Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2025
For Virginia Mason Institute
This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and outlines the steps we have taken to minimise the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains.
Introduction
Virginia Mason Institute is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our operations. As a remote-based healthcare consulting firm, we deliver services to healthcare organisations across a wide range of specialties. We uphold the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and ensure that all entities within our supply chain are aware of and comply with these standards.
Our commitment is reflected in our policies and practices, which are designed to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards while ensuring compliance with current legislation and regulations.
Our Organisational Structure and Operations
Virginia Mason Institute specialises in healthcare and focuses on large-scale transformation projects, workforce training, and process optimisation. With a fully remote team, we operate nationally and internationally, employing a highly skilled and diverse workforce.
The vast majority of our suppliers are professional service providers and vendors based in regions with robust labor protections.
Our Commitment to the Principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
As an equal opportunity employer, Virginia Mason Institute is dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment. We maintain a whistleblowing policy, ensuring staff can confidently report any concerns, including potential instances of modern slavery, without fear of retaliation.
Our recruitment processes ensure that all prospective employees are legally entitled to work in their respective regions, with additional checks conducted as necessary to safeguard against exploitation.
We do not engage in business with organisations that are found to support or participate in slavery, servitude, or forced labor. All contracts with vendors, suppliers, and partners include provisions to ensure compliance with modern slavery regulations.
Policies Related to Slavery and Human Trafficking
The Anti-Slavery Policies and resources we comply with establish a procedure, or procedures, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to assist in the 1) identification of individuals who may be impacted by abuse, neglect, or violence, including human trafficking and any other type of mistreatment identified by applicable laws and regulations, 2) provision of trauma-informed victim assistance to affected individuals, including any specific assistance required by applicable laws and regulations, and 3) completion of requirements to report abuse, neglect, or violence (e.g., violent injuries) to internal and external authorities or agencies as defined and required, or otherwise permitted, by applicable laws and regulations.
Given the nature of our business and supply chain, we assess the risk of modern slavery as low. However, we remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating any potential risks.
Future Actions for 2025
Deliver awareness training to all staff on recognising and addressing the risks of modern slavery.
- Incorporate modern slavery compliance clauses into new and renewed supplier contracts.
- Conduct sample audits of key suppliers based on risk assessments to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act.
- Provide refresher training for all staff and integrate modern slavery awareness into onboarding processes.
- Perform risk-based checks on customer operations to ensure adherence to ethical labor standards.
This statement will be reviewed and updated annually.
Wendy Korthuis-Smith, Ed.D., M.S.
Executive Director
Virginia Mason Institute