Modern Slavery Statement 2018

Introduction from the Managing Director

Vauxhall Finance plc has zero tolerance for the practice of slavery and human trafficking and we are committed to ensuring it does not take place within any part of our business or our supply chain.

 

Our business and its structure

Founded in 1919, Vauxhall Finance plc is a UK based company with over 500 employees. We offer a range of motor finance products both to individuals and businesses for new and used vehicles. In addition, we offer commercial lending products to dealerships, helping them to finance and grow their business. 

The following statement outlines our approach and the measures that have been taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking within both our workforce and supply chain.

 

Our Workforce

All of our employees and contractors are required to go through a vetting process, part of which includes ensuring they have the right to live and work in the UK. Reports of potential misconduct are taken seriously; there are dedicated whistleblowing procedures which allow for the confidential reporting of any issues identified by employees.

Preventing Modern Slavery in the Supply Chain

 In line with our company values of Integrity, we are committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business.

 

Our supply chain includes a variety of providers offering IT solutions, facilities management, operational teams, office equipment, catering and other professional services.

We have a Know Your Supplier Policy which forms a fundamental part of our supplier assessment and due diligence in the procurement process. This includes risk-based screening of all suppliers before any contractual agreement is put in place alongside Compliance due diligence.  Key anti-slavery and human trafficking clauses are included in contracts as well as communication of our anti-slavery approach to suppliers. Any violation of this can result in the termination of a contract

 

 

We have in place systems to:

  • Identify and assess potential risk areas in our supply chains;
  • Mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking occurring in our supply chains;
  • Monitor potential risk areas in our supply chains; and
  • Protect Whistleblowers.

Committees

The Compliance Steering Council forms a key part of our corporate governance, which aids in identifying and addressing any compliance issues, including Modern Slavery, which may become apparent through the course of business. Participants consist of senior management and key stakeholders within the company, allowing for effective communication and action on issues if they arise.

 

Training and Policies

We have developed an Anti-Slavery Policy (“Policy”) which reflects our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in our supply chains. As part of an employee’s induction, a series of training modules are undertaken. Part of this includes access to, and acceptance, of our internal policy on Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking in response to the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. This clearly outlines staffs role and responsibilities in terms of expected conduct and reporting of issues. The policy is also available alongside other documentation within our internal Procedure Centre.

Our effectiveness in combating slavery and human trafficking

 We will review our effectiveness in ensuring that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in any part of our business or supply chains by:

  • Ensuring all new and existing suppliers have in place effective anti-slavery policies and procedures;
  • Raising awareness of this Statement and our Policy across Vauxhall Finance plc, including introducing new employees to the Statement and Policy as part of their induction; and
  • Maintaining a log of all concerns raised and the actions taken relating to slavery or human trafficking in our own business or our supply chains. 

 

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 31st December 2019.