This statement comprises the slavery and human trafficking statement of the Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigations (MNSI) programme in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Our organisation recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking and is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
Organisational structure
MNSI conducts independent investigations of patient safety concerns in NHS-funded care across England.
Most harm in healthcare results from problems within the systems and processes that determine how care is delivered. Our investigations identify the contributory factors that have led to harm or have the potential to cause harm to patients. The recommendations we make aim to improve healthcare systems and processes in order to reduce risk and improve safety.
Our organisation values independence, transparency, objectivity, expertise and learning for improvement.
We work closely with patients, families and healthcare staff affected by patient safety incidents, and we never attribute blame or liability to individuals.
Our team of investigators and analysts have diverse experience working in healthcare and other safety critical industries and are trained in human factors and safety science. We consult widely in England and internationally to ensure that our work is informed by appropriate clinical and other relevant expertise.
Maternity investigations
From 1 April 2018, we became responsible for all patient safety investigations of maternity incidents occurring in the NHS which meet the criteria as previously defined by the Each Baby Counts programme.
Procurement and supply chains
Our procurement activities include a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) which includes a mandatory exclusion question regarding the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Any suppliers who declare that they do not comply with the legislation will be excluded or disqualified from the procurement process. Additionally, when procuring goods and services, we apply NHS Terms and Conditions which requires suppliers to comply with legislation.
Recruitment
The organisation takes a robust approach in recruiting both its corporate and flexible workforce. We communicate directly with all candidates to discuss any work opportunities and to confirm details of any offer made. We have rigorous procedures in place for the vetting of new employees and workers and ensure that we are able to confirm their identities, their right to work in the United Kingdom and that they are paid above the National Living Wage directly into a personal bank account.
All employees and workers are required to meet with someone from the organisation in person and provide us with their original Right to Work in the United Kingdom documentation for certification and verification. For any employee or worker with a work permit or visa, we carry out regular audits and management of these documents to ensure they remain valid. All new corporate starters are required to complete an induction which includes information and training on the company policies.
When using employment agencies, we only use specific reputable companies to source workers and always verify their practices in the first instance.
Whistleblowing policy
We encourage all our employees and workers to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of the organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The Whistleblowing Policy is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. The policy encourages people to raise concerns directly with their line manager or the HR department, but also contains contact details of an independent charity and the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line should an employee wish to seek independent advice on a concern that may have.
In addition, the MNSI Grievance procedure, the in-house Equality Diversity and Inclusion Champions group and the Freedom To Speak Up champions scheme give platforms for employees to highlight and raise concerns regarding poor working practices.
Employee code of conduct
The MNSI specifies the behaviour and actions required of employees when representing our organisation. We strive to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating in the UK and abroad in managing its supply chain.