ISSE MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING POLICY

Purpose and Scope

Modern slavery is a serious crime and violation of human rights. This policy applies to all ISSE personnel, members and supply chains. It aims to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour and human trafficking.

Policy Statement

    • Zero tolerance – The ISSE maintains a zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery and expects its members, business partners and suppliers to adhere to the same standards as far as practicably possible.

    • Specific prohibited practices – This policy explicitly prohibits charging workers recruitment fees, debt bondage, compulsory overtime, and the confiscation of identity or travel documents.

    • Supply chain due diligence – ISSE Contracts include clauses prohibiting forced or trafficked labour. ISSE Members and Suppliers are required to provide copies of their modern slavery policies and may be subject to initial validation and periodical revalidation assessment, as deemed applicable.

    • Recruitment and employment practices – ISSE training guidance includes an expectation for Employment terms to be transparent and free from coercion and to allows all employees to enjoy freedom of movement and interactive association.

    • Risk assessment and monitoring – The ISSE incorporates assessment and monitoring of modern slavery risks, focusing on high‑risk sectors such as temporary labour and construction within its educational training and qualification programme.

    • Training and awareness – Relevant staff and members receive training on the Modern Slavery Act and best practice guidance the ISSE educational training and qualification programme.
    • Reporting and whistle‑blowing – All staff and members have a legal duty of care to report suspicious behaviour or concerns regarding bribery or corruption. Confidential channels are established; The ISSE subscribes to the Professional Institutes Joint Code of Professional Conduct which includes a dedicated Whistleblowing Facility and includes this within its Gold Standard Registration Scheme educational training programme

Note: Any such submissions deemed to be:

    • Genuine – have NO REPERCUSSIONS upon the reporter(s).
    • Disingenuous – may be rejected and may be reported to the appropriate authorities.

NB: Any form of retaliation against whistle‑blowers is strictly prohibited.

    • Enforcement – Any breaches of this policy that are brought to the attention of the ISSE will result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts and potential referral to law enforcement, as applicable.

Responsibilities

    • Board of Directors – Ensure compliance and allocate resources.
    • Human Resources/Compliance Manager – Implement and monitor the policy.
    • Managers and Supervisors – Ensure staff and educational, training, qualification candidates receive related awareness and understanding level Training as applicable.

 

Customisation Guidance – Members and service provider organisations are expected to conduct their own risk assessments considering their specific supply chains and locations. High‑risk industries may require more rigorous due diligence, while smaller organisations should still ensure basic compliance.