Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Our commitment

Steffi Hesketh Tutoring is committed to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation in our business and supply chains. We expect everyone working with us to treat people fairly, with dignity and respect.

 

We publish this statement voluntarily. Steffi Hesketh Tutoring operates as a sole trader business; this statement is not presented as a mandatory annual disclosure under section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It sets out our policy and the proportionate actions we commit to taking from publication. It does not claim that every supplier has already been audited or that specific modern slavery training has already been completed.

 

Our business and supply chains

We are an online tutoring agency based in Southampton, supporting children, young people and adult learners. Tuition is delivered by the proprietor and a network of self-employed tutors. We support learners with a range of educational needs, including special educational needs and disabilities.

 

Our supply chains include subcontracted tutoring, digital platforms, educational resources, website and professional services, and equipment used for online delivery.

 

Understanding the risks

Direct online tuition involves fewer physical supply-chain activities than many sectors, but no business is free from risk. Potential risks include coercion or exploitation in subcontracted work, inappropriate recruitment arrangements, and exploitation within the wider supply chains for technology and equipment. Children and vulnerable adults may also disclose exploitation during tuition.

 

Recruitment and subcontractor standards

We will apply proportionate checks to the tutors and subcontractors we engage, including identity, relevant qualifications, references and safeguarding checks appropriate to their work. These checks support safer recruitment but do not by themselves establish that modern slavery is absent.

 

We will communicate our expectations that work is freely chosen, that individuals retain control of their identity documents, and that no one is subjected to threats, coercion, debt bondage, recruitment fees charged to secure work, or unlawful deductions. Tutors must be able to raise concerns without intimidation.

 

We will use clear written terms covering responsibilities, agreed payment arrangements and the ending of engagements. Any further subcontracting must be disclosed and agreed before delivery.

 

Supplier due diligence

We will consider modern slavery risks when selecting new suppliers or reviewing existing arrangements. The depth of checks will reflect the nature of the service, location, labour arrangements and any warning signs. Where appropriate, we will request information about ethical employment practices and modern slavery policies.

 

We will investigate credible concerns, seek corrective action and reconsider relationships where a supplier does not address exploitation risks. Any decision to suspend or end an arrangement will take account of the safety and welfare of affected people.

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Reporting and safeguarding

Tutors, learners, parents, carers and suppliers can report concerns to Steffi Hesketh-Spells at steffiheskethtutoring@gmail.com or 07802 828910. Concerns will be taken seriously and handled sensitively, with information shared only where necessary for safeguarding, investigation or legal obligations.

 

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult will be handled through our safeguarding procedures and referred to appropriate safeguarding services or the police as necessary. We will not confront a suspected exploiter where doing so could place someone at risk.

 

We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern honestly. We cannot promise absolute confidentiality where action is needed to protect someone.

 

Awareness, monitoring and improvement

Over the next 12 months, we will share this statement with tutors, add modern slavery awareness to onboarding information, and make the reporting route clear. We will review supplier risks, record concerns and resulting action securely, and identify any further training needed.

 

The proprietor will review progress annually, including whether onboarding information has been shared, relevant supplier checks have been completed and concerns have been appropriately addressed. The statement will also be reviewed following a significant incident or material change to our business.

 

Responsibility

Steffi Hesketh-Spells is responsible for implementing and reviewing this statement. The statement will be made accessible on our website, with a link in the website footer.

Contact: steffiheskethtutoring@gmail.com

Website: www.steffiheskethtutoring.co.uk