Anti-slavery statement
Purpose
The purpose of this statement is to set out Patchwork’s approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains. It explains the actions we take to identify, assess and address the risk of exploitation, and demonstrates our commitment to operating with integrity, transparency and respect for human rights. By publishing this statement, we seek to provide assurance to our colleagues, customers, partners and the wider public that we uphold the highest ethical standards and continually work to safeguard the people connected to our operations.
For the purposes of this statement, “modern slavery” includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking, as defined in the Modern Slavery Act.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees of Patchwork Health and any contractors (direct or indirect) and visitors. This also applies to third-party suppliers and partners who work on our behalf.
This policy applies to all locations of work – remote, client sites, London Hub, other shared workspaces.
Commitment
At Patchwork Health we prize our ethical approach and are committed to complying with all laws and regulations applicable to our business, including taking steps to ensure that there is no human trafficking, forced labour or modern slavery in our supply chains or within any part of our operations.
We make this statement in accordance with section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the UK Government’s 2025 guidance on Transparency in Supply Chains. Although Patchwork’s turnover is below the statutory threshold, we publish this statement on a voluntary basis to demonstrate best practice and our commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct.
We believe the nature of what we do at Patchwork means that the risk of modern slavery occurring in our business or supply chains is low. However, our continuing commitment to combating modern slavery is reflected in our policies, due-diligence approach and operating procedures which require all Patchwork employees and partners to act ethically and with integrity in all business relationships.
To assess our effectiveness in preventing modern slavery, we use the following indicators and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing our approach:
- Number of concerns raised or investigations initiated (if any applicable).
- Compliance rates of key suppliers with contractual anti-slavery clauses.
- Corrective actions taken and outcomes recorded (if any applicable).
About Our Organisation
Who We Are
Since 2016, Patchwork Health has been on a mission to make truly flexible and sustainable working a reality for all healthcare staff. Our fully integrated workforce management solution helps optimise outcomes for organisations, managers, staff, and patients alike. Built by a team of dedicated healthcare veterans, and co-created with the NHS, our technology and services have been embraced by over 100 healthcare sites to date.
Our Values
Economic, social and environmental responsibility cuts across everything we do and is enshrined in our processes as good business practice. For more information please refer to Patchwork’s Environmental, Social and Governance Policy, available upon request.
Our success is founded on our core values:
- Care Deeply. We look after the people that look after the people. Care is at the heart of our company's mission and culture. We must lead with our humanity in every interaction, with our customers and our colleagues.
- Choose Courage. To choose courage is to challenge the status quo; to remain ambitious; to choose the hard path if needed; to take risks and not fear failure; and to allow yourself to be vulnerable.
- Own the Outcome. Ownership begins with accepting the responsibility for a project, product or even task, from inception to outcome.
- Strive for Excellence.When each one of us gets to combine our love for our craft with the ability to make a real impact - only then can we make Patchwork a company that punches above its weight and delivers on outcomes we are proud to be part of.
- Win Together We can only win by coming together as a single team.
These values commit Patchwork and every employee to:
- Ethical behaviour and integrity in all dealings;
- Cultural stewardship;
- Safe and fair working conditions;
- Respect for human rights; and
- Zero tolerance of modern slavery, exploitation or human trafficking.
We expect the same high standards from all of our suppliers, contractors, and third-party partners.
Our Operations
We employ colleagues across the UK and work closely with hospitals, healthcare providers and partner organisations.
Our supply chains typically include:
- Technology and software infrastructure suppliers;
- Professional services providers;
- External consultants and contractors;
- Employment agencies for specialist roles; and
- Office, equipment and facilities suppliers.
While we operate primarily in the UK, some software and technical services may involve international supply-chain components.
Our Employment Practices
Patchwork believes that respect for the dignity, rights and ambitions of all people is a cornerstone of business excellence.
We pledge to:
- Treat all colleagues with dignity and respect.
- Provide a working environment free from discrimination, coercion, bullying or harassment.
- Be a Living Wage employer.
- Use only reputable employment / recruitment agencies and align to our values and demonstrate commitment to ethical practices including fair pay, working conditions and Diversity, Equality/Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging.
- Verify the practices of any new agency before accepting employers or contractors sourced from them into or working with our team.
- Promote and dedicate time to improving Diversity, Equality/Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging from within.
- Conduct fair recruitment from a wide talent pool.
Where suppliers, agencies or contractors fail to uphold our standards or provide adequate assurances regarding modern slavery risks, we will act promptly, including if necessary, requiring corrective action, suspending activity or terminating the relationship.
Supply Chain Due Diligence
We take a proportionate, risk-based approach to assessing and managing modern slavery risks in our supply chains.
Our due-diligence activities include:
- Pre-contract checks on labour-related suppliers and recruitment agencies.
- Assessing supplier compliance with ethical, human-rights and anti-slavery requirements.
- Reviewing supplier policies and certifications, if applicable.
- Contractual obligations requiring compliance with the Modern Slavery Act.
- Ongoing monitoring of higher-risk suppliers, if applicable.
- Requesting corrective action, if concerns are identified.
If we deem it necessary, prior to onboarding or partnering, suppliers may be required to complete a self-assessment request covering recruitment practices, use of temporary labour, subcontracting, wage protections and worker welfare measures.
If we identify a credible risk, we will investigate, escalate to senior management and enforce remediation or termination as appropriate.
Risk Assessment
We review risk annually and when onboarding new suppliers.
Although overall risk is low, we monitor areas that could present higher potential for modern-slavery exposure including:
- Third-party labour providers.
- International technology or subcontracted development services.
- Suppliers using complex or multi-tier supply chains.
- Cleaning, facilities or logistics providers.
Training and Awareness
We provide training to colleagues involved in procurement, supplier management. Training is provided by our internal People & Talent Team and we committed to refreshing training periodically and enhancing it as our operations scale. Training covers:
- The Modern Slavery Act.
- Recognising signs of modern slavery.
- Safe reporting routes.
- Supplier due-diligence expectations.
- Escalation procedures.
Whistleblowing and Worker Voice
For more information please refer to Patchwork’s Environmental, Social and Governance Policy, available upon request.
We encourage employees and third parties to take active responsibility for raising concerns. We are committed to providing at all times:
- A confidential, anonymous whistleblowing reporting route;
- A strict zero tolerance no-retaliation policy; and
- A commitment to investigate all reports promptly and thoroughly.
Concerns relating to exploitation, forced labour, trafficking or unethical labour practices may be raised via our whistle-blowing reporting route. All reports are escalated to Senior Leadership and, where appropriate, Patchwork’s Board of Directors.
Where modern slavery is suspected, Patchwork will work with relevant authorities. To anyone reading this needing immediate support and advice please contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700).
Associated Policies and Governance
Our approach to preventing modern slavery is supported by several internal policies contained within our Environmental, Social and Governance Policy (incl. Ethical and Personal Conduct Whistleblowing, Diversity, Equality/Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging, Recruitment and Talent Development).
We are committed to reviewing relevant policies annually to reflect evolving risks and regulatory expectations, including NHS and central government procurement standards.
Ultimate responsibility for modern-slavery compliance rests with the Board of Directors. Day-to-day operational responsibility sits with Senior Leadership and designated teams and roles within the business, i.e., the People & Talent Team.
Policy Compliance, Enforcement and Sharing
This policy is supported by a documented, robust combined management system. This policy is also supported by the Company’s Senior Leadership and any relevant accreditations and certifications.
Compliance and Enforcement
Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Regular checks will ensure adherence to these standards. Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, termination of employment or contract, and potential legal action in accordance with UK law (as applicable to the severity of the action and the nature of the professional engagement).
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure continued compliance with our business strategy, internal and external requirements, and current legislation.