Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

This statement is made on behalf of WFW Global LLP pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the “Act”) for the financial year ending April 2023.  WFW Global LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales (registered number OC312251) and is the parent company for Watson Farley & Williams LLP (registered number OC312252) and affiliated entities (collectively referred to as “WFW”) which are separately constituted and regulated legal entities providing legal services in various jurisdictions to both commercial and individual clients. Further information on these regulated legal entities is available on legal and regulatory page of our website.

As an international law firm, WFW is committed to the highest standards of ethical behaviour and complies with all laws, regulations and rules applicable to our business and we are committed to taking steps to ensure that slavery and human trafficking do not occur in our business or in our supply chains. WFW has over 197 partners and a global income in excess of £214 million for the financial year ending April 2023.

As a professional services firm regulated by professional regulatory bodies, we consider the risk of Modern Slavery occurring within our business to be low.

Our approach

WFW has a Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy which reflects our zero tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking.  We comply with relevant employment legislation/regulations across all of our offices and we are committed to the health and wellbeing of all our personnel, and to operating ethically and with integrity.  Our Corporate Social Responsibility programme demonstrates our awareness of our obligations to the wider community.

Supplier Due Diligence

WFW does not knowingly support or deal with any business involved in slavery or human trafficking and will report any organisations where there are reasonable grounds to suspect their involvement.  All WFW suppliers are expected to comply with laws and regulations applicable to their business and our procurement policy and processes includes verification (on a risk based approach) of our suppliers’ compliance programme in relation to the following areas:

  • Human Rights/Anti-slavery
  • Diversity Data
  • Anti-Bribery and Corruption
  • Whistleblowing

Staff Awareness

A copy of the Firm’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy will be provided to all employees and partners to ensure a good understanding of the risks posed by modern slavery and human trafficking.  WFW operates a Whistleblowing Policy.

Further information on our commitment to being a responsible business can be found on our Sustainability Hub.

 

George Paleokrassas and Lindsey Keeble

Senior Partner and Managing Partner