours comply at least with the national legal standards and are not excessive. OI Space is a Real Living Wage employer.
OI Space has a whistleblowing policy intended to encourage and enable employees to report suspected wrongdoing and raise serious concerns within the workplace. OI Space is committed to ensuring that any employee concerns are taken seriously and investigated.