Service Standards

Modern Slavery Statement

This statement is made on behalf of Deans Court Chambers pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the forthcoming year. We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, and are fully committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our operation and supply chain. Deans Court embraces a diverse and safe workplace environment in which equal opportunity and fairness are paramount.

Deans Court Chambers is a barristers’ chambers comprised of barristers who provide professional legal services within the UK and worldwide. We consider the risk of Modern Slavery occurring within our business to be low as the nature of our business means that our supply chains are relatively limited in number. A number of our suppliers are regulated individuals who are required to abide by their own codes of conduct, for example the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We establish a relationship of trust and integrity with all our suppliers, which is built upon mutually beneficial factors. Our supplier selection and on-boarding procedure includes due diligence of the supplier’s reputation, respect for the law, and compliance with health, safety and environmental standards.

As a legal business, Chambers works to professional standards and complies with all laws, regulations and relevant rules. We ensure that all staff directly employed by Deans Court Chambers do so at their own free-will and understand that they can cease their employment at any time under the terms of their employment contract. They are required to follow the Chambers policies and procedures.

To date we have not been made aware of any human trafficking/slavery activities within the supply chain but if any were highlighted to us then we would act immediately in accordance with our legal and moral obligations. Any reports or concerns with regards to modern slavery should be raised with our Equality and Diversity Officer, Alex Taylor, as soon as possible. We will treat any report of apparent modern slavery seriously and will take appropriate action, where necessary.

Deans Court Chambers plans to raise awareness of modern slavery issues by circulating our statement on modern slavery to all our members and staff annually, which explains our commitment in the fight against modern slavery, red flags for potential cases of slavery or human trafficking and how employees should report suspicions of modern slavery.

We will be working with our current/new suppliers, contractors and business partners to certify that they do not engage in slavery or human trafficking, or any activity associated with these offences. Suppliers will be asked to certify that each product complies with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and any other law regarding slavery and human trafficking of the country/countries in which the materials are sourced.

This statement has been approved by the Deans Court Chambers Management Committee who will review and update it annually.