Modern Slavery Statement

This FY 2020/2021 statement sets out Group's actions and commitments

Introduction

This statement sets out DPDgroup's actions and commitments to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps to ensure that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its business or supply chains.

DPDgroup recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking and is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

Our Values and Code of Business Conduct & Ethics

DPDgroup is committed to acting with integrity in all of its business dealings. Our Code of Business Ethics outlines the standards and behaviours that DPDgroup upholds as a company, and that we expect wherever we conduct business, to ensure that the highest standards of honesty and integrity are maintained.

We also have company wide policies that support our values and expectations. The following are relevant to Modern Slavery:

  • Anti-Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy
  • Whistleblowing Policy
  • Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
  • UK Ethical Purchasing Policy

Employees

All new employees are subject to full pre-employment checks to confirm their identity and right to work in the UK. All our employees are paid above the National Living Wage and are provided with all statutory rights and benefits in line with our legal obligations.

The Director of People & Talent has overall responsibility for the organisation's anti-slavery policies and initiatives. Communication of our Anti-Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy outlines the responsibilities of all employees to comply with the Act and encourages all employees to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery in any parts of our business or supply chains.

Training on modern slavery is available via an online training module. The modern slavery training covers:

  • How to assess the risk of slavery and human trafficking;
  • How to identify the signs of slavery and human trafficking;
  • What steps should be taken if slavery or human trafficking is suspected;
  • How to escalate potential slavery or human trafficking issues to the relevant parties within
  • the organisation;
  • What external help is available;

Supply Chains

DPDgroup aims to purchase goods and services which are produced and delivered in circumstances which do not involve exploitation or abuse of any persons or the environment. We expect our suppliers to support and demonstrate our vales and this includes standards across a broad spectrum of working conditions including fair pay, working hours, no child labour, non-discrimination and satisfactory health, safety and wellbeing.

Our Ethical Purchasing Policy forms part of the evaluation and selection criteria for all goods and services purchased by DPDgroup. Suppliers must commit to all areas of this policy and any serious breach of the policy may result in the termination of any business relationship. Where possible we expect all suppliers to have suitable anti-slavery and human trafficking policies within their businesses and to communicate those policies to their suppliers.

Due diligence

The organisation undertakes due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers, and regularly reviews its existing suppliers. We believe the risk of slavery and human trafficking within our own organisation is significantly mitigated as a result of our cultural values and commitment to ethical behaviour supported by our policies and procedures.

Our purchasing teams have been made aware of the requirements under the Act.

Board approval

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our Group's slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 31 December 2020.

This statement has been approved by the organisation's board of directors and is signed on behalf of the Board by:

Justin Pegg
COO
DPDgroup UK Ltd