Modern Slavery Statement 2025

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the “Act”) and the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (Transparency in Supply Chains) Regulations 2015. It sets out the steps taken by Healthcare First Ltd (“Healthcare First”) to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in its business operations and supply chains.

Organisational Structure, Business and Supply Chains

Healthcare First Ltd is a private limited company registered in England, providing temporary staffing solutions in the health and social care sector. We specialise in recruiting:

  • Healthcare Assistants
  • Registered Nurses
  • Registered Mental Health Nurses
  • Support Workers

Our staff are deployed across diverse settings including care homes, hospitals, domiciliary care, live-in care, and supported living environments.

Our supply chain primarily consists of:

  • Recruitment and talent acquisition partners
  • Training providers
  • IT and system suppliers
  • Other goods and service providers (e.g., equipment, office supplies, utilities)
Commitment

Healthcare First Ltd has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery or human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings, and implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard against modern slavery within our business and supply chains.

Policies

We maintain policies that collectively set out our commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting human rights, including:

  • Code of Conduct for Staff
  • Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy and Procedure
  • Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedure
  • Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure
  • Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Safer Recruitment and Selection Policy and Procedure
  • Grievance Policy and Procedure

These policies are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect legislative and regulatory changes.

Due Diligence Processes

We conduct thorough due diligence when engaging suppliers and regularly review existing relationships. Our processes include:

  • Mapping our supply chain to assess risks (geographical, sector, transaction, and partnership)
  • Requiring suppliers to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and relevant legislation
  • Supplier audits and assessments, with higher scrutiny for higher-risk suppliers
  • Taking corrective steps with suppliers where required to improve practices
  • Including modern slavery compliance clauses in supplier contracts

Within recruitment, all candidates undergo rigorous pre-employment checks in line with UK law, including:

  • Right-to-work checks
  • Background and reference checks
  • Verification of qualifications and professional registrations
  • All employees receive written contracts and are paid above the National Living Wage.
Risk Assessment and Management

We recognise that the health and social care sector carries risks relating to human rights violations. Potential risk areas include:

  • The sourcing of temporary workers
  • Supplier operations in higher-risk sectors or geographies
  • Subcontracting and third-party recruitment channels

To manage these risks, Healthcare First:

  • Maintains strong safeguarding practices across all operations
  • Ensures all front-line staff receive safeguarding training, including recognising and reporting modern slavery indicators
  • Provides clear channels for reporting concerns, including whistleblowing procedures
Training and Awareness

We provide training during induction and refresher sessions to ensure all staff understand the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking. Training includes:

  • Signs and symptoms of modern slavery
  • How to report concerns internally and externally
  • Safeguarding responsibilities

Healthcare First ensures all healthcare workers meet safeguarding training requirements in line with regulatory expectations.

Monitoring and Effectiveness

We measure the effectiveness of our actions by:

  • Monitoring supplier compliance and audit outcomes
  • Tracking whistleblowing and safeguarding reports
  • Reviewing training completion rates and staff awareness
  • Annual policy review and updates by the Managing Director

We are committed to continuous improvement, enhancing our supplier oversight and training provision each year.

Approval

This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors of Healthcare First Ltd and will be reviewed annually.