Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement
Cognitio Partnership Ltd | 2026/27
Cognitio Partnership Ltd is committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. We take a zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in any part of our business or supply chains.
This statement sets out the steps we take to ensure that our organisation, our future care home operations, and our supply chain partners uphold the highest ethical standards.
Who We Are
Cognitio Partnership Ltd is a specialist organisation focused on acquiring, improving, and operating high‑quality care homes across the North West, East Midlands, and West Midlands. Our leadership team brings over 55 years of combined experience in health and social care, governance, and operational excellence.
We recognise that the care sector can be exposed to modern slavery risks, particularly in relation to:
- Recruitment and workforce supply
- Agency and temporary staffing
- Cleaning, catering, and estates services
- Construction, refurbishment, and maintenance
- Overseas supply chains for equipment and consumables
We are committed to ensuring our operations remain safe, ethical, and free from exploitation.
Our Commitment
We will always:
- Maintain a zero‑tolerance stance on modern slavery
- Ensure ethical recruitment and employment practices
- Work only with suppliers who uphold strong labour and human rights standards
- Embed modern slavery prevention into governance, procurement, and due diligence
- Provide safe and confidential routes for raising concerns
- Continuously strengthen our controls as we grow our care home portfolio
Our Policies
We maintain a suite of policies that support our commitment to preventing modern slavery:
- Safeguarding Policy
- Recruitment & Vetting Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
- Supplier & Procurement Standards
- Fit and Proper Persons (FPPR) Policy
These policies are reviewed annually and approved by the Managing Partners.
Ethical Recruitment & Employment
As we grow our care home portfolio, we will ensure that all staff—whether directly employed or engaged through agencies—are recruited ethically and lawfully.
Our controls include:
- Right‑to‑work and identity checks
- Verification of qualifications and professional registrations
- Employment history and reference checks
- Transparent pay structures and fair terms
- No recruitment fees charged to candidates
- Due diligence on agency and temporary staffing providers
We do not use zero‑hours contracts for core care roles and ensure all staff are paid fairly and in line with sector standards.
Our Supply Chain
Our supply chain includes:
- Care home staffing agencies
- Estates, maintenance, and refurbishment contractors
- Cleaning, catering, and facilities services
- Clinical equipment and consumables suppliers
- IT, digital, and software providers
- Training and professional development partners
We require all suppliers to:
- Comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015
- Demonstrate ethical labour practices
- Confirm they do not use forced, bonded, or child labour
- Provide evidence of their own modern slavery controls
- Accept contractual clauses relating to modern slavery compliance
Higher‑risk suppliers are subject to enhanced due diligence.|
Identifying & Managing Risk
We assess modern slavery risk across:
- Workforce recruitment and agency staffing
- Subcontracted estates and facilities services
- Construction and refurbishment projects
- Overseas supply chains for equipment and consumables
- Low‑wage or high‑turnover sectors
Mitigation measures include:
- Supplier declarations and risk scoring
- Contractual compliance clauses
- Periodic supplier reviews
- Escalation routes for concerns
- Board oversight through governance reporting
Training & Awareness
We ensure that staff, managers, and partners understand:
- What modern slavery is
- How to identify signs of exploitation
- How to report concerns safely
- Their responsibilities under the Modern Slavery Act
Training is mandatory for:
- All new starters
- All managers
- Anyone involved in recruitment, procurement, or supplier management
Reporting Concerns
We promote a culture of openness and accountability. Concerns can be raised through:
- Our Whistleblowing Policy
- Safeguarding leads
- Line managers
- Anonymous reporting channels
All concerns are investigated promptly, confidentially, and without detriment to the individual raising them.
Our Priorities for 2026/27
As Cognitio Partnership Ltd expands its care home portfolio, we will:
- Strengthen supplier due‑diligence processes
- Introduce a modern slavery
- Enhance contract monitoring for higher‑risk suppliers
- Expand training for managers and teams
- Conduct an internal review of modern slavery controls
- Embed modern slavery assurance into any acquisition due diligence
Approval
This statement is made under section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and applies to the financial year 2026/27.
It has been approved by the Managing Partners of Cognitio Partnership Ltd.
Signed: Maria Flanagan
Managing Partner
Cognitio Partnership Ltd
Date: ___8/5/26
Managing Partner
Cognitio Partnership Ltd
Date: ___8/5/26