This statement is made pursuant to Section 54, Part 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps the Group has taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in its supply chains or in any part of its business. 

The Group publishes information about its supply chains on its website. Specifically, details of all invoiced expenditure over £99.99 are published on the Group's website.  For 2015/16 this information details payments to c800 suppliers during the year.   A list of approved suppliers and contractors is maintained and periodically reviewed by the board of management. 

Approved suppliers and contractors undergo rigorous checks to ensure that the Group undertakes business with reputable organisations that commit to the highest standards of conduct and good practice.  These steps work to mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking taking place in the Group’s supply chain. No further steps are taken.

This statement is also available within the Group's Financial Statements for the year 2016/17.