Design note 4 - what do we mean?

In addition to the similarities between our new icon and the real Northern Lights, we particularly liked some of the themes of what the Northern Lights icon represented, namely:

  • Uniqueness
  • Reaching for high standards
  • Our Trust is on a journey to Remarkable
  • Whether you are a student, a teacher or a trusted partner, everyone is on a unique journey, one that will take them new places and opportunities everyone is on a unique journey, one that will take them new places and opportunities

Design note 3 - a bold look

To complement our dynamic new Northern Lights icon, we needed a strong colour pallette and confident, contemporary font.
The contrasting yet complimentary colours in our logo symbolises our value of diversity and unity. We often talk about 'the same but different' at Beckfoot Trust to acknowledge that whilst we have a very clear One Trust identity and clarity on what remarkable means, we also know that one size does not always fit all. 

Design note 2 - our Northern Lights

Perhaps the most important part of our new Beckfoot Trust logo is the icon, shown to the right here.

We all it our Northern Lights.

In nature, the Northern Lights are seen as something unique and truly Remarkable that are associated with the North.

Our Northern Lights icon represents The Beckfoot Trust which is also on a constant journey to Remarkable and is strongly associated with the North of England.

As part of our ongoing Journey to Remarkable we felt it was important to give The Beckfoot Trust a strong, confident and contemporary logo and brand that was worthy of an organisation with such high standards and aspirations.

The new Trust logo was a departure from the previous logo style and was definitely designed with the future in mind.

Modern Slavery Statement

Introduction

This statement is designed to satisfy the requirements of Part 6 Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act (2015) and sets out steps that Beckfoot Trust has taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in our supply chains or in any part of our business.

Beckfoot Trust is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct in all our activities and making continuous improvement in this area. Beckfoot Trust does not engage in, or condone, the practices of human trafficking, slavery or forced labour.

About Beckfoot Trust

Beckfoot Trust consists of primary, secondary, and special schools closely located in the Bradford district. It was formed in 2013 and includes ten schools with over 7,000 young people. Bradford Local Authority determines who attends our schools, so we properly represent the communities they serve. We believe that by working in partnership our schools can transform life chances and strengthen communities. We are working to create remarkable schools where no child is left behind.

Risk assessment and management

The Trust’s financial Regulations include reference to the Modern Slavery Act, and key finance colleagues have been briefed in its implications for procurement.

Supply Chains

The Trust’s Financial Regulations include reference to the Modern Slavery Act in relation to procurement.

We have carried out a risk assessment of our supply chain against the likelihood of the following three traits of slavery and human trafficking occurring:

  • Forced labour
  • Work and life under duress
  • Impossibility of leaving an employer

Each key risk area is listed below along with a description of our strategy to reduce the risk of modern slavery in each area.

Catering Services and Supplies

Catering services provided by one supplier who operates under Bradford Local Authority regulations and abides by their Modern Slavery standards. Modern slavery is explicitly mentioned in the contract and discussed with the supplier. A low level of risk remains in the caterer’s supply chain.

Cleaning Services and Supplies

Cleaning services are in some instances outsourced. Compliant procurement processes are followed upon appointment of cleaning contractors. A whistleblowing policy is in place.

Estate Management, construction and maintenance of services

Compliant procurement processes are followed and a considerable proportion of procurement in = this area is with suppliers who are preapproved by a purchasing framework. Wherever possible we ensure Modern Slavery controls are discussed with new suppliers and the issue is specifically referred to in new contracts.

ICT Equipment and Services

Compliant procurement processes are followed and a considerable proportion of procurement in this area is with suppliers who are preapproved by a purchasing framework.

Supply/Agency Staff

Compliant procurement processes are followed and a considerable proportion of procurement in this area is with suppliers who are preapproved by a purchasing framework.

Education equipment, textbooks and resources suppliers

The Trust uses a preferred supplier for the bulk of education equipment. This supplier has a clear Anti-Slavery Policy in place. Where other suppliers are used further controls, such as avoiding overseas suppliers are in place.

Student and staff uniform suppliers

Local suppliers are used and where relevant the Trust ensures that they have their own modern slavery statement.

Measuring effectiveness

Over the last year we have taken proactive steps to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act is inherent in the procurement systems we use, we are constantly vigilant across the Trust and have raised awareness with relevant staff (Finance, HR and Compliance).

We will continue to take the following steps to promote awareness of this during 2023/24:

  • Include steps for compliance with the Trust Code of Conduct for Suppliers as a condition or criterion in
    specification and tender documents wherever possible
  • Communicate to all suppliers via documentation on our website, that they adhere to the Code of Conduct for
    Suppliers.
  • Raise awareness among our Beckfoot Trust teams who are involved in employment, procurement, and
    management, of the risks of modern slavery occurring within our supply chains
  • Ensure relevant new employees receive awareness training as part of their induction

Policies

We are confident that our policies promote good behaviour among our employees within the Trust. Our policies and procedures are kept under review to make sure that they reflect the changing needs of Beckfoot Trust and of the staff, students and the communities it serves. We are determined that there shall be no modern slavery or human trafficking in Beckfoot Trust. Our policies enhance our commitment to act ethically and with integrity throughout
our schools.

Our Trust policies, designed to help us avoid modern slavery or human trafficking under the Act are:

  • Code of Conduct for Suppliers
  • Code of Conduct for Employees
  • Finance Policy
  • Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
  • Recruitment and Selection Policy (including safer recruitment practice)
  • Whistleblowing Policy
  • Equality & Diversity Policy
  • Gifts and Hospitality Policy

Due Diligence

Our Safer Recruitment practice is embedded in the Trust Recruitment and Selection policy and ensures that all prospective employees are legally entitled to work in the UK. A copy of this policy is available on the Beckfoot Trust website.

All our schools have an annual safeguarding audit, conducted by the Trust Safeguarding Team.

This statement relates to the financial year 2022/23 which ended on 31 August 2023.

This statement will be reviewed on an annual basis in line with Beckfoot Trust’s financial year.