Modern Slavery Act Statement
This statement is made pursuant to S.54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2014 and sets out the steps that Argus Fire Protection Company Ltd, has taken and continues to take to ensure that modern slavery or human trafficking is not taking place within our business or supply chain.
Our Structure
Argus Fire is a privately owned company and UK class leading supplier of fire protection and fire detection systems, operating throughout the UK and Ireland. Our head office is based in Stourbridge and was established in 1982. Our annual turnover is in excess of £40m and we employ over 200 staff. We do not have any trading activity outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Our BusinessOur key objective is to design, install and service
fire protection and detection systems for the commercial and residential market. Our main activity is the supply of services and goods to the construction industry.
Our Policies
We operate several internal policies to ensure that we are conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner, including:
• Modern Slavery, including the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code
• Ethical Conduct and Equal Opportunities
• Bribery and Corruption
• Proof of Right to work in the UK.
• Whistle Blowing (making a protected disclosure)
• Health and Safety Policy
Our Supply Chain
Our supply chain mainly consists of the supply of components and labour for use in our installation projects or service contracts and the running of the business, from supplier mainly based in the UK
The main areas of supply relate to fabrication, sprinkler valves/equipment, and labour . As part of our internal review we have identified there are a small number of items being sourced from outside of the UK. We have procedures within our New Supplier Approval Process to check these.
Our procurement and use of these suppliers requires them to go through our approved supplier process, where we have a variety of checks and controls in place before we add them to our approved supplier list.
In addition as part of our contract with suppliers, we require they confirm to us that they have:
• Taken all steps to eradicate modern slavery within their business, comply with the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, and hold their own suppliers to account over modern slavery.
• The ETI Base Code States:
o Employment is freely chosen
o Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
o Working conditions are safe and hygienic
o Child labour shall not be used
o Living wages are paid
o Working hours are not excessive
o No discrimination is practiced
o Regular employment is provided
o No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
Safeguarding & Training
We train our managers and in addition site-based employees in Project Manager, Project Engineer or Site Manager/Supervisor positions and employees involved in the Supplier Approval Process, in The Ethical Trading Initiative Base code and educate them in modern slavery and how to identify those who might be at risk of abuse or classed a vulnerable.
Our Employees
Argus Fire has policies, procedures and training in place to ensure compliance with legislation, fair and equal treatment, dignity at work and the prevention of discrimination.
We encourage all employees to report any potential activity they believe to be unethical or in breach of our policies to their Line Manager, HR or a Director.
Due Diligence
We are committed to ensuring there is no modern slavery in any part of our business and to continuously improve our efforts in this area.
Updated: Date: 5th July 2024