Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Progress Housing Group owns and manages over 7,000 properties, being general needs, older people (independent living and Extra Care), homeowners (leaseholders and shared ownership) and supported housing (homelessness schemes and refuges) predominantly in Lancashire.

Its business stream, RWP, is one of the UK's leading providers of high-quality specialist supported housing for people with a learning disability, autistic people and those with a mental health condition with landlord responsibilities for over 4,200 supported living
properties across the UK.

In addition, the Group also provides 574 units of key worker accommodation for people working for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and supported housing for people at risk of homelessness or women escaping domestic abuse.

Under its Progress Lifeline brand, the Group is a national leader in Technology Enabled Care (TECs), supporting over 60,000 people to live independently.Progress Housing Group received V1 G1 compliance grading by the Regulator of Social Housing in March 2024.

The Group’s vision is to ensure everyone has a place to call home and the opportunity to live their best life and its mission is to have positive impact on people and communities by providing high-quality homes, supporting independence and creating opportunities.

Our Group structure from September 2024 is as follows:

The Group is committed to conducting all business with integrity and adopts high ethical standards. The Groups key policies related to combating modern slavery include:

• Sustainable Procurement Policy
• Approved Suppliers, Contractors, and Consultant Policy
• Safeguarding Adults Policy
• Unmet need and Child Safeguarding Policy
These policies are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain effective and up to date in relation to modern slavery.

Progress Housing Group conducts thorough due diligence on all our supply chain partners. For any new contractor or supplier, steps are taken to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act.
Performing rigorous due diligence checks on the supply chain ensures that suppliers and contractors adhere to ethical labour standards, reducing the risk of modern slavery infiltrating business operations.
If the Group becomes aware of any supplier which breaches the Modern Slavery 2015 Act, we will undertake investigation immediately in accordance with our legal and moral obligations which may lead to termination of our contract with them.

Progress Housing Group manages the risks of modern slavery effectively, we have an established and robust recruitment process which is essential to ensure that all employees are hired legally and ethically, with thorough background checks and verification of work
rights.

Safeguarding all customers is another crucial aspect. For example, the Group undertakes regular property inspections and has safeguarding measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

The Group provides an online training course which helps staff to recognise signs of modern slavery and understand their roles in preventing it is vital for creating an informed and vigilant workforce. In person training is offered three times per year around safeguarding,
which also covers Modern Slavery.

The Group conducts a tenancy fraud audit which helps to detect and prevent illegal subletting and other fraudulent activities that could mask exploitative practices. Performing rigorous due diligence checks on the supply chain ensures that suppliers and contractors adhere to ethical labour standards, reducing the risk of modern slavery infiltrating
business operations.

Finally, the Group has developed a robust contract management process, including clear contract clauses and monitoring mechanisms are in place so that the Group is able to swiftly address any identified issues.

• Promoted Anti-Slavery day October 2023
• Provided safeguarding training for all staff
• Provided No whispers CIC County Lines training for all staff
• Hosted webinar session with Hope for Justice

The Group will be actively involved in the promotion of the Anti-Slavery Day on the 18 October 2024.

• The Group will make a commitment to review policies and procedures when required and update with modern slavery statements when necessary.
• The Group will continue to use social media and the Groups intranet/internet to raise awareness amongst staff and customers.
• The Group will continue to work closely with other local bodies and continue to explore options for further partnerships.
• The Group will promote a training course on Modern Slavery.
• This is open to all employees and can be accessed at any time.
• The Group is currently undertaking a review of its risk assessments and related controls in relation to the Criminal Finance Act and money laundering legislation. Where relevant,links to modern slavery will also be considered.

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our Group’s slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending March 2024