Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Phonetic Digital

This statement is made in accordance with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps taken by Phonetic Digital to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from taking place in our business, our supply chain and the services we deliver. The Act covers slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking.  

Phonetic Digital confirms that it has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking in every sense. We are committed to acting ethically, responsibly and transparently in all business dealings and to taking appropriate steps to ensure that modern slavery is not present within our organisation or supply chain.

Our organisation

Phonetic Digital is a North East-based digital agency providing digital marketing, website development, branding, analytics, consultancy, training and business support services. We work with clients across education, public sector, professional services, SMEs and e-commerce.

Our business is primarily office-based and professional services-led. We employ and engage skilled professionals and associates to deliver our work. As a B Corp certified organisation, we place strong emphasis on responsible business practice, fairness, transparency, social value and environmental sustainability.

Our supply chain

Our supply chain is relatively low risk and mainly consists of professional services, software providers, digital platforms, hosting providers, creative associates, consultants and office-related suppliers. We do not operate in high-risk sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction, large-scale logistics or overseas labour supply.

However, we recognise that no organisation can be complacent. Modern slavery can occur in different forms and in different parts of the wider economy, so we take proportionate steps to understand and manage risk in the way we select suppliers, partners and subcontractors.

Our policies and procedures

Phonetic Digital is committed to maintaining appropriate policies, procedures and working practices that support ethical behaviour and compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. These include:

• fair and transparent recruitment and employment practices;
• compliance with UK employment law;
• payment of staff and suppliers fairly and promptly;
• use of reputable suppliers and subcontractors;
• appropriate checks on suppliers and associates where relevant;
• clear expectations around professional conduct, equality, dignity and respect;
• escalation routes for staff or suppliers to raise concerns.

We confirm that we do not knowingly work with any organisation that engages in slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, human trafficking, child labour or exploitative working practices.

Due diligence and risk management

Our approach to due diligence is proportionate to the nature and risk profile of the work being delivered. When appointing suppliers, subcontractors or associates, we consider their reputation, capability, location, sector, working practices and alignment with our values.

Where a contract or client requires enhanced checks, we will work with them at appointment and call-off stage to agree the appropriate evidence, declarations, reporting and monitoring requirements.

If we identify any actual or suspected modern slavery risk, we will take prompt action. This may include seeking clarification from the supplier, pausing work, escalating the concern, requiring corrective action, or ending the relationship where necessary.

Training and awareness

Phonetic Digital will ensure that relevant team members understand the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking, particularly where they are involved in procurement, supplier appointment, subcontractor management or public sector contract delivery.

We will continue to raise awareness internally so that our team can identify warning signs, ask appropriate questions and escalate concerns if they arise.

Measuring effectiveness

We will assess the effectiveness of our approach by reviewing:

• whether any modern slavery concerns have been raised;
• supplier and subcontractor compliance where relevant;
• whether any corrective actions have been required;
• staff awareness and understanding;
• the suitability of our policies and processes as the business grows.

At the date of this statement, Phonetic Digital has not identified any instance of modern slavery or human trafficking within its business or supply chain.

Continuous improvement

We recognise that responsible business practice is an ongoing commitment. As Phonetic Digital grows, we will continue to review our policies, supplier checks and governance procedures to ensure they remain appropriate, proportionate and effective.

This statement has been approved by the Board of Phonetic Digital and will be reviewed annually.

Date: 06/07/2026