This statement relates to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act (2015) and sets out the steps that GWAS Independent Ambulance Service Ltd (GWAS) have taken, and will continue to take, to ensure that modern slavery or human trafficking is not taking place within our organisation and commissioned services.
Modern slavery encompasses slavery and human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slavers use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
GWAS have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse and thus modern slavery is incorporated within safeguarding work. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity and transparency in all business dealings and to putting effective systems and controls in place to safeguard against any form of modern slavery.
Through the implementation of robust Human Resources and Recruitment Policies and Procedures GWAS ensures that comprehensive checks are in place to negate the likelihood of individuals being employed by GWAS who have been trafficked or who are the victims of modern slavery. These include references, occupational health checks, DBS checks, immigration and identity checks.
By adopting the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service, GWAS has the assurance that all staff will be treated fairly and will comply with the latest legislation. This includes the assurance that staff received from December 2015 the new National Living Wage, which we will ensure is kept in line with changes.
GWAS has various policies and procedures in place designed to provide guidance and advice to staff, managers, contractors and volunteers.
These policies include but are not limited to:
- Children, Young Person and Adult at Risk Safeguarding Policy
- Raising Concerns (Whistleblowing) Policy
- Equal Opportunity Policy
- Recruitment Policy
