MODERN SLAVERY ACT STATEMENT

Opus is an SME involved in the supply, configuration and support of telecommunications solutions to the Public and Private Sector. 

We have adopted this legislation and confirm we are compliant in supporting and achieving the goals relative to the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Our development and ambitions rely wholly on our suppliers and partners.  To this end, we set out to maximise supply chain opportunities by proactively seeking and building strong, value focused, long term relationships with all our suppliers and partners.   

Our Business and Supply Chain  

Opus adopts a risk-based approach to supplier due diligence to mitigate the risk of modern slavery within our supply chain. This includes the use of supplier onboarding checks, due diligence questionnaires, and review of supplier policies and codes of conduct to ensure alignment with our ethical standards. 

Supplier due diligence is conducted prior to engagement and is subject to periodic review, particularly where there is a change in risk profile or service scope. Higher-risk suppliers may be subject to enhanced checks where appropriate. Responsibility for supplier due diligence and ongoing monitoring sits with the Compliance and Procurement functions, ensuring consistency with internal policies and regulatory expectations. 

Securing the best price is a critical part of what we do in order to pass the benefits on to our clients.  But whilst we negotiate hard on price, we will never compromise on a commitment to ethical practices.  This is achieved by adhering to both statutory and voluntary codes of practice in association with our suppliers that ensure we promote fairness and respect for the environment and sustainability, employment, health, safety, legislation and regulation, whilst at the same time meeting economic objectives. 

We recognise that our suppliers and partners may be global organisations, or part of global organisations, and therefore we require transparency of their codes of practice and understanding of how they carry out their procurement themselves.  Therefore, in conducting business with our suppliers, it is our policy to clarify our position on ethical procurement from the outset and carry out a review of their codes of practice in order to satisfy ourselves that they have met our standards.   

Risk Assessment 

Opus recognises that the risk of modern slavery may vary across different parts of its operations and supply chain. We take a risk-based approach to identifying and assessing potential exposure to modern slavery and human trafficking. 

Factors considered include the nature of services provided, geographic location, sector risk, and the level of reliance on third parties. Where higher-risk areas are identified, additional due diligence may be undertaken. 

Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and updated where there are changes to business operations, supplier arrangements, or external risk factors. 

Our Policies On Slavery and Human Trafficking  

• No person is employed who is below the minimum legal age of employment. 

• Children (under 18 years) are not employed for any hazardous or night work, or work that is inconsistent with the child’s personal development. 

• Forced, bonded or compulsory labour is not used and any employees are free to leave their employment after reasonable notice.  

• A healthy and safe working environment is provided for employees, contractors, partners or others who may be affected by the suppliers’ activities, in accordance with international standards and national laws. 

• Processes and rules are in place to ensure that health and safety obligations are communicated and applied to parties under their control. 

• Delivery of products and or services meets the general principles of health and safety risk prevention. 

• Mechanisms are implemented that ensure all employees are competent to carry out the health and safety aspects of their responsibilities and duties. 

• Facilities and amenities are safe and meet the basic needs of employees. 

• No form of discrimination is engaged in, or supported by, the company in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination, or retirement procedures or decisions. 

• Working hours of employees do not exceed the maximum set by local law. 

• Employees understand their employment conditions and fair and reasonable pay and terms are provided. All employees will be paid at least minimum / living wage.  

• No form of bribery, including improper offers of payment to, or from, employees, customers, suppliers, organisations, or individuals is tolerated.  

Monitoring and Effectiveness 

We monitor the effectiveness of our approach to preventing modern slavery through key performance indicators, including: 

• The percentage of suppliers assessed for ethical and modern slavery risks during onboarding and periodic review 

• The completion rate of awareness training by employees 

• The number of supplier reviews conducted and any identified non-conformities 

• The number of concerns or incidents reported and resolved 

These measures are reviewed annually as part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. 

Training and Awareness 

Opus is committed to ensuring that employees are aware of ethical standards, compliance requirements, and their role in upholding them. Relevant employees receive training and awareness as part of the wider compliance and information security training programme. 

This includes guidance on recognising potential risks or concerns within business operations and supply chains, and the appropriate steps to escalate these where necessary. Training is refreshed periodically to ensure continued awareness and alignment with regulatory expectations 

Opus requires all its suppliers to comply with this statement and we reserve the right not to do business with companies where it can be demonstrated that significant violations of this statement exist.