Modern Slavery Act Transparency Statement 


Introduction

This statement, made by GVAV is designed to recognise the importance and risk of modern slavery and also is in line with our compliance of meeting our obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

This statement set’s out our commitment to understand potential modern slavery risks related to our business together with our commitment to help eradicate slavery or human trafficking in our own business and that of our supply chain.

"Modern slavery" is a term which covers slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking. It includes exercising ownership over a person; coercing or threatening someone to perform work they would not do voluntarily; and arranging or facilitating another person's travel with a view to them being exploited (even where the person consents to the travel). 

GVAV aims to ensure that this issue is addressed within its business and supply chains sphere of influence. This statement sets out the steps we are taking in developing our procedures and how we check our compliance.

Overview

GVAV is a significant and recognised player in the UK market for the supply and the supply and installation of AV products and AV systems. We have particular penetration and industry accolade for our works in the UK Higher Education Sector. 
As an organisation we fully support the underlying principles contained within the Modern Slavery Act.  

Responsibilities

The HR Department is responsible for our anti-slavery initiatives, including the writing and implementation of policies and employee training.  The Company Secretary, as the Compliance Officer for the Association, is responsible for due diligence, risk assessments and investigations.

The Directors of GVAV are responsible for overseeing our efforts to eliminate modern slavery and for monitoring progress.  The HR department is responsible for ensuring that all recruitment and terms and conditions of employment comply with statutory requirements and that any employment agencies used are appropriately checked and commit to ethical standards. Our senior management team is responsible for ensuring that appropriate checks are made prior to any major orders being placed, and that we work with our supply chain on this issue.

We will endeavour to ensure that;

  • The basic principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 are updated annually; and that branch and line managers take responsibility for their teams awareness by ensuring that this document is received and read
  • Employees are educated to help identify any potential slavery or human trafficking issues and that they understand who they can seek assistance from within the business and externally via modern slavery helpline
  • We encourage our team to empathise with our approach to modern slavery and to be able to report any concerns within the business or wider community without fear of retribution
  • Our own procurement practices, which influence supply chain conditions, must be designed so that pricing is realistic and negotiated in mind to further the prevention of modern slavery or human trafficking and minimum wage needs within the respective country of operation or influence
  • Take positive action by way of removing suppliers or contractors from the organisation's supply chain who do not support the Modern Slavery Act 2015 or apply anti-slavery policies within their business

Documentation

We have related policies in place for employees.

These are referenced in our employee handbook, and copies are available from Line Managers/ the HR Department or our on-line portal. Employees are reminded of the policies from time and time, and notified of any updates.  All policies are updated on an annual basis.

Risk assessments

We consider that the main areas of risk of modern slavery within our business and supply chain are as follows:

  • Recruitment of permanent or temporary staff via Agencies
  • Purchases, in particular of Products, Services and Office consumables
  • Suppliers who have manufacturing facilities outside the UK

Actions

Employees:  all recruitment of new employees conforms to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Code of Conduct and Ethics.

Agency workers: should we use agencies for permanent or temporary appointments, we will require written confirmation from them that no agency worker is being exploited as part of any slavery or human trafficking.

Contractual penalties may be awarded against any supplier for a breach of contract, or for incorrect self-auditing responses, questionnaires or the giving of incorrect information.
Those of our suppliers who have not already posted their actions with regard to this act will be asked to confirm to us that they are compliant with the act.

Suppliers: we also work closely with our suppliers to ensure that their employment practices and procedures comply with national standards.

Due diligence, monitoring and auditing processes:

All suppliers will be issued with our Supplier Code of Conduct and will be required to sign and return a commitment to ensuring that their businesses and supply chains support the Act.

Penalties for breach

If a supplier is found to be involved in any form of modern slavery, its contract may be terminated either immediately or on its due renewal date, depending on the severity of the breach. If the breach is a minor one, we commit to helping that supplier by providing guidance and support.  Any suspicions of criminal activity will be reported to the police. 
If it is established that any employee has acted in breach of any of our policies, or is aware of, has condoned or failed to report any suspicion of modern slavery within our business or supply chains, he/she will be subject to the Company’s disciplinary procedure.

Training

The Company will provide suitable training for all employees to ensure that they are aware of this Statement and can be vigilant in identifying and reporting any concerns they have.
Employees and managers are informed of any updates to our policies via email, briefings and/or noticeboards.

Relevant performance indicators:

  • All Senior Managers and staff to be briefed yearly by end of calendar Q4
  • Supplier verification procedures established and issued by end of Q4
  • All key suppliers made aware of our supplier Code of Conduct

Period

This statement relates to the period during our financial year, ended 31st March 2025.

Approval

This statement has been approved by the GVAV Board of Directors, who review and update it annually.

This statement has received Board approval on 12th May 2025.

This statement has been signed by our Joint Managing Director Daniel Abrahams, 14th May 2025.