Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy Statement

 

The Space by AZM CIC is committed to acting ethically, responsibly and with integrity in all areas of its work.

 

Modern slavery is a serious violation of human rights and may include slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, human trafficking, exploitation, coercion, deception, abuse of power or other forms of control that prevent a person from freely leaving or refusing an exploitative situation.

 

UK Government guidance describes modern slavery as situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception and/or abuse of power.

 

The Space by AZM CIC does not tolerate modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, exploitation or abusive working practices in connection with its activities, partnerships, programmes, events, residencies, exhibitions, placements, supply chains or public-facing work.

 

Our Commitment

The Space by AZM CIC is committed to :

  • acting lawfully, ethically and responsibly
  • treating people with dignity and respect
  • supporting safe, fair and professional working environments
  • avoiding exploitation, coercion, abuse of power or unfair treatment
  • working with partners, suppliers, contractors and collaborators who are expected to uphold lawful and ethical standards
  • taking concerns about modern slavery, exploitation or labour abuse seriously
  • escalating serious concerns where appropriate

 

Scope

This policy statement applies to activities connected with The Space by AZM CIC, including :

  • staff, contractors, freelancers, volunteers, advisers and students
  • artists, designers, creative practitioners and programme participants
  • suppliers, venues, partners, sponsors and collaborators
  • exhibitions, pop-ups, residencies, mentoring, placements, events and public-facing activity
  • procurement of goods, services, materials, production support and professional services

 

Risk Areas

The Space by AZM CIC recognises that modern slavery risks can exist in many sectors, including creative production, events, hospitality, cleaning, venue operations, manufacturing, garment production, logistics, construction, domestic work, temporary labour, supply chains and outsourced services.

As a creative and cultural organisation, we will take reasonable care when working with suppliers, venues, contractors, collaborators and partners, particularly where activity involves labour, production, materials, staffing, services, travel, events or public-facing delivery.

 

Expectations of Partners and Suppliers

The Space by AZM CIC expects people and organisations working with us to comply with applicable laws and to respect human rights, labour rights and ethical working standards.

We expect suppliers, contractors, partners and collaborators not to use forced labour, trafficked labour, child exploitation, coercion, debt bondage, abusive recruitment practices, unlawful wage practices or unsafe working conditions.

Where appropriate, The Space by AZM CIC may ask partners, suppliers or contractors to provide information about their working practices, employment arrangements, safeguarding measures, insurance, policies or ethical standards.

 

Recruitment, Placements and Volunteers

The Space by AZM CIC aims to ensure that work, placements, volunteering, internships and project participation are managed fairly, transparently and responsibly.

People working with or for The Space by AZM CIC should receive clear information about their role, expectations, supervision, working arrangements and any payment, expenses, placement or volunteering terms that apply.

The Space by AZM CIC does not support exploitative unpaid labour, coercive working arrangements, unsafe conditions or misuse of professional opportunity.

 

Raising Concerns

Anyone who has a concern about modern slavery, human trafficking, exploitation, forced labour, coercion, unsafe working practices or abuse of power in connection with The Space by AZM CIC should raise the concern as soon as possible.

 

Concerns can be sent to :

Email : Concerns@thespace.website
 

Concerns will be taken seriously and handled sensitively, proportionately and confidentially where appropriate.

Where a concern involves immediate danger, serious harm, violence, exploitation, criminal behaviour or risk to safety, the appropriate emergency service, statutory authority or specialist support organisation should be contacted without delay.

 

Response to Concerns

Where a concern is raised, The Space by AZM CIC may take appropriate steps, including :

  • reviewing the concern internally
  • requesting further information
  • documenting the concern
  • pausing or ending work with a supplier, partner or contractor
  • escalating the matter through safeguarding, governance or complaints procedures
  • seeking professional advice
  • referring the matter to relevant external authorities where appropriate
     

The Space by AZM CIC will not tolerate retaliation or victimisation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

 

Review

This policy statement will be reviewed periodically and may be updated as The Space by AZM CIC develops its programmes, partnerships, supply chains and public-facing activities.