Modern Slavery Act 2015

This statement is made in pursuant to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the Act) and relates to actions and activities West Mercia Energy (WME) have undertaken during the financial year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and supply chains.

WME offers energy procurement and management on behalf of its four Member Authorities and a number of outside bodies. The contracts cover the provision of electricity, natural gas, petroleum fuels and liquid petroleum gas within the UK. WME is opposed to all forms of human trafficking and slavery and takes all necessary steps to ensure the promotion of sound, moral and ethical practices throughout the whole of its business.

During the financial year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 WME have:

·       Monitored adherence/compliance to/with our formal Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy

·       Taken steps to ensure that all current suppliers are fully compliant with the Act

·       Ensured that all procurement activity identifies compliance with the Act as part of the evaluation criteria

·       Ensured that all recruitment activity was undertaken in line with requirements of the Act

·       Conducted risk awareness training with all members of staff

·       Commenced a programme of training in accordance with the Government Commercial College, with one member of staff having completed the course ‘Tackling Modern Slavery in Supply Chains’.

During 2025/26 WME will continue to apply our Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy to all our commercial activities, and to maintain awareness of the Act and its requirements and obligations to all our staff. This will involve rolling-out training in accordance with the Government Commercial College to all relevant staff.

WME’s Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement has been approved by the WME Joint Committee. It should be read in conjunction with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the National Referral Mechanism. This Statement will be reviewed and updated annually. 

Approved: Nigel Evans, Director, April 2025