The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the Act) requires any large commercial organisation operating in the UK to produce and publish an annual slavery and human trafficking statement.

Our organisation

We are an independent law firm governed by strong core values and a keen sense of social responsibility.

Our policy is to ensure that wherever practicable our subsidiaries in the wider Mishcon Group have equivalent standards.

This page sets out our ongoing commitment as a responsible business to combat modern slavery and human trafficking.

Our policies

We have a zero tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking and we are committed to ensuring that they have no presence in our supply chains or in any part of our business. Acting ethically and with integrity underscores all our business relationships and we have, wherever practicable, effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking are not taking place.

Our internal policies and employment procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with the Act. Particular policies relevant to the combating of modern slavery and human trafficking include our Procurement Policy (which establishes our supplier selection methodology and process for vetting new suppliers) and Confidential Reporting Policy (designed to encourage and protect any member of staff who wishes to raise any concerns related to the activities of the firm). We offer a confidential reporting line, managed by an independent third party, which is accessible by telephone or online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is available for use by staff and third parties including our suppliers and contractors.

Due diligence processes

Our recruitment processes are transparent and reviewed regularly. We communicate directly with candidates to discuss job opportunities and to confirm the details of any offer made and work only with reputable recruitment businesses. We have robust procedures in place for the vetting of new employees and ensure that we are able to confirm their identities and that they are paid directly into an appropriate, personal bank account – no one in London earns less than the London Living Wage.

Whilst we outsource few legal services, we rely on our wholly-owned subsidiary Mishcon de Reya Group (Operations) Limited and other Mishcon Group entities as well as broader third party supplier relationships. Our Procurement Policy requires that third party suppliers be carefully considered when awarding or renewing business. We ensure that all on-site contractors, who provide staff to work on our London premises, apply the London Living Wage to those staff or the Living Wage for those outside London.

We continue to review our third party suppliers on a regular basis and have committed to work with organisations who share our values. We monitor and review the controls undertaken by our suppliers and require, from our key suppliers, their commitment to our Supplier Code of Conduct, including where practicable, key suppliers to members of the Mishcon Group.

Our standard supplier contract terms require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all applicable anti-slavery legislation and permit us to audit their compliance with the same.

We are conscious that imported products or services sourced from outside the UK or EU are potentially more at risk of slavery or human trafficking issues. If products or services have to be sourced from such locations, we will look to those suppliers who can demonstrate a commitment to human rights and fair working conditions.

We will not work with any supplier organisation that has been found to have been knowingly involved in either human trafficking or modern slavery.

Training

To ensure a high level of understanding of the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains and our business, we continue to provide training to relevant staff as part of their induction and provide refresher training as appropriate.

Our supply chains

Our supply chains can include categories within traditionally high-risk sectors, in particular labour, transportation and merchandise production. We will ensure all incumbent and potential suppliers are treated fairly and professionally and that the principles of ethical and sustainable procurement are upheld at all times when identifying and selecting suppliers.

Our effectiveness in combating slavery and human trafficking

Our Management and Operation Boards take responsibility for implementing this policy statement and its objectives and provide adequate resources and investment to ensure that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within the organisation or within its supply chains.

We will continue to monitor and review our policies relating to slavery and human trafficking. If we become aware of any breaches, we will investigate and take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the risk of further breaches occurring is minimised.

This statement is made pursuant to section 54 of the Act and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 31 March 2024. It is reviewed annually by our Risk and Compliance Department.  It was approved by our members on 20 June 2024.

James Libson
Managing Partner
Mishcon de Reya LLP