Modern Slavery Statement
Summary
This statement sets out Platform Housing Group’s (PHG) commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. It is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and reflects the latest Home Office guidance and evolving best practice as at 2026.
PHG recognises that modern slavery is a serious violation of fundamental human rights. We are committed to acting ethically and transparently, embedding effective systems and controls to identify, prevent and mitigate the risk of modern slavery, and continuously improving our approach year on year.
This statement outlines:
• Our organisational structure and operations
• Modern slavery risk assessment
• Due diligence and supply chain management
• Policies and governance
• Training and awareness
• Measuring effectiveness and continuous improvement
Our Organisation and Structure
Platform Housing Group is one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands, employing approximately 1,950 colleagues, supporting over 125,000 customers and managing more than 50,000 homes. Our operating area spans from Herefordshire in the West to the Lincolnshire coast in the East, and from the Derbyshire Dales in the North to the Cotswolds in the South.
Our mission is to build a better future by investing in affordable homes, services and communities. We reinvest surpluses into developing new homes and improving services to support thriving, inclusive communities.
The wellbeing of our customers, colleagues and the communities we serve is central to our values. This commitment underpins our approach to preventing modern slavery and safeguarding human rights across all areas of our business.
Risk Assessment
PHG undertakes regular, risk-based assessments to identify where the risk of modern slavery is most likely to occur within our operations and supply chains. Higher-risk internal areas include:
• Procurement and contract management
• Recruitment and workforce supply
• Customer-facing roles, including Property Care and frontline services
Within our supply chains, sectors identified as higher risk include:
• Construction and building maintenance
• Cleaning and facilities management
• Manufacturing and supply of electronic goods
We also recognise that certain groups are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, including migrant workers, asylum seekers and individuals with learning disabilities. Awareness of these risks informs our controls, training and decision-making.
Due Diligence and Supply Chain Management
PHG applies a proportionate, risk-based approach to due diligence, with particular focus on recruitment and procurement activities.
Recruitment
PHG is committed to fair, lawful and ethical employment practices. We:
• Pay at least the National Living Wage
• Conduct right-to-work checks in line with UK legislation
• Conduct DBS checks for applicable roles and supply chains
• Regularly review terms and conditions of employment to ensure compliance with employment law
Our HR practices are underpinned by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Codes of Conduct and Environmental Policy. All colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.
Procurement and Supply Chains
Our Procurement Team embeds modern slavery considerations throughout the procurement lifecycle. This includes:
• Risk-based assessment of suppliers at tender stage
• Supplier declarations confirming compliance with the Modern Slavery Act
• Contractual clauses requiring suppliers to take steps to prevent modern slavery within their own supply chains
• Ongoing contract management and supplier engagement
We operate a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. Any suspected non-compliance is investigated and may result in remedial action, contract review or termination where appropriate.
PHG recognises that strong supplier relationships are key to improving transparency and driving ethical practices. We work collaboratively with suppliers to encourage openness, early identification of risk and continuous improvement.
Policies, Safeguarding and Reporting
PHG maintains a suite of policies that support our approach to modern slavery, including:
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Safeguarding Policy and procedures
• Codes of Conduct
These frameworks ensure that colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders can raise concerns safely and confidentially, without fear of retaliation.
Colleagues are trained to recognise indicators of modern slavery and safeguarding risks and are supported by clear reporting mechanisms, including our Safeguarding Concern Form.
Training and Awareness
PHG recognises that training is critical to effective prevention. We provide modern slavery training to relevant colleagues, with enhanced focus on roles at higher risk of encountering exploitation.
Training activity includes:
• Online modern slavery training modules
• Specialist safeguarding training
• Engagement with external organisations, such as Hope for Justice
Our Digital Learning Team continues to develop and tailor learning resources to ensure training is practical, accessible and role-specific. We also use internal communication channels to raise awareness and reinforce expectations.
Measuring Effectiveness and Continuous Improvement
PHG is committed to continuous improvement and aligns with Home Office guidance encouraging organisations to demonstrate effectiveness.
We measure effectiveness through:
• Monitoring completion rates of modern slavery training
• Supplier performance management and KPIs
• Review of safeguarding and whistleblowing reports
• Periodic review of policies and procedures
During 2026, we will continue to enhance our approach by:
• Strengthening supplier assurance processes in higher-risk contracts
• Improving data capture to better evidence compliance and outcomes
• Reviewing training effectiveness through assessments and feedback
Approval
This statement constitutes Platform Housing Group’s modern slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year 2026. The Group’s turnover exceeds £36 million.
This statement has been approved by the Platform Housing People and Governance Committee on behalf of the Board and applies to all organisations within the Group. It will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.
Author: Nathan Barson, Procurement Director
Approved: 2026
Version: 5.0