Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

1. Introduction

Acqius Ltd is committed to operating responsibly, with integrity, and in compliance with all relevant legislation, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery, including slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking, and we strive to ensure that no part of our business or supply chain is involved in these practices.

This statement outlines the steps Acqius Ltd has taken to identify, assess, and mitigate risks of modern slavery in our operations and supply chain for the financial year ending [Insert Date].

2. Our Business and Supply Chain

Acqius Ltd operates in the [sector/industry] sector and is engaged in providing [brief description of core business activities, e.g., advisory services in business acquisitions]. Our supply chain includes suppliers of goods and services necessary for our operations, including professional services, IT solutions, office supplies, and other third-party resources.

3. Policies and Procedures

To support our commitment to combating modern slavery, Acqius Ltd has implemented the following policies:

• Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy: Outlines our zero-tolerance approach and the responsibilities of all employees and third parties in identifying and reporting modern slavery concerns.
• Code of Conduct: Sets forth Acqius Ltd’s expectations for ethical conduct and compliance with all legal standards for all employees, contractors, and third parties acting on behalf of our company.
• Whistleblowing Policy: Encourages employees and partners to report any unethical behaviour, including suspected incidents of modern slavery or human trafficking, with assurance of confidentiality and no retaliation.

4. Due Diligence Processes

We are committed to improving our due diligence processes to prevent modern slavery within our business and supply chains. Key measures include:

• Risk assessment: Regularly evaluating and identifying parts of our supply chain that may present a higher risk of modern slavery and taking appropriate action to mitigate such risks.
• Supplier evaluation: Ensuring all new and existing suppliers adhere to ethical standards by requesting compliance with our Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy and Code of Conduct as a condition of doing business with us.
• Contractual obligations: Including anti-slavery clauses in our contracts with suppliers, requiring them to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and report any suspected or actual cases of modern slavery.

5. Training and Awareness

We recognise the importance of raising awareness about modern slavery and equipping our employees with the knowledge to identify and respond to any risks. To this end, Acqius Ltd provides:

• Employee training: Modern slavery awareness and compliance training for all staff, with specific guidance for those in roles related to procurement, supply chain management, and human resources.
• Ongoing updates: Information on modern slavery and human trafficking is periodically shared through our internal communication channels to reinforce our commitment and keep staff informed of best practices.

6. Monitoring and Reporting

Acqius Ltd is dedicated to continually reviewing and improving our practices to prevent modern slavery. To achieve this, we:

• Monitor compliance: Conduct regular assessments and audits to ensure our policies are adhered to both internally and across our supply chain.
• Investigate concerns: Promptly investigate any reports or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking, taking necessary action, including terminating relationships with suppliers who fail to meet our ethical standards.

7. Looking Ahead

We are committed to improving our efforts to combat modern slavery, which include enhancing supplier engagement, developing more robust risk assessment procedures, and further refining our training programmes. We will continue to assess and adapt our policies, practices, and partnerships to ensure we fulfil our commitment to prevent modern slavery in our business and supply chain.

Approval

This statement has been approved by the board of directors of Acqius Ltd and will be reviewed annually. It is published in compliance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and is signed on behalf of the board.

Date of Approval: Nov 2023