Portland PR Limited (“Portland”) is committed to ensuring its business operates ethically and with integrity. This statement is made in accordance with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (“Act”) and constitutes Portland’s modern slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ended 31 December 2022.
References in this statement to ‘Portland’ include its subsidiary, Portland PR Inc. and its affiliated company, Portland PR Europe Limited.
Portland is a fully integrated public relations and communications consultancy that provides public relations, public affairs and communications advice to corporates, brands and individuals.
Portland is a professional services firm with a supply chain that includes media agencies, software companies, professional services companies and office facilities services. Given the nature of services Portland itself provides and the services supplied to Portland by its suppliers, Portland has determined that there is a low risk of exposure to modern slavery or human trafficking in its operations or supply chain.
However, Portland will not tolerate slavery or human trafficking in its business or its supply chain and will never knowingly deal with any organisation that is in any way connected to slavery or human trafficking.
In 2023, Portland developed and issued a Supplier Code of Conduct which is applicable to all of its suppliers. As part of that Code, Portland confirms its commitment to operating its business both lawfully and ethically, which includes working with suppliers that are aligned to the same values. Portland encourages and expects its suppliers to operate in accordance with applicable laws, respecting individuals’ human rights, and be mindful of the environmental and safety impacts of products and services. The Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the standards expected of suppliers doing business with Portland and is publicly available on Portland’s website.
Portland actively and continuously mitigates risk of human slavery and trafficking in its operations by reviewing its HR policies and procedures at least annually to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and to protect the rights and freedoms of those working for Portland. Portland’s employment policies address issues such as working hours, working conditions, whistle blowing, discrimination, health and safety in the workplace, holiday and sick pay and the protection of personal data.
Portland promotes a culture of ethical engagement and encourages its people to act with integrity at all times in their activities, both internally within Portland and externally in relation to Portland’s engagement with third parties. Portland’s whistleblowing policy and procedure is designed to make it easy for individuals to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. Anyone who has concerns can follow the confidential reporting process.
Portland only engages suppliers and contractors when it can be satisfied that safeguards and protocols are in place to prevent any modern slavery or human trafficking from taking place in their own operations or supply chain. Portland’s contracts with its suppliers include provisions requiring compliance with applicable laws and modern slavery laws.
Portland periodically reviews its compliance with the Act, together with the effectiveness of its processes, policies and systems. Any changes will be reflected in future annual statements.