Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Introduction

Lycali Ltd is committed to acting ethically, responsibly and with integrity in all its business relationships. We take a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, servitude and child labour within our organisation and supply chains.

We consider the overall risk of modern slavery within our organisation and supply chain to be low because of our UK-based service model, regulated professional workforce and use of established suppliers. Nevertheless, we remain alert to potential risks and keep our arrangements under review.

Our organisation

Lycali Ltd is a CQC-registered independent healthcare provider delivering neurodevelopmental assessments, therapy, psychosocial interventions and post-diagnostic support to children, young people and adults across the UK.

Our multidisciplinary workforce includes employees and associate clinicians who are appropriately qualified and, where applicable, registered with their relevant professional or regulatory bodies.

Our supply chain primarily comprises:

• Independent healthcare professionals and associate clinicians;
• IT, digital and information-management service providers;
• Clinical assessment and therapeutic-resource suppliers;
• Training and professional-services providers;
• Property, facilities and office-service providers; and
• Other organisations supplying goods or services needed to operate our business.

Policies and governance

Lycali's policies, procedures and governance arrangements support our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking. These include:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection policies;
• Safer Recruitment procedures;
• Whistleblowing and Freedom to Speak Up arrangements;
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion arrangements;
• Staff and Associate Codes of Conduct;
• Right-to-work, identity, reference and background checks;
• Supplier and contractor due-diligence arrangements; and
• Processes for reporting, escalating and investigating concerns.

We review and update relevant policies and procedures in response to legislative, regulatory or organisational changes and any risks identified through our governance processes.

Recruitment and workforce controls

Lycali undertakes proportionate pre-employment and pre-engagement checks for employees and associates. These may include:

• Verification of identity and right to work in the UK;
• Employment and professional references;
• Disclosure and Barring Service checks where appropriate;
• Verification of qualifications, professional registration and insurance;
• Written employment contracts or associate agreements; and
• Checks relating to safeguarding, professional conduct and fitness to practise.

We do not knowingly engage individuals or organisations involved in forced labour, human trafficking, unlawful recruitment practices or worker exploitation. Staff and associates are encouraged to raise concerns without fear of retaliation through Lycali's safeguarding, management, whistleblowing or Freedom to Speak Up arrangements.

Supplier due diligence

We expect suppliers, contractors and professional partners to comply with all applicable employment, equality, human-rights and modern-slavery legislation.

Our approach is proportionate to the nature and level of risk and may include confirming a supplier's identity and business status, reviewing relevant policies or accreditations, assessing supply-chain risks, setting contractual expectations and monitoring performance.

We reserve the right to seek further information, require corrective action, suspend engagement or terminate a relationship where a supplier fails to address a material modern-slavery or human-trafficking concern.

Risk assessment and monitoring

Potential modern-slavery risks may be identified through recruitment checks, safeguarding processes, supplier due diligence, incident reporting, complaints, audits, whistleblowing or routine governance oversight.

Any concern will be assessed promptly and escalated to an appropriate member of Lycali's management or safeguarding team. Relevant risks and actions will be documented and monitored through our governance and risk-management arrangements.

Where necessary, Lycali will seek specialist advice and refer concerns to the police, local authority safeguarding services, the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline or another appropriate statutory agency.

Training and awareness

Lycali provides staff and associates with training and guidance appropriate to their roles. This includes safeguarding and recognising indicators of abuse, exploitation, coercion and vulnerability.

Relevant staff are expected to understand common indicators of modern slavery and trafficking, how exploitation may affect children and adults at risk, how to report concerns, and their responsibilities when engaging suppliers or contractors.

Further actions

Lycali will continue to:

• Review recruitment and onboarding controls;
• Maintain right-to-work, identity, reference and background-checking processes;
• Strengthen proportionate supplier due diligence;
• Review relevant safeguarding, whistleblowing and procurement arrangements;
• Promote awareness among staff and associates; and
• Monitor emerging risks within healthcare and the wider supply chain.

Contact

Questions or concerns about this statement can be sent to info@lycali.co.uk.