Modal's commitment

Modern slavery encompasses various forms including slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, and human trafficking. All share a common element: the deprivation of a person's freedom by another for personal or commercial exploitation.

Modal® maintains an absolute zero-tolerance stance toward any form of modern slavery. As a digital design company, we are dedicated to conducting all our business engagements and relationships with the highest ethical standards and integrity. We implement and enforce robust systems and controls to prevent modern slavery from occurring within our operations or supply chains.

Though the digital creative industry generally presents a lower risk profile for modern slavery concerns, we recognise our responsibility to remain vigilant. While our team consists primarily of skilled digital professionals, we do purchase hardware, software licenses, and marketing materials, and engage various service providers to support our operations.

Modal® acknowledges its obligation to maintain a comprehensive approach to addressing all forms of slavery and human trafficking across our business. We are committed to transparency in our operations and our approach to combating modern slavery, in accordance with our obligations under the Modern Slavery Act.

Our Business

Modal® is a specialist web design company based in Manchester, UK. We provide innovative digital design solutions, responsive website development, user experience optimisation, and digital strategy services to clients across various industries. From our creative studio in Ancoats, we deliver cutting-edge digital experiences that help businesses establish meaningful connections with their audiences.

Modal's anti-slavery initiatives

Modal® consistently complies with all legislation prohibiting forced labour and slavery within our workforce and upholds the human rights of workers according to internationally recognised standards.

We have implemented several policies that reduce the risk of modern slavery and outline measures to prevent slavery and human trafficking in our operations. These policies undergo regular review and updates to align with best practices and ensure their ongoing effectiveness.

Creative ethics framework

At Modal®, we hold ourselves to exemplary ethical and legal standards throughout all our design projects and business activities. This commitment means we:

• Champion respect, value diversity, and support our people
• Communicate and conduct our business with complete integrity
• Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.

Our Creative Ethics Framework (available on our website: https://modal.digital) applies to all Modal® team members and our business partners. It emphasises our respect for human dignity and rights as understood by the international community.

Partner standards of practice

Adherence to our Partner Standards of Practice and Modal's Creative Ethics Framework is mandatory for all suppliers in our supply chain. We conduct appropriate due diligence assessments and certification requirements for suppliers, choosing to work only with partners who satisfy these checks, demonstrate respect for human rights, and uphold the principles outlined in our Creative Ethics Framework.

Our Partner Standards of Practice includes commitments from suppliers to uphold workers' human rights and treat them with dignity and respect by:

• Fostering workplaces free from discrimination, harassment, or any form of abuse
• Ensuring no child labour is used in any operations
• Prohibiting all forms of forced or compulsory labor in any operations
• Providing safe working environments, complying with local wage and hour regulations, and adhering to all immigration/work permission laws
• Respecting workers' rights to associate freely and communicate openly about working conditions without fear of reprisal or intimidation

In accordance with our Partner Standards of Practice, Modal® suppliers must ensure all their personnel and agents associated with Modal® strictly comply with these standards in their dealings with us and others. Modal® may conduct monitoring or compliance audits periodically, and suppliers exceeding certain spending thresholds must provide a formal Certification of Compliance.

Failure to comply with Modal's Partner Standards of Practice may result in termination of the supplier relationship and referral to appropriate authorities if warranted.

Talent aquisation practices

Modal® engages only verified, reputable recruitment agencies when seeking external talent. We maintain appropriate controls to ensure all team members have proper work authorisation and are protected by relevant employment legislation. This includes thorough verification of right-to-work documents, visas, and passports where applicable.

Modal® does not employ individuals who would be considered child workers under applicable regulations.

Integrity channel

Modal® encourages all team members, suppliers, clients, and other business partners to report any concerns related to our direct activities or supply chains. This includes any circumstances that might suggest an elevated risk of slavery or human trafficking. All questions or concerns receive prompt and thorough review by our leadership team. When appropriate, investigations will be conducted and corrective and/or disciplinary action taken. Modal® strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises honest concerns or participates in an investigation in good faith.

Awareness and education

Modal® provides training for all team members during onboarding and annually thereafter on our Creative Ethics Framework, which includes ensuring our team understands:

• We will only collaborate with suppliers and business partners who meet our ethical standards and respect human rights
• We maintain a confidential Integrity Channel where anyone can raise questions or report concerns
• As representatives of Modal®, we uphold the highest ethical and legal standards in all our business activities

Ongoing commitment

Modal® has not identified any issues regarding modern slavery within our operations. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of our actions and associated policies in preventing modern slavery within our business. This may include:

• Ongoing education for our team regarding the risks of modern slavery
• Regular assessment of our supply chain practices
• Continual review of our policies to align with industry best practices

Director's approval

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Modal's slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. It has been approved by the directors of Modal®, who will review it annually.

Name: Mr J L Goodson
Date: 25th March 2025

Modal® | Modern Slavery Statement 2025

Modal®
4 Naval St, Ancoats
Manchester, M4 6EW
‍
0161 399 3065
hello@modal.digital