Modern Slavery Statement

DLS Solicitors is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and ethical standards, and we are dedicated to ensuring that slavery and human trafficking have no place in our business or in the businesses with which we work.

Our Organisation

DLS Solicitors is a legal firm specialising in various aspects of law, including corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, family law and employment law. We operate with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights, both within our organisation and in our interactions with clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Our Policies

We have implemented robust policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our organisation and supply chains.

These include:

• Supplier Code of Conduct: We require all our suppliers and business partners to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which prohibits the use of forced labour, child labour, and any form of human trafficking. We conduct due diligence on our suppliers to ensure compliance with these standards.
• Recruitment Practices: We have strict recruitment practices in place to ensure that all employees are hired freely and without coercion. We do not tolerate any form of forced labour or exploitation in our workforce.
• Training and Awareness: We provide training to our employees to raise awareness of the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking and to equip them with the knowledge and tools to identify and report any concerns.
• Whistleblowing Policy: We have a whistleblowing policy that encourages employees to report any suspected instances of modern slavery or human trafficking confidentially and without fear of retaliation. Reports are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action is taken.
• Risk Assessment and Due Diligence: We regularly assess the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains and take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks. This includes conducting due diligence on high-risk suppliers and geographical areas.

Our Supply Chains

We recognise that modern slavery and human trafficking can occur in any part of the world and in any industry. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that our supply chains are free from these abuses. We engage with our suppliers to promote ethical standards and work collaboratively to address any identified risks.

Our Commitment

DLS Solicitors is committed to continuously improving our efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. We will regularly review and update our policies and procedures to reflect best practices and evolving legal requirements. We will also engage with our stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and civil society organisations, to drive positive change and promote respect for human rights throughout our operations and beyond.

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes DLS Solicitors’ modern slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 2024. The Board of Directors has approved it, and a yearly review will take place.

[Signature]

Danielle Shawcross
Managing Partner
DLS Solicitors

22/2/2024