Existing organisational policies and procedures
The following council policies and procedures are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that appropriate and coordinated action is taken throughout the business in respect of modern slavery:
Whistleblowing policy – the council’s ‘whistle blowing’ confidential reporting policy encourages all its employees (as well as anyone else the council deals with) to come forward and voice any serious concerns about any aspect of the council’s work. The policy sets out a process for raising concerns which complies with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 so that employees may make disclosures, if necessary, without fear of reprisal or victimisation.
Safeguarding – Safeguarding our most vulnerable residents is a priority for the Council, including children and vulnerable adults. There are clear and agreed policies for safeguarding that have clear pathways for all modern slavery referrals into social care and wider services.
Employee Code of Conduct – In order to ensure the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour, the council’s Employee Code of Conduct sets out the actions and behaviours expected of our employees. The council also 3 has a process in place for employees to make declaration of outside interests where appropriate including other paid employment.
Corporate complaints – the council operates a robust corporate complaints process to manage any complaints about its services. This process can also be used to report community concerns that may relate to / uncover modern slavery and which merit investigation or reporting to a partner agency.
Recruitment procedure – the council’s recruitment processes are transparent and reviewed regularly. This includes robust procedures in place for vetting new employees and confirming their identities and qualifications, their right to work, and that they are paid directly into an appropriate, personal bank account.
Agency / temporary staff and workers procedure - the council also uses agencies to source additional workforce and labour capacity. Where this is a requirement, these are primarily engaged through the council’s formally procured managed service provider
Reporting – the council encourages the reporting of suspected cases of modern slavery or human trafficking, including through the council’s whistleblowing policy in relation to the local authority’s practices or that of its suppliers (see below for further information). If you suspect someone may be at risk of Modern Slavery, please telephone 101 to report it to Staffordshire Police, or if someone is in immediate danger always call 999. Crimes can be anonymously reported via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via the Modern Slavery Website or the hotline on 0800 0121 700.
Pay – Staffordshire County Council supports the principles of equal pay and operates a non-discriminatory and objective job evaluation system. The County Council also takes a robust approach to ensuring that this system is applied consistently and transparently across the organisation.
