Modern Slavery Statement

1. About us

Drainage & Groundwork Contractors Ltd (company number 134238C) is an Isle of Man-based civil engineering and groundwork contractor. Our registered office is at 23 Circular Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1AF.

We specialise in drainage design and installation, major excavations, civil engineering, site maintenance and project management across the Isle of Man. Our workforce is predominantly directly employed and island-based, and we work with a network of local and regional suppliers and subcontractors.

2. Our supply chains

Our supply chain includes:

• Suppliers of plant, materials and equipment (aggregates, pipework, machinery hire)
• Specialist subcontractors engaged on specific projects
• Labour agencies supplying temporary or specialist workers
• Professional services (engineering consultants, surveyors)

Construction and civil engineering is recognised as a higher-risk sector for labour exploitation, particularly in relation to agency and subcontracted labour. We take this risk seriously and apply appropriate scrutiny to the parties we work with.

3. Our policies

We maintain the following policies that support our commitment to combating modern slavery:

• Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy — sets out our zero-tolerance position and the responsibilities of everyone working for or on behalf of DGC Ltd.
• Recruitment Policy — ensures all workers have the right to work, are paid at least the applicable minimum wage, and that employment is entered into freely.
• Whistleblowing Policy — provides a safe and confidential route for employees and others to raise concerns without fear of detriment.

These policies apply to all persons working for or on our behalf in any capacity, including employees, directors, agency workers, subcontractors, consultants and business partners.

4. Due diligence and risk assessment

To identify and manage the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains, we take the following steps:

• Carrying out right-to-work checks on all employees before they commence work.
• Verifying the identity and legitimacy of labour providers and subcontractors before engagement.
• Including contractual provisions in our supplier and subcontractor agreements that prohibit the use of forced, compulsory or trafficked labour, or anyone held in slavery or servitude.
• Expecting our suppliers and subcontractors to apply the same standards to their own supply chains.
• Remaining alert to warning signs of exploitation on site, including workers who appear fearful, are not in possession of their own identity documents, or are living in poor conditions arranged by their employer.

We keep our approach under review and will strengthen our due diligence processes as our business grows.

5. Training and awareness

Awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking forms part of the induction process for all new employees. All staff and workers are made aware of the signs of modern slavery, how to report a concern, and our zero-tolerance position.

Our commitment to tackling modern slavery is communicated to our suppliers, subcontractors and business partners at the outset of our relationship with them and reinforced as appropriate.

6. Raising a concern

Anyone who believes or suspects that modern slavery is taking place in any part of our business or supply chains is encouraged to report it as soon as possible. Concerns can be raised with a line manager or directly with the directors of DGC Ltd.

We are committed to ensuring that no one who raises a genuine concern in good faith suffers any detriment as a result. Any employee found to be in breach of this commitment may face disciplinary action.

Concerns can also be reported externally to the Isle of Man Constabulary or, for UK supply chain matters, to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.

7. Responsibility for this statement

The directors of Drainage & Groundwork Contractors Ltd have overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with this statement and for reviewing its effectiveness annually.

If you have any questions about this statement or our approach to modern slavery, please contact us:

• Email: info@dgc.im
• Telephone: 07624 202220
• Post: Drainage & Groundwork Contractors Ltd, 23 Circular Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1AF