Introduction
Arke Creative Limited (the “Company” or “Arke”) is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in respect of all its business activities. Arke adopts a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking throughout all its business dealings and expects its suppliers and relevant stakeholders to adopt a similar approach. In doing so, Arke endorses full compliance with relevant laws through the implementation and promotion of ethical business practices to protect workers from being exploited both within the Company and its supply chains.
This statement, which is made pursuant to Section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 for the financial year ending 31 December 2019, outlines the potential risks and significant steps adopted by Arke to ensure that modern slavery or human trafficking does not occur in the Company or any of its supply chains.
This statement applies to all employees, workers or any persons working on behalf of Arke in any capacity, including agency workers, contractors, external consultants, third-party representatives and business partners.
Company Structure and Supply Chain
Arke specialises in the design and build of the highest quality office interiors in Central London and elsewhere in the UK. The Company’s objective is to maintain and develop its reputation for creating leading edge office environments built on schedule and to budget.
Utilising state-of-the-art design systems for building evaluation and virtual reality tours, the Arke team can advise from the earliest stage of a potential relocation project. Arke partners with its clients throughout the entire project to deliver a smooth transition to new offices or the reconfiguration and optimisation of current space.
Established in 2018 and based in Central London, the Company is growing strongly and presently has 12 employees.
Arke currently provides its products and services solely in the UK. The Company has a limited and carefully controlled supply chain in the UK to support the delivery of products and services to its customers. The Company’s supply chain comprises the purchasing of goods and services that support the enterprise and the delivery of services to its customers. Such purchases include office supplies, marketing resources, ICT supply, cleaning and waste disposal, building, electrical and engineering contracting, painting and decorating and office furnishing.
Therefore, pursuant to the Modern Slavery Act, Arke expects the suppliers and contractors with whom it conducts business to adopt similar high standards in the pursuit of modern slavery or human trafficking prevention by having a Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking statement or policy in place. The Company’s relationship with most of its suppliers and contractors is based on having close links and regular contact with senior management and owners, in some cases developed over many years. As and when Arke engages in business dealings with new suppliers and contractors, the Company undertakes due diligence to ensure there is no modern slavery or human trafficking activity occurring both within the business or any of its supply chains.
Responsibility
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with the Company’s legal and ethical obligations, and that all employees comply with the policy. The Managing Director has responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy and monitoring its use and effectiveness.
Relevant Policies
Arke has several policies in place, which outline the Company’s approach towards the identification of modern slavery and human trafficking risks and any necessary steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations. These policies include:
Whistleblowing Policy – Arke encourages all its employees, workers or customers to report any concerns regarding any circumstances which may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The Company’s Whistleblowing Policy enables workers to disclose information confidentially. Further information on this policy is made available to all employees directly through its HR portal.
Equal Opportunities Policy – Arke provides a fair and equal working environment that is free from all forms of discrimination in all areas of employment. All employees are treated fairly and particularly with respect to protected characteristics; race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, sex, marriage and civil partnership, disability, gender-reassignment, age, and sexual orientation. Further information is embodied in the Company’s Equal Opportunities Policy, which is made available to all employees directly through its HR portal.
Due Diligence
Arke is actively undertaking due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers and contractors. The Company’s due diligence approach includes:
- Obtaining verification that any new suppliers/contractors have a Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking statement or policy in place;
- Ensuring any form of child labour or exploitation is not present in any part of the business or its supply chain;
- Providing protection for whistleblowers;
- Ensuring employees are paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, depending on their eligibility;
- Ensuring the absence of all forms of discrimination in any aspect of the business or its supply chain, including recruitment and selection procedures, access to training and promotions etc.;
- Ensuring right to work and pre-employment checks of all staff are conducted appropriately;
- Ensuring no harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed in any part of the business or its supply chain in line with the Company’s Equal Opportunities Policy;
- Using only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour, and verifying the practices of any new agency prior to sourcing labour from that agency;
- Ensure staff are aware of the procedure to follow, should they have concerns regarding any circumstances which may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking in any part of the business or its supply chain;
- Ensuring working hours are not excessive and are fully compliant with the Working Time Regulations 1998.
Continual Improvement
Arke will regularly review and develop its policies, procedures, systems and controls to ensure it remains committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in any part of its business or its supply chain.
The Company has not been informed of any incidents of slavery or human trafficking. However, it will investigate any allegations should they arise and take necessary action accordingly.