Modern Slavery Statement

Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labor and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person's liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain. We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chains.

We are also committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chains, consistent with our disclosure obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners and, as part of our contracting processes, we include specific prohibitions against the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labor, or anyone held in slavery or servitude, whether adults or children, and we expect that our suppliers will hold their own suppliers to the same high standards.

ABOUT THIS STATEMENT

The purpose of this policy is to set out our responsibilities, and of those working for and on our behalf, in observing and upholding our position on modern slavery and human trafficking; and provide information to those working for and on our behalf on how to identify concerns regarding modern slavery and human trafficking.

This policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf in any capacity, including employees at all levels, directors, officers, agency workers, seconded workers, volunteers, interns, agents, contractors, external consultants, third-party representatives and business partners.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE STATEMENT

The legal team has primary and day-to-day responsibility for implementing this policy, monitoring its use and effectiveness, dealing with any queries about it, and auditing internal control systems and procedures to ensure they are effective in countering modern slavery.

Management at all levels are responsible for ensuring those reporting to them understand and comply with this policy and are given adequate and regular training on it and the issue of modern slavery in supply chains.

DUE DILIGENCE & RISK ASSESSMENTS

Synthesia does not manufacture goods or products. Our suppliers primarily fall into two categories: (1) service providers, including data processors, that provide hosting and related services, and (2) office-based services and supplies, such as cleaning, furniture, fixtures, and IT equipment. As a global organization, with offices in the UK, the US, and throughout Europe, we rely upon a global supply chain. We maintain comprehensive sourcing and procurement policies and processes that we apply to the purchase of any goods or services.

TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION

Our commitment to addressing the issue of modern slavery in our business and supply chains is communicated to all suppliers, contractors and business partners at the outset of our business relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate on an ongoing basis.

Employees are presented with and must comply with Synthesia’s code of conduct, which includes expectations for respecting human rights and a zero tolerance approach to forced labour and child labour. Annual training reinforces these values and equips employees to identify and respond to concerns.

EFFECTIVENESS 

Synthesia evaluates the effectiveness of this policy by conducting risk assessments, monitoring global legislation on human rights, periodic reviews and updates to this policy, employee training, reviews and resolution of any alleged breaches of this policy, and supplier risk assessments. 

BREACHES OF THIS POLICY

Should it become aware of any breaches of this policy, Synthesia will ensure that appropriate measures are taken, which may include reporting this information to authorities, increased auditing, imposing, implementing or requiring further prevention and remediation measures on itself and/or its suppliers, and/or terminating the relationship with a supplier.

Any employee who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for misconduct or gross misconduct. We may terminate our relationship with other individuals and organizations working on our behalf if they breach this policy.