Modern slavery policy

The Recognition Group

1. Purpose

The Recognition Group is committed to operating ethically and with integrity in all business dealings. This modern slavery policy outlines the company’s approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing modern slavery risks in its operations and supply chains. 

This policy has been developed in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and reflects The Recognition Group’s commitment to human rights, fair work practices, and corporate responsibility across all related businesses: Outsource; Recognition PR; Sovereign Marketing; and Write Away Communication.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, consultants, suppliers, and business partners engaged by The Recognition Group and its related businesses. 

3. Policy statement

The Recognition Group opposes all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, child labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, and any other practice that deprives a person of their freedom for commercial gain. The company will not knowingly engage in or support any such practice, and expects the same of its suppliers, contractors, and service providers.

4. Risk assessment

The Recognition Group considers the risk of modern slavery within its direct operations as a professional services organisation to be low. However, the company recognises that risks may arise in its supply chains. 

This includes, but is not limited to: 

• contracted administrative, digital, or marketing services sourced from international markets 

• outsourced software, IT, or platform services used by the business or on behalf of clients 

• suppliers of office equipment, promotional merchandise, and related goods.

5. Actions and controls

The Recognition Group implements the following measures to mitigate modern slavery risks: 

• undertaking due diligence when engaging offshore service providers, including reviewing employment practices and working conditions 

• incorporating clauses in supplier and contractor agreements that prohibit modern slavery and require compliance with applicable laws 

• providing employees with clear guidance on ethical procurement and supplier engagement 

• maintaining transparent and auditable records of contractual relationships. 

The Recognition Group will assess the need for additional due diligence where higher-risk engagements are identified, such as supplier self-assessments, independent verification, or contractual remediation requirements. 

6. Roles and responsibilities

Responsibility for overseeing the implementation and compliance of this policy rests with the executive leadership of The Recognition Group. Operational responsibility sits with the senior leadership team. The policy is reviewed regularly and updated in line with evolving client expectations, legal obligations, and industry best practices. Employees are briefed on their modern slavery responsibilities during onboarding and via periodic updates as needed. 

7. Reporting and transparency

The Recognition Group maintains appropriate documentation to evidence its compliance with this policy. Where requested, The Recognition Group will share this policy with clients, partners, and suppliers to support procurement and due diligence processes.  

Any employee, contractor, or stakeholder who suspects or becomes aware of modern slavery practices connected to the company’s operations or supply chain must report the concern immediately. Any suspected breaches of this policy can be raised confidentially with senior management. 

The Recognition Group commits to investigating all reports of suspected modern slavery promptly and fairly. Appropriate action will be taken where substantiated, which may include terminating supplier contracts, reporting to authorities, and supporting affected individuals.