Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy

1. Introduction

At Stratford Orthodontics Limited, we are committed to acting ethically

and with integrity in all areas of our business and clinical operations. We

have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human

trafficking in any part of our practice, supply chains, or partnerships.

Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights.

This policy outlines the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and

human trafficking, in accordance with Section 54(1) of the

Modern Slavery Act 2015, and applies to all members of staff,

contractors, and suppliers associated with our NHS dental practice.

2. Our Organisation

Stratford Orthodontics Limited provides high-quality NHS and private

dental care services. Our operations include clinical treatment,

administrative support, and patient care.

Our supply chain primarily consists of reputable UK-based suppliers and

partners that provide:

Dental materials and equipment
Laboratory services
IT and communication systems
Office and cleaning supplies
Facilities management and maintenance

We recognise that we have a responsibility to ensure our business and

supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

3. Our Commitment and Values

We are committed to:

Upholding ethical business practices across all areas of ou operation.
Ensuring that everyone who works for or with us is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Working only with suppliers and partners who share our ethical standards and are compliant with UK employment and modern slavery legislation.

These values align with NHS ethical procurement principles and

the broader commitment of the UK healthcare sector to human

rights and transparency.

4. Policies and Procedures

To support our commitment, the following policies and procedures are in

place:

Recruitment and Employment Checks – We verify employees’ right to work in the UK and carry out appropriate background checks.
Whistleblowing Policy – Enables staff to raise concerns about wrongdoing or unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.
Staff Code of Conduct – Sets expectations of integrity and respect across all roles.
Supplier Code of Conduct – Requires all suppliers to comply with modern slavery laws and our ethical standards.
Safeguarding Policies – Protect vulnerable adults and children within our care and workforce.

5. Due Diligence in Our Supply Chains

We maintain due diligence measures to identify, prevent, and mitigate

risks of modern slavery in our supply chains, including:

Conducting risk assessments based on the nature and location of suppliers.
Seeking confirmation from suppliers that they comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Including contractual terms requiring compliance with ethical standards.
Reviewing supplier performance periodically.

6. Training and Awareness

All staff receive information on recognising and reporting potential risks

of modern slavery. Training and periodic reminders ensure awareness of

our responsibilities and how to act if concerns arise.

7. Reporting Concerns

Any staff member or supplier who suspects modern slavery or human

trafficking in our business or supply chain must report it immediately to

the Practice Manager (Toni Robbins) or designated Safeguarding

Lead. Concerns will be investigated promptly and confidentially, with

appropriate action taken.

We also encourage reporting through:

NHS safeguarding reporting mechanisms
Local authority safeguarding boards
The Modern Slavery Helpline (0800 0121 700)

8. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes.

Updates will include:

Results of any risk assessments or audits
Actions taken to strengthen safeguards
Updated supplier engagement procedures

The policy is owned by our Practice Principal/Director and

endorsed by the senior management team.

9. Approval and Publication

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy is effective from

January 2026 and is published on our website and available to all staff,

patients, and partners.

Approved by:

Dr George Simpson, Practice Principal

Stratford Orthodontics Limited

Date: January 2026

Next review due January 2027

Links

Stratford Orthodontics Limited is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2050. This commitment was formally adopted by the Practice on 24 January 2026