Modern Slavery Policy
Introduction
This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps that L.E.A.D. IT Services Ltd (‘L.E.A.D. IT’ has taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains.
L.E.A.D. IT Services is committed to acting ethically, transparently, and with integrity in all business dealings. We take a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and are dedicated to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard against any form of exploitation.
About L.E.A.D. IT Services
L.E.A.D. IT Services is a UK-based technology services and procurement provider, supporting over 250 schools, multi-academy trusts and commercial organisations nationwide. Our work spans a wide range of services, including managed IT support, cyber security and safeguarding solutions, infrastructure, cloud and network services, as well as IT procurement and the supply of hardware and software.
Operating as a social enterprise, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond our core services. We reinvest profits into supporting schools and educational initiatives, creating opportunities for young people, and delivering a range of community and charitable projects.
Our Commitment
L.E.A.D. IT Services is committed to:
- Preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chain
- Maintaining fair, lawful and ethical employment practices
- Working only with suppliers who share our values
- Promoting a culture of accountability and transparency
We will not knowingly engage with any organisation involved in slavery, servitude, forced labour, or human trafficking.
Our Supply Chains
Our supply chain primarily consists of:
- IT hardware manufacturers and distributors
- Software vendors and cloud service providers
- Infrastructure and networking partners
- Professional service providers
We recognise that risks of modern slavery are more likely to arise in global manufacturing supply chains, particularly in electronics production.
Risk Assessment and Due Diligence
We take a proportionate and risk-based approach to managing modern slavery risks by:
- Partnering with reputable, established suppliers and distributors
- Conducting due diligence on new suppliers, including ethical standards and compliance
- Reviewing supplier policies and public statements relating to modern slavery
- Including appropriate contractual provisions where possible
- Avoiding suppliers operating in high-risk environments without sufficient safeguards
We continue to review and strengthen our procurement processes to improve visibility and accountability across our supply chain.
Our People and Employment Practices
We are committed to ensuring that:
- All employees have the legal right to work in the UK
- Employment is freely chosen, with no forced or bonded labour
- Working conditions are fair, safe, and compliant with UK employment law
- Employees are paid fairly and treated with dignity and respect
Our recruitment and HR processes are designed to protect against exploitation and ensure transparency at every stage.
Policies and Governance
To support our commitment, L.E.A.D. IT Services operates a range of internal policies, including:
- Modern Slavery Policy (this statement)
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies (aligned with our education sector focus)
- Ethical Procurement Practices
Overall responsibility for this policy sits with the Board of Directors, with day-to-day responsibility held by senior leadership.
Training and Awareness
We recognise the importance of awareness in preventing modern slavery.
We aim to:
- Provide staff with an understanding of modern slavery risks
- Encourage vigilance in identifying potential concerns
- Promote clear reporting channels for any suspicions
Modern slavery awareness forms part of our wider governance, safeguarding, and compliance culture.
Reporting Concerns
Employees, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to report any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical practices.
Reports can be made via:
- Internal management channels
- Whistleblowing procedures
All reports are treated seriously and investigated appropriately.
Continuous Improvement
L.E.A.D. IT Services is committed to continuous improvement and will:
- Review and update this statement annually
- Enhance supplier due diligence processes
- Strengthen contractual obligations with partners
- Monitor evolving risks within the technology supply chain
Approval
This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors of L.E.A.D. IT Services Ltd and is reviewed annually.