Modern slavery and human trafficking statement

We support this Act through:

• supporting victim identification through staff training and education

• partnership working, in collaboration with relevant agencies and groups

• private sector engagement and responsible procurement practices.

Partnership working

We are part of the Devon Safer Partnership and Somerset’s Safer Partnership and we work with Devon and Cornwall Police and Avon and Somerset Police and other agencies and partners across the south-west to develop a collaborative approach to tackling the issue of modern slavery.

We support responsible procurement practices which aim to encourage fair pay and working conditions in our supply chain and to assist in the identification and elimination of modern slavery and human trafficking. The Service expects suppliers to be aware of and comply with the requirements of the Act.

To support our partnership aims, the Service will implement communication and education programmes for staff which will highlight the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act, any high-risk areas in Devon and Somerset, and the referral mechanisms. The Service will engage with suppliers to promote policies to ensure that supply chains are free from slavery.

The Service will also see what other actions it can take beyond communication and education programmes to further promote the Act and ensure that there is no Modern Slavery in its business or in its supply chain.

We believe that that because we have a key role in keeping the communities of Devon and Somerset safe from harm and works with a large number of suppliers it is appropriate that it publishes a statement that is transparent about the actions it will be taking.

Modern slavery includes: Forced labour; Victims are forced to work against their will, often working very long hours for little or no pay in dire conditions under verbal or physical threats of violence. Debt bondage; Victims are forced to work to pay off debts that realistically they never will be able to. Sexual exploitation; Victims are forced to perform non-consensual or abusive sexual acts against their will, such as prostitution, escort work, and pornography. Adults are coerced often under the threat of force or another penalty. Criminal exploitation; Often controlled and maltreated, victims are forced into crimes such as cannabis cultivation or pick-pocketing against their will. Domestic servitude; Victims are forced to carry out housework and domestic chores in private households with little or no pay, restricted movement, very limited or no free time, and minimal privacy often sleeping where they work.

Signed by: Lee Howell (CFO Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service)

Date 29 January 2021

Modern slavery includes:

• Forced labour; Victims are forced to work against their will, often working very long hours for little or no pay in dire conditions under verbal or physical threats of violence.

• Debt bondage; Victims are forced to work to pay off debts that realistically they never will be able to.

• Sexual exploitation; Victims are forced to perform non-consensual or abusive sexual acts against their will, such as prostitution, escort work, and pornography. Adults are coerced often under the threat of force or another penalty.

• Criminal exploitation; Often controlled and maltreated, victims are forced into crimes such as cannabis cultivation or pick-pocketing against their will.

• Domestic servitude; Victims are forced to carry out housework and domestic chores in private households with little or no pay, restricted movement, very limited or no free time, and minimal privacy often sleeping where they work.

Further information on modern slavery is available from:

• Devon and Cornwall Police - Modern Slavery information
• Avon and Somerset Police - Modern Slavery information
• Modern Slavery is closer than you think
• Modern Slavery Helpline