Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement 2024/25

The Housing Network is a socially purposed, for-profit business that provides accommodation and support services to public bodies to support their homelessness prevention activities.

Our vision and values: – When life is at its toughest, we believe everyone deserves a secure and stable place to live to rebuild their lives. We can’t solve homelessness on our own but when homelessness happens, we can provide the best quality accommodation and support to give stability to help enable people to rebuild their lives.

In pursuit of that mission, we are committed to doing everything we can to prevent slavery and human trafficking in our organisation and supply chain.

Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain, often in horrendous conditions from which the victim cannot escape. We believe that businesses have a key part to play in the effort to tackle this crime and protect vulnerable workers from exploitation.

This statement sets out how we deliver this commitment and mitigate the risk of slavery or human trafficking taking place within our business and supply chain.

Supply Chains – we buy mainly property repair and maintenance related supplies, services and works including paint, cleaning materials, general building materials, staff clothing and personal protective equipment. We also provide in some circumstances hygiene and welcome packs which include basic foods, soft furnishings and other goods and services associated with operating a homeless prevention business.

To make sure our contractors and suppliers are aware of and comply with the legislation, all of our first-tier suppliers being UK based, and we expect our suppliers to comply with their modern slavery obligations under the Act.

Training – we ensure staff receive proportionate training and awareness of Slavery and Human Trafficking via internal communications, signposting them to the People team if they have any concerns or observations.

Front line staff also receive safeguarding training including on our safeguarding policy, which includes modern slavery, and how to look out for and report any concerns. An e-learning module has also been rolled out to all employees.

Recruitment & human resources: – We have recruitment processes which ensure all staff employed by the group have the right to work in the United Kingdom, and, except for some temporary staff, are employed directly by us rather than via agencies. Our whistle blowing policies ensure that our staff have an awareness of vulnerable people, and how to report any concerns that they have.

Residents: All of our residents are placed in the accommodation by public authorities and therefore go through necessary checks. We have partnerships in place with local agencies such as the Police and local authorities to share intelligence and take action where necessary.

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the Act) and constitutes our Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for 2023/24.