Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement
Financial Year: October 2024 – September 2025

This statement is made on behalf of Buckland Group Limited (the “Buckland Group”) and all entities it controls, each of which adopts its terms. It sets out the measures taken by the Buckland Group to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. The statement is aligned with Home Office guidance on good practice under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and reflects our ongoing strategy for regular review and improvement.

The Buckland Group has a zero-tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to eradicating modern slavery wherever possible and ensuring it does not exist in our business or supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a complex, multi-faceted crime, and tackling it requires a collective and proactive effort.

Our Organisation

Buckland is a family office with a forward-looking mindset, investing our own capital in private businesses and sustainable development. Our operations span a diverse range of sectors, including:

  • Utility installation services

  • Manufacturing and installation of industrial doors & safety systems

  • Manufacture, maintenance, and repair of rail freight wagons

  • Safety services across freight and passenger rail

  • Manufacture of engineered plastic injection mouldings

  • Master development of Welborne, a next-generation sustainable garden village in Hampshire

Our Supply Chains

The Buckland Group primarily operates in UK markets but engages with suppliers both domestically and internationally. We also subcontract significant elements of our development activities at Welborne to a wide range of firms. As such, materials and labour are sourced through a variety of supply chains, some of which extend globally.

Our Commitment

We define modern slavery to include:

  • Human trafficking

  • Forced or compulsory labour

  • Ownership or control of individuals by an employer

  • Treatment of people as commodities

  • Restrictions on freedom of movement, through abuse or threats

We are committed to complying with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which requires regular review of both our internal practices and the activities of our suppliers.

  • We confirm that no persons employed directly by us—or by our contractors on our sites—are victims of modern slavery.

  • We do not knowingly enter into business with any organisation, in the UK or overseas, that engages in slavery, servitude, or forced labour.

Risk Assessment

Direct Risk (Our Employees)

We have assessed the risk of modern slavery within our directly employed workforce as low, due to:

  1. Use of standardised contracts compliant with relevant employment law

  2. Verification of identity and right to work for all employees

  3. Regular manager contact and open channels for raising issues

  4. No use of casual labour, below-minimum-wage arrangements, or long-term unpaid work placements (work experience is limited, short-term, and education-linked)

Indirect Risk (Third Parties)

We have assessed the risk of modern slavery among workers employed by contractors, partners, or suppliers as low, given that such parties fall into one of four categories:

  1. Contract labour providers who must meet our employment standards

  2. Specialist consultancy firms with highly skilled professionals

  3. Joint-venture housebuilding partners who are required to adhere to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and implement robust measures across their operations

  4. Main contractors who comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and undergo annual compliance assessment

We acknowledge, however, that the increasing demand for construction labour—particularly at Welborne—heightens the risk environment, and we remain vigilant.

Supply Chain Controls

To date, we are not aware of having conducted business with any organisation found to have engaged in modern slavery.

  • A significant proportion of our materials and services are procured through joint-venture partners or main contractors, who are already subject to stringent modern slavery controls.

  • We are working with these partners to better understand their due diligence processes and strengthen reporting mechanisms.

  • For materials purchased directly through Buckland Group entities, we are rolling out a programme of training, supplier due diligence, reporting, and awareness initiatives to minimise risk across our supply chain.

Whistleblowing

Any person—whether employed directly or indirectly within our supply chain—who has concerns about modern slavery in relation to Buckland Group’s business is encouraged to report their concerns. Reports should be directed in confidence to:

Crispin Payne
Chief Operating Officer
crispin@bucklandgroup.co.uk

All concerns will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly.