Last updated 1 April 2022
The Geological Society of London has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery practices. The Society will undertake steps, as outlined in this statement, to ensure that all parts of its operations and supply chains are free of slavery and human trafficking.
This statement constitutes the anti-slavery and human trafficking statement for The Geological Society of London (‘The Society’) and is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This statement applies also to Geological Trading Limited.
The senior management of the Society recognises its role in implementing this policy.
The Geological Society of London
The Society is a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity (no. 210161). It is the UK's national society for geoscience, providing support to c. 12,000 members in the UK and overseas. The Society’s work is carried out at Burlington House, London, and at its Publishing House in Bath. The Society’s aims are:
• To improve knowledge and understanding of the Earth
• To promote Earth science education and awareness
• To promote professional excellence and ethical standards in the work of Earth scientists
Modern slavery
Modern slavery is a term used to encapsulate offences in the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which in turn refers to Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights. These offences include:
• Slavery - the status or condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised
• Servitude - an obligation to provide services by coercion
• Forced or compulsory labour - work or services exacted from a person under the menace of penalty and for which the said person has not offered her/himself voluntarily
• Human trafficking - the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion for an exploitative purpose (i.e., slavery, servitude and/or forced or compulsory labour)
Our supply chains
Existing suppliers
Our departmental heads will assess the likely risk of modern slavery practises within current suppliers and their supply chains. If required, appropriate follow-up action will be taken to fully understand the risks of non-compliance with this policy. The Society reserves the right to terminate existing contracts with suppliers found to be non-compliant with this policy.
Future suppliers
The Society will require a responsible person at future suppliers to provide a written declaration of compliance with this Modern Slavery Policy prior to any contracts being awarded. If the supplier is legally required to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we will further request their own published policies on modern slavery. If required, The Society may ask for further information on the working practices of suppliers.
Adherence to this policy
The Society reserves the right to undertake periodic spot audits to ensure that current and potential suppliers are fully compliant with this policy. A zero-tolerance approach will be adopted to non-compliance, and the Society reserves the right to terminate contracts with suppliers found to be non-compliant with this policy.
Continuous review
The Society will review annually the effectiveness of this policy and the processes in place to ensure full compliance within its business and supply chains.
This Modern Slavery Policy was approved by the Society’s governing Council of Trustees on 11 November 2021.