RNID voluntary modern slavery statement
RNID is committed to ensuring that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our organisation or supply chains.
Although RNID does not meet the statutory threshold (as our annual turnover is less than £36 million) that would require the publication of a Modern Slavery Statement under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we believe it is good practice to be open about the steps we take to safeguard people and promote ethical conduct.
This voluntary statement outlines the measures RNID takes to prevent modern slavery and promote safe and fair working conditions.
Our organisation
RNID is a national charity working to make life fully inclusive for deaf people, people with hearing loss and people with tinnitus.
We operate in the UK as a charitable organisation, funded by donations, grants, contracts and retail partnerships. We campaign for equality, provide information and support, and fund research. We employ staff, work with volunteers, and work with a range of suppliers and partners across technology, services, fundraising and research.
We are governed by a Board of Trustees who volunteer their time to help direct our work. They oversee our Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team who manage our staff and volunteers across the charity.
We have one wholly owned trading subsidiary, RNID Activities Ltd.
Our commitment to preventing modern slavery
RNID is committed to:
- acting ethically and with integrity in all our operations
- ensuring robust controls in our people processes
- working only with suppliers who uphold high standards of human rights
- encouraging transparency and accountability across our organisation
We recognise that all organisations can be exposed to the risk of modern slavery through supply chains, even if indirectly. Larger organisations we work with may be required to publish their own modern slavery statements, and RNID aims to meet any reasonable expectations placed on suppliers.
Our policies and controls
The following RNID policies help ensure that modern slavery is not taking place within our organisation:
- Safeguarding Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Recruitment Procedures (ensuring right-to-work checks and fair treatment)
- Governing Code of Conduct
- Procurement Policy (ensuring ethical procurement standards, tender evaluation processes, supplier onboarding and good governance)
These policies work together to protect individuals from exploitation and ensure that concerns can be raised safely.
Our supply chains
Our supply chains include:
- technology, digital and IT services
- professional services and consultancy
- fundraising and marketing
- research suppliers and project partners
Where relevant, we conduct appropriate due diligence when engaging suppliers, including assessing:
- ethical standards
- safeguarding policies
- labour practices
- risk factors linked to modern slavery
For higher risk sectors (e.g., facilities, outsourced services), RNID will ensure enhanced checks are conducted when necessary.
Risk assessment
While RNID’s overall risk profile for modern slavery is low, we recognise potential risk areas in:
- complex or multi-tier supply chains
- international procurement of goods
- external agencies or contractors providing services
RNID will continue to monitor risk factors and strengthen controls as needed.
Training and awareness
RNID is committed to embedding awareness of modern slavery risks by:
- ensuring managers involved in procurement are aware of supply chain risks
- integrating key messages into safeguarding and ethical conduct training
- providing staff with clear routes for reporting concerns
Reporting concerns
Anyone connected with RNID – including employees, contractors, volunteers, and suppliers – is encouraged to report any concerns about modern slavery through:
- RNID’s Whistleblowing Procedure
- our Safeguarding Lead and governance team
RNID will investigate all concerns appropriately and take action where required.
RNID will continue to:
- Improve supply chain mapping
- Strengthen supplier onboarding checks
- Enhance staff awareness
- Review procurement from higher risk countries or suppliers
- Collaborate with larger partners who have their own modern slavery obligations
Although not legally required, this voluntary statement has been reviewed and approved by RNID’s senior leadership team to demonstrate our commitment to ethical governance.