Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

The Executive Team of MarineGuard Systems Limited – Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2023-2024

This statement sets out the steps that MarineGuard Systems Limited has taken during the calendar year ending 31 December 2023 to ensure, as far as possible, that modern slavery is not taking place within its business or its supply chains.  MarineGuard Systems has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and is committed to acting ethically, transparently and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.  To our knowledge, there have been no instances of modern slavery within our business operations during 2023-24.

1. Our Structure and Business

We are a marine industry bespoke security system integrator.  MarineGuard Systems Limited is incorporated as a Limited Company, established in 1998 by founder and owner Richard Webb.  MarineGuard Systems Limited makes this statement for and on behalf of itself which provides services such as security systems to superyachts of all sizes the world over.

In 2021 we set up our innovation centre in Southampton where we welcome our clients to observe the leading edge of modern maritime security.

MarineGuard Systems Limited structure and business is set out in greater detail in its Annual Report and accounts.  We have over 35 members of staff.

2. Our Activity

SUPPLY CHAIN

MarineGuard Systems Limited standard terms and conditions for the purchase of goods and services require suppliers to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and allow for termination in the event of non-compliance.  The overall risk of modern slavery in our supply chain remains low, since the majority of our procurement is undertaken through framework agreements (such as Norbain, Pelco, Cisco etc.), which have their own robust contract compliance and supplier management processes.  With regards to our trading activities, we do not generally involve high risk activities such as production and/or sourcing outside of the UK or the EU.  All suppliers of products to MarineGuard Systems Limited must self-certify against a range of ethical standards, which explicitly includes modern slavery in supply chains and we request updates of their supporting certification.

RECRUITMENT AND OUR PEOPLE

We have a variety of policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with UK employment law, and periodic internal audit reviews provide assurance on the operation of these policies.  Our Executive team manage recruitment activities with recruiting managers and only use reputable employment agencies and job boards to source candidates.  We carry out appropriate background checks including Right to Work and Disclosure and Barring Service checks for all fixed term and permanent appointments.

Regular meetings/toolbox talks between management and staff provide structured opportunities to discuss issues affecting staff.  Members of staff are also encouraged to provide feedback through a periodic Staff Survey, the results of which feed into operational planning and future decision-making.

POLICIES

MarineGuard Systems Limited maintains a suite of established formal policies including Anti-Slavery, Safeguarding, Ethical and Environmental Trading, Third Party Engagement, Procurement and Recruitment.  Policies are regularly reviewed and ratified by our Executive Team Members.  The policies are communicated to all staff and are included within our staff handbook to inform them of the standards to which both MarineGuard staff and suppliers must adhere and the mechanisms available to staff and suppliers to report issues/concerns.

WORK OUTSIDE OF THE UK

MarineGuard Systems Limited adheres to all local laws in the countries within which we work.

3. Our Future Plans

MarineGuard Systems Limited is committed to the continuing evaluation and improvement of our systems and processes.  Some of the planned activity for 2023-24 which will contribute towards our anti-slavery commitments includes:

• A sustained focus on safeguarding awareness, including training which contains specific modern slavery elements (for staff in relevant front-facing and international roles) and the implementation of a Mandatory Induction Training Policy to drive compliance with training completion.
• Refinement of an international safeguarding framework to enhance governance measures to mitigate risk, both internally within MarineGuard Systems Limited and in our work with partner agencies.
• An internal audit of compliance as part of our ISO 9001/14001/45001 standards is scheduled to be completed in 2023 at our Main Office site, to follow on from the audit work completed previously.

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 31 March 2023.  It has been approved by MarineGuard’s Executive Team and its Founder & Owner Richard Webb on their behalf by: