Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and bonded labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.
With c.36 million modern slavery victims worldwide, c.8300 cases of modern slavery in the UK in 2014, and reports that this is on the increase, Endorse recognises the need to raise awareness and take proactive action to prevent or combat modern slavery should it enter our business or any company with which we do business.
We therefore adopt a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any company with which we do business.
Endorse is one of the largest recruitment agent and event search directories. We make available listings of recruitment agents and recruitment event organisers and other recruitment products and services. We also offer recruitment and non-recruitment related advertisers access to a potential source of incremental traffic and transactions through our various media and advertising offerings on our websites.
Pursuant to Section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act of 2015, Endorse provides the following statement:
Endorse has built its foundations with strong values and is committed to these values:
- We recognise that everyone is unique and we act in a way to ensure service users gain an exceptional experience
- We treat everybody with respect, loyalty and fairness and cultivate success based on long term relationships
- We act with honesty, transparency and with the best interests of all service users with everything we do
- We practice ethical behaviour with integrity and compassionate care and we encourage others to follow these values by leading by example and we act to protect others from harm.
These values are directly relevant to the issues associated with eradicating the evil of modern slavery and Endorse is committed to developing and improving its processes to combat slavery and human trafficking.
Endorse respects human rights and workplace rights. Endorse is committed to conducting its business in a manner that protects these rights and prohibits and opposes all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced and bonded labour and human trafficking.
An overview of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (UK) and other supporting documents can be viewed https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/modern-slavery-bill.
Policies and Practices
Code of Conduct
Endorse sets forth our core principles and values, and expectations regarding responsible and ethical business conduct in our Code of Conduct. As such, our Code of Conduct details the standards of integrity that Endorse requires all of its directors and employees to follow. Our Code of Conduct constitutes our commitment to act ethically and with integrity in all of our business relationships, including respecting human rights and workplace rights, opposing modern slavery and human trafficking of any kind, as well as providing guidance on how to report any violations of our Code of Conduct. Endorse endeavours to maintain business relationships with business partners that are similarly committed to the principles, values and expectations outlined in our Code of Conduct.
Endorse has aligned its Code of Conduct with the World Health Organisation’s Code of Conduct for International Recruitment http://www.who.int/hrh/migration/en/.
Recruitment Agents & Third Party Suppliers
Endorse endeavours to maintain business relationships with recruitment agents, recruitment event organisers and third-party suppliers that are committed to respecting human rights and workplace rights. Consistent with our ongoing review of our business practices and as the understanding of and approaches to address the complex issue of modern slavery and human trafficking develops, Endorse will further refine its policies or practices in the manner that it deems to be most appropriate and effective.
Employees
Endorse respects and values its employees. To ensure that our employees are not subject to undue influence and are treated fairly and with respect, Endorse has human resource policies and procedures, as well as recruitment processes, in place across all of its operations.
Awareness
As indicated above, our Code of Conduct specifically asserts our respect for human rights and opposition to human trafficking. Endorse requires all of our directors and employees, including all executive officers and senior financial officers, to comply with our Code of Conduct. At new hire orientation and training, and periodically thereafter, all employees receive a copy of and are required to attest to receiving and understanding our Code of Conduct.
Whistleblowing
Endorse maintains an open door policy for employees to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Employees can confidentially report any concerns, which may include concerns relating to modern slavery and human trafficking. These reports are then investigated in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Endorse supports any report made by an employee, employer, agent, job seekers or a member of the pubic. Reports can be submitted online using the Endorse contact page and via any employer, agent or job listings. Users of the Endorse website can also submit Reviews against employer and agent listings, allowing Endorse to closely monitor the experience of its users and investigate concerning behaviour in accordance with the company policies and procedures.
Accountability
Our Code of Conduct governs and guides the business conduct of Endorse and its employees. As we hold ourselves to these high ethical principles and values, we endeavour to ensure that the business conduct of our recruitment agents, recruitment event organisers and third party suppliers complies with all relevant laws and that said agents, organisers and suppliers embrace our ethical principles and values.
Violations of our Code of Conduct by our employees may subject them to disciplinary action, including dismissal (unless prohibited by law). We also reserve the right, pursuant to contractual provisions or to the extent permitted by law, to terminate relationships with third parties who violate our Code of Conduct or who otherwise engage in illegal activities.
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the current financial year.
