Introduction
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps Bournemouth Airport has taken during the financial year ending 31 March 2026 to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, servitude and human trafficking within our business and supply chains.
At Bournemouth Airport, we are committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly and with respect for human rights. We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking and are committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all business relationships.
We expect the same high standards from all organisations with whom we work and will take appropriate action where concerns are identified.
Our Organisation
Bournemouth Airport is part of Regional & City Airports (RCA), one of the UK’s leading regional airport operators.
Operating within the highly regulated UK aviation sector, Bournemouth Airport conducts its activities in accordance with all applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
We recognise that the risk of modern slavery exists across many sectors and supply chains and remain vigilant in assessing and managing these risks within our operations and procurement activities.
As an established employer with strong employee engagement mechanisms, including recognised Trade Union representation and direct access to senior leadership, employees have multiple channels through which concerns may be raised safely and confidentially.
Recruitment, Employment and Vetting
Bournemouth Airport is committed to ensuring that all employment is freely chosen and that our workforce is treated fairly and with dignity.
Our recruitment and vetting procedures are designed to ensure:
- All employees have the legal right to work in the UK.
- Appropriate identity verification checks are completed.
- Employment agencies used by the business are reputable and comply with all applicable employment legislation.
- Terms and conditions of employment are transparent, lawful, and clearly communicated.
- Employees receive written contracts of employment prior to commencement.
As a matter of policy, Bournemouth Airport will only pay wages directly into a bank account held in the employee’s own name and will not make payments to third-party accounts. This helps mitigate the risk of financial exploitation and labour abuse.
Policies and Governance
Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is supported by a range of policies and procedures, including:
- Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Employee Code of Conduct
- Recruitment and Vetting Procedures
These policies are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.
The Airport maintains a Modern Slavery Committee responsible for overseeing our approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing modern slavery risks across the business and supply chain.
The Committee reports periodically to the Executive Team and Board on progress, risks, and improvement initiatives.
Speaking Up and Employee Support
We encourage all employees, contractors and third parties to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
Our confidential whistleblowing arrangements include access to an independent reporting service managed by Safecall. No reports of modern slavery or human trafficking were received through our whistleblowing channels during the reporting period.
Recognising that vulnerable individuals can be at greater risk of exploitation, we continue to provide access to a range of wellbeing resources including:
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)
- Occupational Health Services
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Training and Awareness
Bournemouth Airport is committed to ensuring that employees understand both the risks associated with modern slavery and their role in preventing it.
Mandatory modern slavery awareness training forms part of the onboarding process for all new employees and is subject to periodic refresher training.
Training covers:
- The nature and indicators of modern slavery and human trafficking.
- How modern slavery can occur within business operations and supply chains.
- Recognising warning signs and potential risk factors.
- Reporting concerns and escalation processes.
- The support available through external organisations, including the Modern Slavery Helpline.
Training completion rates are monitored, and training content is reviewed annually to ensure continued effectiveness.
Supply Chain Due Diligence
We recognise that supply chains can present an increased risk of modern slavery and therefore continue to strengthen our supplier governance arrangements.
Our approach includes:
- Review of supplier Modern Slavery Statements where applicable.
- Modern slavery and ethical compliance provisions within contracts.
- Targeted engagement with key suppliers regarding labour standards and human rights.
- Escalation procedures where concerns are identified.
We expect suppliers to operate in accordance with the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and to undertake appropriate due diligence within their own supply chains.
Actions Taken in the Last Year
During the reporting period, Bournemouth Airport has:
- Continued the operation of its Modern Slavery Committee.
- Enhanced key supplier due diligence processes and validation checks.
- Reviewed modern slavery compliance arrangements with key suppliers.
- Maintained mandatory employee awareness training.
- Reviewed whistleblowing and safeguarding arrangements to ensure effectiveness.
Priorities for the Next 12 Months
Over the next 12 months, Bournemouth Airport will continue to strengthen its approach by:
- Expanding modern slavery awareness initiatives across the Airport community.
- Additional targeted training for colleagues working in procurement, contract management, recruitment, and people management roles where exposure to risk may be greater.
- Reviewing relevant employment and people policies to ensure continued fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.
- Monitoring emerging risks and evolving best practice guidance through the Modern Slavery Committee.
- Strengthen procurement controls and contractual requirements relating to modern slavery.
- Conducting further risk assessments of existing and prospective suppliers.
Measuring Effectiveness
To assess the effectiveness of our actions, Bournemouth Airport monitors:
- Completion rates for mandatory training.
- Modern slavery-related whistleblowing reports and investigations.
- Supplier compliance reviews and due diligence outcomes.
- Contractual compliance measures.
- Actions and recommendations arising from Modern Slavery Committee meetings.
We are committed to continuous improvement and to ensuring that our policies, procedures, and controls remain effective in preventing modern slavery and human trafficking.
Approval
This statement is made pursuant to Section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Bournemouth Airport’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.
Steve Gill
Managing Director
Bournemouth Airport
