Modern Slavery Statement – September 2026 until March 2027

Modern Slavery and human trafficking statement for Homes in Somerset Limited for the period September 2026 until March 2027.

On the 1 September Homes in Somerset took on management of a further circa 6000 properties from Somerset Council. This resulted in us requiring a Modern Slavery Statement, under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This statement is made in accordance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and outlines the steps that Homes in Somerset Limited will take to ensure that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within Homes in Somerset or its supply chain. This statement covers the period from 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Background

Homes in Somerset Limited (HiS) is an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) created by Somerset Council. The organisation is non-profit making and is 100% owned by Somerset Council. HiS manages, maintains and improves council houses and estates on behalf of the council.

HiS aims to promote the highest standards in how the business is run and, in the employment, tenancy and procurement practices. HiS supports the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the abolition of modern slavery and human trafficking.

This statement summaries the approach and the steps to be taken in the next year in our own company and in our supply chain.

Our approach to modern slavery and human trafficking

HiS will operates a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. HiS expects all of its Directors, Officers, employees, suppliers, contractors, the supply chain and any other third-party engaged, to adhere to and comply with the zero-tolerance policy. HiS understands the importance of ensuring that robust systems are in place to identify and address any risks of modern slavery and/or human trafficking. HiS ensures that procedures are in place to identify, and where necessary, address such risks. This statement sets out the measures that HiS will take to address modern slavery and human trafficking in the higher risk areas of the organisation.

Recruitment and Employment

HiS has employment practices, procedures and diversity policies in place to help ensure the fair

recruitment and treatment of employees. The recruitment policies are designed to ensure that all prospective employees have the right to work in the UK and to safeguard employees from coercion.

Prior to starting employment, HiS will verify and obtain evidence that a new employee has the right to work in the UK. Where there are additional requirements for employment (for example a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check) then further forms of identification will be obtained and verified before employment commences.

Use of agency staff may be arranged through external recruitment agencies. Before any agency staff are engaged, HIS would require assurance that the individual has the right to work in the UK. Where the relevant employment checks cannot give the level of assurance required, an individual would not be invited to undertake work in an agency capacity. HiS continues to review the contractual relationships with the external recruitment agencies.

Service Delivery

In order to deliver services, employees are often required to visit residents in their homes. Those employees may witness, become aware of or suspect modern slavery, human trafficking, abuse and/or coercion when delivering our services. It is crucial that they are able to identify potential occurrences of modern slavery, human trafficking and other safeguarding issues and understand how to report these concerns without delay so that appropriate action can be taken. There are policies in place (such as our Whistleblowing policy and Safeguarding policy). These policies are regularly reviewed.

Procurement and Supply Chains

HiS spends approximately £45 million annually on goods, services, and works. Our supply chain is diverse and includes sub-contracted works and services, professional services, construction materials, software, PPE and workwear, office equipment, and cleaning products. We are committed to ensuring that our procurement practices are ethical, sustainable, and aligned with our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We have implemented a robust procurement strategy that supports ethical operations, contributes to the local economy, and promotes sustainability.

Training

HiS provides e-learning through its Learning Management System on safeguarding and whistleblowing, and other related polices.

Policies

HiS has a number of polices that support it in addressing modern slavery and human trafficking issues. These policies include Whistleblowing, Anti-bribery, Corruption and Fraud, Safeguarding and the use of DBS Disclosure and Baring Service checks. All policies are reviewed regularly and updated where necessary.

The Whistleblowing Policy reiterates a commitment to the highest possible standards of openness, honesty and accountability. ‘Whistleblowing’ is the term used when an employee passes on information concerning wrongdoing. Often referred to as ‘making a disclosure’ or ‘blowing the whistle’. The Policy applies to all employees of HiS. All individuals to whom the Policy applies can utilise it to report any evidence or allegations of modern slavery or human trafficking in relation to HIS activities or supply chains.

Governance, Effectiveness and Review

The detection of any modern slavery issues falls into the remit of the Board via the Audit and Risk Committee’s operations.

Further steps

For the year 2026/27 and beyond HIS intends to take further steps to combat modern slavery and human trafficking in its supply chains. These steps include:

• An appropriate staff training programme will be introduced.
• We will review our procurement strategy so that it supports our stance on Modern Slavery.
• Key policies will be reviewed and updated in line with the Modern Slavery legislation, including Whistleblowing, and Safeguarding.
• We will consider and approve how Modern Slavery will be considered and monitored at the strategic (Board) level.
•  We will develop reporting metrics to increase our assurance that modern slavery and human trafficking issues are being sufficiently monitored throughout our business.

Our commitments:

• Continue to make our colleagues, tenants, residents and leaseholders aware of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, including the definitions of slavery and human trafficking.
• Continue to tell colleagues what to do if they suspect a case of slavery or human trafficking.
• Work with current suppliers who provide us with temporary staff to ensure they also comply with this Act.