Introduction

EPIC is committed to equal and fair treatment of all individuals and service users and will not tolerate any discrimination based on differing circumstances, health/social status, and/or background. In accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, EPIC declares that steps will be taken to prevent acts of modern slavery and/or trafficking occurring within the supply chain and/or within any of our properties.

In our vision statement, to be a good landlord, we understand the social responsibilities and commitment this entails and will endeavour to create an environment of zero tolerance to such activities as well as compassion and support to victims of such breaches of human rights.

EPIC acknowledges that Slavery and Forced Labour (as defined by Article 4 of the Convention on Human Rights) are rightly to be treated as offences and we recognise that in determining whether ‘slavery’ or ‘forced labour’ situations exist, account must be taken of all the circumstances of the case, including any vulnerability of the individual.

We acknowledge and agree that Human Trafficking is rightly to be treated as an offence and understand that Human Trafficking is the arranging of the transport of a person with a view to their being exploited or in the knowledge that they will be exploited. Exploitation is defined as:

• slavery;
• forced labour;
• sexual exploitation (defined by reference to other UK Acts);
• removal of organs;
• securing services by force, threats or deception;
• securing services by any means from a child or vulnerable person (as defined).

This is our first statement since the introduction of the Act and EPIC will embed any and all required processes to enable the organisation to meet these challenges going forward. To date, no acts or evidence of slavery or human trafficking have been reported.

 

Structure

We are a not-for-profit Registered Provider of Social Housing with charitable status, providing housing needs for the local communities within Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire Moorlands. EPIC owns over 1,300 properties and endeavours to fulfil, and maintain, the vision of being a good landlord.

There are over 30 employees, operating within Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (UK). EPIC’s head office is based in Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Further information can be found here: https://epichousing.co.uk/

 

Our Policies

Whilst EPIC does not have a dedicated Modern Slavery Policy, we do have numerous policies that underpin our commitment to equality and fairness, which provides the basis of our activities and vision in order to be a good landlord. Our Anti-Social Behaviour and Equality and Diversity policies provide us with the framework in which to carry out our activities. These can be found on our website under:

https://epichousing.co.uk/downloads/

All our policies will be reviewed regularly in keeping with changing legislation and updated to reflect the environment in which we operate.

 

Training & Communication

EPIC endeavours to keep its staff fully trained and up to date with all new legislation pertaining to the provision of social housing. To this end, we have trained our staff in Safeguarding, Domestic Violence Management and Equality & Diversity. In line with legal requirements, EPIC will undertake further training and development to ensure such policies and processes are refreshed and relevant to our vision as a social landlord.