Modern Slavery Statement
Organisational Structure and supply chains
Optegra UK Limited has 11 hospitals in England that provides a range of ophthalmology procedures including refractive lens exchange, laser, cataract and AMD treatments to both private and NHS patients. Optegra UK Limited is a private limited company registered in England and Wales, registration number 05846041.
Further details about what we do and who we are can be found on our website.
Policies in relation to Modern Slavery and human trafficking
Optegra fully supports the Government’s objectives to eradicate Modern Slavery and human trafficking and recognise the significant role that healthcare providers have to play in both combatting it and supporting victims. This includes being strongly committed to ensuring our supply chains and business activities are free from ethical and labour standards abuses. Optegra would never knowingly deal with any business involved in human trafficking or slavery.
We also have a few complementary internal policies that support our commitment to eradicating Modern Slavery, such as:
- Freedom to Speak up Whistleblowing Policy
- Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Policy
- Safeguarding Policy
Due diligence process
As part of our supplier on boarding process, we usually complete due diligence on these organisations. This would include a review of their modern slavery statement, their annual report published on Companies House, any modern slavery policies they may have as well as any news reports.
Risk assessment and Management
The modern slavery risk has increased since 2022 due to the war in Ukraine with many persons being displaced and vulnerable. Optegra recognises modern slavery can occur in UK based service contractors as well as in overseas manufacturers.
In order to assess the risk level, we categorise our suppliers by risk category and the higher risk suppliers are requested to provide reasonable evidence or supporting materials to provide assurances. Should any concerns be raised, we would engage with the supplier to assess and fully understand any issues, work on a remedial action plan and only if the supplier is unwilling to make appropriate changes, would the contract be considered for termination. Optegra has a zero tolerance approach to any modern slavery or human trafficking offences.
Effectiveness
Optegra has a base of key suppliers that we’ve been engaging with since the opening of the first hospital and we continue to operate based on trust and transparency. Optegra colleagues are encouraged to discuss any concerns around modern slavery with their line manager or HR team. Optegra has an equality, diversity and inclusivity group which allows colleagues to further discuss concerns or to report those concerns anonymously. There are a few things that Optegra will prioritise in the next year which will include develop methodologies on how to measure effectiveness of our protocols by providing a year-on-year progress update.
Training
We invest in appropriate training to ensure staff are aware of and able to address and respond to incidents of Modern Slavery within healthcare settings which includes annual mandatory training where required.
Review
This statement is for the financial year ending 31st December 2022 which was approved by the board on the 16th August 2023. This statement is reviewed on annually unless conditions arise that require this statement to be reviewed more frequently.
Edna Osborn
Finance & HR Director
Optegra UK Limited
Date: 16 August 2023
