Modern Slavery Statement
Citizens Advice Lewisham is a charity providing free, independent and confidential advice to people in our community. Modern slavery, including slavery, servitude, forced labour and human trafficking, is a serious crime and a violation of human rights. We are committed to taking reasonable steps to ensure it plays no part in our organisation, our services or our partnerships.
This statement is published voluntarily and sits within our wider approach to safeguarding, which is a governance priority for our Board of Trustees.
How we minimise our exposure
Policies and procedures. Our Safeguarding Adults Policy, Safeguarding Children Policy and Safeguarding Procedure apply to all staff, volunteers, senior managers and trustees, and to anyone working on our behalf. The policies name modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude, as a form of abuse, and sets out the warning signs so that people can recognise it.
Clear responsibility. We have a Safeguarding Lead and Deputy, and Trustee oversight of safeguarding, responsible for reporting serious concerns to the Charity Commission. No one at CAL will ignore an allegation or suspected abuse. Where modern slavery is suspected, we follow our safeguarding referral process and may also refer to the National Referral Mechanism.
Protecting people. We explore the wishes of the person concerned and seek their permission to report where we can. Where someone is in serious and immediate danger, or asking permission could put them at greater risk, their safety takes precedence over confidentiality.
Safer recruitment. Staff and volunteers in roles eligible for DBS checks are screened, and we take up appropriate references and right-to-work checks.
Training and supervision. All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding induction, have access to ongoing training, and receive regular supervision and case checking.
Review. Our safeguarding policies are reviewed annually.
Working with partners
Safeguarding is at the heart of our services and we fully consider all aspects when implementing and delivering our services. We complete and maintain risk assessments across the service. We consider safeguarding when developing any new service, including risk assessment, agreed safeguarding measures and information-sharing protocols with partner organisations. When working in partnership, we make sure our policies reflect local safeguarding arrangements and join local training where possible. We expect suppliers and delivery partners to have their own modern slavery and safeguarding arrangements.
Raising a concern
If you have a concern about modern slavery connected with CAL, contact our Safeguarding Lead at fiona.derbyshire@citizensadvicelewisham.org.uk. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. You can also call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.
