Primary Care Sheffield (PCS) is committed to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation within our organisation, workforce, services and supply chains.

Modern slavery is a serious crime and an abuse of fundamental human rights. As a provider of health and care services, we recognise our responsibilities as an employer, a purchaser of goods and services, and as an organisation whose staff may come into contact with people experiencing, or at risk of, exploitation.

Our commitment

PCS has zero tolerance for modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically, transparently and responsibly and to taking proportionate, risk-based action to identify, prevent and address modern slavery risks.

Our approach includes:

• maintaining robust recruitment, identity and right-to-work checks;
• providing employees with clear terms and conditions and fair employment practices;
• ensuring staff understand how to recognise and report potential exploitation;
• embedding modern slavery within our safeguarding arrangements;
• considering modern slavery risk when procuring and contracting for goods and services;
• undertaking proportionate due diligence on suppliers and subcontractors;
• including appropriate modern slavery requirements within contracts;
• monitoring higher-risk suppliers and contracts where appropriate; and
• providing safe routes for staff to raise concerns, including through our Freedom to Speak Up arrangements.

Our approach recognises that modern slavery risks can arise at different levels of a supply chain and may be greater within particular products, sectors, workforce models or geographical areas. We therefore consider these risks throughout the commercial lifecycle and apply enhanced due diligence where appropriate. This reflects the approach set out in our Modern Slavery Policy.

Protecting patients and our workforce

Healthcare professionals can play an important role in identifying people experiencing exploitation. PCS staff are expected to remain alert to potential indicators of modern slavery and to raise concerns through our established safeguarding arrangements.

Where it is safe and appropriate, our staff seek to provide patients with an opportunity to speak privately and without the presence of someone who may be controlling them.

We also recognise potential exploitation risks within the workforce, particularly in relation to agency, temporary, internationally recruited or otherwise potentially vulnerable workers.

Our suppliers and partners

We expect organisations working with PCS to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery and exploitation.

Depending on the nature and level of risk, PCS may seek assurance from suppliers about their employment, recruitment and supply-chain practices, review their Modern Slavery Statements, include relevant contractual requirements and require improvement action where concerns are identified.

Where concerns arise, we will investigate and take appropriate action. Our approach will be victim-centred: ending a supplier relationship immediately may not always be the safest response if doing so could increase risks to affected workers.

Governance and accountability

The PCS Board has ultimate accountability for ensuring effective arrangements are in place to prevent and respond to modern slavery and human trafficking. The Chief Executive and Executive Team oversee implementation, supported by safeguarding, People/HR, procurement, contract management and operational teams.

PCS will continue to review its arrangements, learn from concerns and incidents, and strengthen its approach as risks, legislation and national guidance develop.

Approved by: Primary Care Sheffield Board
Statement period: 2026/28
Date approved: 1^st September 2026