Modern Slavery

DDM Health is steadfast in its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of its operations and supply chains.

This statement is only in relation to DDM Health and its business.

In accordance with Section 54, Part 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the Act), this statement sets out the steps that DDM Health has taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in our supply chains or in any part of our business.

This statement is in respect of DDM Health's financial year ended 30 June 2023 and was approved by the DDM Board on 20 December 2023.

Overview

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires commercial organisations supplying goods or services with a turnover of more than £36 million to prepare and publish an annual 'Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement'.  

Whilst DDM Health does not meet this turnover requirement, we still set out the steps an organisation has taken, if any, during its financial year to ensure that slavery or human trafficking is not taking place in its business or supply chain.

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery constitutes an international crime, impacting millions globally and representing an escalating concern that surpasses considerations of age, gender, and ethnicity. Regrettably, vulnerable individuals from abroad as well as within the UK are coerced into labouring unlawfully against their wishes in a multitude of sectors, including agriculture, construction, hospitality, retail, and manufacturing, amongst others.

Our committment

DDM Health, a leader in digital health and virtual care solutions, operates primarily within the UK and maintains a global reach through our digital platforms and partnerships. Our operations involve a diverse range of activities from software development to healthcare consulting, engaging with numerous suppliers and partners to deliver our services.

DDM Health holds a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and extended supply chains. Our commitment is embedded in our corporate values and operational practices, ensuring the dignity and rights of workers everywhere we conduct business.

We are a company that expects everyone working with us or on our behalf to support and uphold the following measures to safeguard against modern slavery:

  • We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery in our organisation and our supply chains.
  • The prevention, detection and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our organisation or supply chain is the responsibility of all those working for us or on our behalf. Workers must not engage in, facilitate or fail to report any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.
  • We are committed to engaging with our stakeholders and suppliers to address the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chain.
  • We take a risk-based approach to our contracting processes and keep them under review. We assess whether the circumstances warrant the inclusion of specific prohibitions against the use of modern slavery and trafficked labour in our contracts with third parties. Using our risked based approach, we will also assess the merits of writing to suppliers requiring them to comply with our Code of Conduct, which sets out the minimum standards required to combat modern slavery and trafficking

Policies and procedures

Our policies, including a dedicated Modern Slavery Policy, articulate our approach to identifying and mitigating risks of modern slavery. These policies are reinforced by our core values, guiding the conduct of all employees and business partners.

Our specific procedures to address modern slavery risk include:

  • Modern Slavery Policy: Sets the framework for identifying, preventing, and addressing risks of modern slavery and human trafficking.
  • Supplier Code of Conduct: Outlines the standards we expect from our suppliers and partners, including compliance with all relevant laws and regulations against modern slavery and human trafficking.
  • An ISO9000-compliant process for handling complaints raised by people outside of DDM.
  • Employment policies that protect our people from unfair treatment and promote a fair and inclusive workplace.
  • Robust recruitment processes in line with relevant employment laws.

Due diligence

We conduct thorough due diligence and risk assessments on our suppliers, particularly those in higher-risk sectors. Our procurement policy incorporates modern slavery considerations, ensuring that our business dealings promote ethical and lawful practices.

Key Performance Indicators

To measure the effectiveness of our actions, DDM Health monitors several key performance indicators, including:

  • Compliance rates within our supply chain.
  • Training completion rates among employees.
  • Incidents reported related to modern slavery and our response to these incidents.

We log complaints received via our freephone telephone system, email or through other sources, together with the actions taken.

To the date of this statement, DDM Health has had no identified instances of modern slavery.

DDM Health is committed to continuous improvement in our practices to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. We will regularly review our policies, conduct ongoing risk assessments, and adjust our strategies to reflect the evolving nature of modern slavery risks.

Training

DDM Health provides training to our employees on recognising and preventing modern slavery and human trafficking. This education extends to our management and staff involved in procurement and supply chain management, reinforcing our commitment to ethical practices.

Approval

Arjun Panesar
CEO
December 20, 2023

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(10) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes DDM’s slavery and human trafficking statement.