Modern Slavery Statement

Updated November 2025

Purpose of this Statement

Highlands Innovation CIC is committed to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation in all aspects of our work. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to identifying, reducing and managing the risk of modern slavery in our operations and in any relationships we enter into as a social enterprise.

Our Commitment

We have zero tolerance for modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour or exploitation. We aim to act ethically and with integrity in all of our relationships, and to put appropriate steps in place to prevent any form of modern slavery from occurring in our activities or, as far as reasonably practicable, in our supply chains.

Scope

This Statement applies to our staff, volunteers, contractors, suppliers and partners working with or on behalf of Highlands Innovation CIC. It covers our organisational operations, procurement of goods and services, and any funded or collaborative projects where we have influence over how work is delivered.

Our Organisation and Risk

Highlands Innovation CIC is a small Community Interest Company focused on community benefit and social impact. We do not operate in high-risk sectors such as large-scale manufacturing, agriculture or overseas labour supply. However, we recognise that modern slavery can exist in many contexts, including lower tiers of supply chains, and we remain alert to potential risks linked to IT equipment, logistics, outsourced services and contracted work.

Policies and Controls

We seek to embed respect for human rights and fair working practices through:

• ethical procurement and supplier selection wherever possible;
• clear expectations that suppliers comply with UK law and respect workers’ rights;
• including modern slavery considerations in relevant policies and procedures;
• promoting a culture where concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal;
• integrating modern slavery awareness into our governance and risk discussions.

Suppliers and Partnerships

When working with suppliers and partners, we aim to:

• favour organisations that demonstrate strong ethical and labour standards;
• avoid suppliers where there are serious concerns about exploitation or unsafe working conditions;
• include appropriate clauses or expectations relating to modern slavery in key agreements where proportionate;
• review relationships if credible concerns about modern slavery or human rights abuses arise.

Awareness and Responsibilities

Responsibility for this Statement rests with our leadership and governance structures, but everyone involved in our work shares a role in upholding it. We encourage staff, volunteers and partners to familiarise themselves with the risks of modern slavery and to remain attentive to potential warning signs in the course of their work.

Raising Concerns

We encourage anyone who encounters or suspects potential modern slavery, human trafficking or serious labour exploitation in connection with our activities or supply chains to raise their concerns. We will take such reports seriously and, where appropriate, seek advice or refer concerns to the relevant authorities or specialist organisations.

Review of this Statement

We will review this Modern Slavery Statement periodically to reflect changes in our activities, legal requirements, guidance and best practice. Updates will be indicated by the “Updated” date at the top of this page.