Reporting Period: 01st October 2024 to 30th September 2025
This Modern Slavery Statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps taken by the Browne Group during the financial year 01st October 2024 to 30th September 2025 to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in its business and supply chains. The statement addresses the areas recommended under Section 54, including organisational structure, policies, due diligence processes, risk assessment, effectiveness measures and training.
Browne is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly and with integrity. We have a zero tolerance approach to modern slavery, servitude, forced labour, compulsory labour and human trafficking and expect the same commitment from all organisations and individuals with whom we do business.
The scope of this statement covers all companies within the Browne Group, including:
Browne is a civil engineering and infrastructure contractor operating primarily within the UK water sector. Our activities are supported by a diverse supply chain comprising subcontractors, labour providers, labour only suppliers, plant hire companies, material suppliers, professional service providers, consultants, logistics providers and transport companies.
We recognise that modern slavery risks may arise both within our own operations and within the wider supply chains supporting our projects and business activities.
Browne's commitment to preventing modern slavery is supported by a framework of policies and procedures, including:
These documents establish expectations for ethical behaviour, worker welfare, lawful recruitment and responsible supply chain management.
Browne operates risk based due diligence processes designed to identify, prevent and mitigate modern slavery risks.
4.1 Recruitment and Employment
To reduce the risk of labour exploitation within our workforce, Browne applies a range of employment controls, including:
4.2 Labour Providers and Agencies
Prior to engagement, labour providers and recruitment agencies may be required to demonstrate:
4.3 Suppliers and Subcontractors
As part of our supplier approval and monitoring processes, suppliers and subcontractors may be required to provide evidence relating to:
Where appropriate, suppliers may also be requested to provide their own Modern Slavery Statement.
4.4 Ongoing Monitoring
Browne monitors supplier performance through a combination of supplier approval processes, contract management activities, site monitoring, supplier reviews and performance assessments. Concerns identified through these activities are investigated and managed appropriately.
4.5 Employee Welfare and Fair Employment
Browne recognises that fair employment practices contribute to reducing the risk of worker exploitation and vulnerability.
During the reporting period, Browne maintained its commitment as a Real Living Wage Employer and continued to pay employees at least the Real Living Wage.
Browne believes that fair pay, lawful recruitment practices, worker welfare arrangements and access to confidential reporting mechanisms are important measures in helping to prevent modern slavery and labour exploitation.
Browne recognises that certain areas of its business and supply chain present a greater potential risk of modern slavery than others.
The principal risk areas identified during the reporting period included:
| Risk Area | Key Risk | Risk Management Measures |
| Labour agencies and recruitment providers | Worker exploitation, unlawful deductions or recruitment fees | Agency assessment and supplier approval processes |
| Labour only suppliers | Reduced visibility of worker employment arrangements | Due diligence and site monitorings |
| Temporary and migrant labour | Increased vulnerability to coercion or exploitation | Right to Work checks, inductions and management oversight |
| Subcontracting arrangements | Reduced visibility of lower tier supply chains | Subcontractor approval and contract management |
| Material and product supply chains | Potential upstream labour exploitation risks | Supplier assessment and monitoring |
Browne continues to review modern slavery risks and update its controls where changes in business activities or supply chain arrangements are identified.
Browne monitors the effectiveness of its approach to preventing modern slavery through a range of measures and management controls.
Performance indicators reviewed include:
During the reporting period, Browne did not identify any substantiated incidents of modern slavery within its direct operations.
The Group continues to develop its monitoring and reporting arrangements to strengthen visibility of supply chain risks and demonstrate ongoing improvement.
During the reporting period, Browne continued to provide modern slavery awareness training to employees and workers.
All new starters received modern slavery awareness information as part of the employee induction process.
Existing employees were required to complete annual mandatory e-learning training covering:
To reinforce awareness at operational level, Browne also delivered toolbox talks and project briefings covering:
These arrangements form part of Browne's commitment to ensuring employees understand modern slavery risks and are able to identify and report concerns appropriately.
Employees, agency workers, subcontractors, suppliers and other stakeholders are encouraged to report concerns relating to modern slavery, human trafficking or worker exploitation.
Concerns may be raised through:
All concerns are treated seriously and investigated appropriately.
Browne will not tolerate retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith.
Browne is committed to continually strengthening its approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking.
Future improvement activities include:
This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Browne Group and constitutes Browne's Modern Slavery Statement for the financial year 01st October 2024 to 30th September 2025. It will be published on the Browne website in accordance with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Date Published: February 2026
Paul McMahon
Managing Director
For and on behalf of the Browne Group
