Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement
Introduction
Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (DMAT) is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all its business dealings and relationships. We are dedicated to implementing and maintaining effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking do not take place anywhere within our Trust or across our supply chains.
This statement is made in accordance with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and outlines the steps the Trust has taken to prevent modern slavery in its operations.
Organisational Structure and Activities
Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Established in 2019, the Trust operates a family of primary, secondary, and special schools across Devon, providing education and support services to approximately 4,500 pupils.
Each school is led by its Principal or Headteacher, operating within a framework of aligned autonomy, which enables schools to respond effectively to the needs of their communities and students.
Our workforce comprises approximately 750 employees. We are committed to safer recruitment practices, ensuring that all staff are legally entitled to work in the UK and are protected from any form of abuse or coercion.
We recognise that modern slavery may arise in two key areas within our organisation:
- Safeguarding: Our safeguarding responsibilities include protecting children from exploitation, including child trafficking and abuse.
- Supply chains: There is potential risk within our supply chains, particularly where external contractors and suppliers are involved.
- Policies and Procedures
Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to ethical conduct, fairness, and accountability. We are dedicated to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and properly compensated for their work, and that robust systems are in place to prevent exploitation.
Key policies include:
- Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
- Codes of Conduct for employees, governors, and trustees
- Complaints Procedure
- Financial policies, regulations, and procedures
- Health and Safety Policy
- Safer Recruitment Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
These policies are regularly reviewed by executive leaders and approved by the Trust Board to ensure they remain effective and up to date.
Where external agencies are used (for example, for temporary staffing), we require them to maintain equivalent standards and policies.
Supply Chains
The Trust directly employs staff and procures a range of goods and services to support the delivery of education, including:
- Facilities management and cleaning services
- Catering services
- IT and digital infrastructure
- Educational resources and equipment
- Professional and outsourced services
We recognise that risks of modern slavery may exist within certain areas of our supply chains, particularly in:
- Contracted services such as catering and cleaning
- Goods sourced internationally
Due Diligence
To mitigate these risks, the Trust:
- Works with reputable suppliers and recognised procurement frameworks
- Expects suppliers to comply with all relevant legislation, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015
- Incorporates ethical considerations into procurement processes
- Seeks assurance from key suppliers regarding their anti-slavery policies and practices
Risk Assessment and Management
School Principals, Headteachers, and Trust leaders, supported by Human Resources, are responsible for investigating any concerns relating to modern slavery or human trafficking.
Given the nature of our operations within the UK public sector, we consider the overall risk of modern slavery within our directly employed workforce to be low. However, we remain alert to potential risks within our supply chains.
To manage these risks, the Trust will:
- Review procurement categories where risks may be higher
- Monitor supplier compliance where appropriate
- Take appropriate action where concerns are identified
Risk Profile
High risk: We do not currently identify any high-risk areas within our Trust operations or supply chains.
Medium risk:
- Contracted catering and cleaning services
- Supply chains involving internationally manufactured goods (e.g. IT equipment, school uniforms)
- Agency staffing, primarily in teaching and support roles
Training and Awareness
The Trust ensures that safeguarding training includes awareness of exploitation, abuse, and indicators of vulnerability.
In addition:
- Relevant staff (including HR, procurement teams, and senior leaders) are made aware of modern slavery risks
- Staff understand how to report concerns through safeguarding and whistleblowing procedure
Reporting Concerns
We encourage all employees, contractors, and stakeholders to raise any concerns relating to modern slavery or human trafficking.
Concerns can be reported via:
- The Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy
- School safeguarding procedures
- Direct reporting to senior leaders
All concerns are taken seriously and will be investigated appropriately.
Approval
This statement has been approved by the Board of Trustees of Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust and will be reviewed annually.