This statement sets out Elim's actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023.
As part of our charitable status and the ideals Elim stands for, Elim recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. Elim is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensure that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking. We will commit to reviewing our suppliers of goods and services and the way we select new suppliers going forward.
OUR ORGANISATION
This statement covers the activities of Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance and EPC Services Ltd. We are a church organisation that seek to fulfil our objectives through extensive relevant programs both in the UK and overseas. Our expanding operations are mainly conducted through national departments, 500 churches in the UK and in 49 countries overseas. Our charitable objective is to spread and propagate the full gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and primarily but not exclusively the fundamental truths set forth in the constitution.
Through our missionaries, Elim currently operates in multiple countries around the world. However, our main legal base is in the United Kingdom. Our charity numbers are 251549 (England & Wales) SC037754 (Scotland).
RECRUITMENT
Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance (EFGA) is an equal opportunities employer with recruitment procedures in place. All recruitment is managed by the charity and its churches, which ensures quality control and compliance with policies and procedures. Guidance is provided to our churches in regards to safer recruitment practices, which include:
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The need to check for references
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Conducting Right to Work checks
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Additional checks where appropriate (such as Criminal Records checks)
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Issuing of Employment Contracts
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Volunteers are offered a Volunteer Agreement to ensure that all parties are aware of the arrangement.
PROCUREMENT
All building work to EFGA properties is subject to approval by Elim's Management Board, who meet bi-monthly. Churches are obligated to provide at least three quotes that are reviewed by the Board.
PLANS FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR
By the end of the 2022-2023 financial year, we aim to:
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Review our policies (especially recruitment) so that they include an approach to identify modern slavery risks and take the necessary steps to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations
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Review other policies systematically reviewed over the year including:
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Whistleblowing policy
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Employee code of conduct policy
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Recruitment Policy
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Supplier/Procurement code of conduct (agreement)
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Develop and launch an ethical Code of Conduct which would need to be signed by suppliers before EFGA engages with such organisations. In regards to building work, no quote will be accepted in the absence of such a signed declaration.
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Include modern slavery and a mitigation plan within the corporate risk report.
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Raise awareness with EFGA staff and churches through our communication platforms, reminding all to familiarise themselves with our ethical and antislavery policies.
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Periodically review our existing supply chains to limit exposure to those suppliers who are engaged or are suspected to be engaged in modern slavery practices.
We will provide regular updates to the Finance Board, Audit and Governance Committee and Trustees as an accountable strategy to progress against our aims.
This statement will be reviewed in 2023 and published in line with the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Chris Cartright
General Superintendent
Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance