Our business
Ageas UK provides non-life insurance products to customers within the UK. Ageas UK is part of the Ageas Group (“Ageas”), which is headquartered in Belgium and which operates in countries across Europe and Asia, providing life and non-life insurance solutions to retail and business customers.
People in our business
All Ageas UK staff are based in the UK, and the majority are engaged in the development, sale and administration of insurance products, or ancillary supporting services. Ageas UK does not therefore consider there to be a high risk that the people within its business are the victims of modern slavery or human trafficking. Nevertheless, Ageas UK has policies in place that are intended to ensure that they are not.
During 2022 Ageas UK had procedures in place for ensuring that only individuals with the right to work in the UK were employed in its business. These procedures are set out in the Employee Vetting Policy which is reviewed annually. During the recruitment process, identity and right to work documentation is obtained in accordance with Home Office guidelines. Where staff are engaged on a temporary basis using recruitment agencies, the agencies are required to undertake appropriate right to work and reference checks on Ageas UK’s behalf, and Ageas UK obtains evidence that these checks have been carried out.
Suppliers to our business
Ageas UK uses a wide variety of suppliers. Like most large businesses it engages with suppliers of facilities management services, such as catering and cleaning providers. As an insurer it also engages with suppliers of goods and repair services when customers’ property has been damaged or lost. Ageas UK recognises that there is a risk that modern slavery and human trafficking may occur in supply chains of this nature.
During 2022 Ageas UK had procedures in place to ensure that there is oversight over the selection and management of all third party suppliers. These procedures cover the due diligence process, contractual requirements, and ongoing relationship management. During the course of 2022 Ageas UK continued its programme of regular due diligence reviews conducted on existing suppliers, which included asking suppliers for information in relation to the steps they have taken to address modern slavery risks.
Where possible and appropriate, Ageas UK has also included clauses in new contracts with suppliers requiring them to maintain and implement policies designed to ensure that there is no modern slavery in their business or supply chains.
Training
In June and December 2022 reminders were sent to staff of the training materials in relation to modern slavery accessible on Ageas’s online training hub, and in December an information video was republished on our workplace communication platform.
Whistleblowing
During 2022 Ageas UK had procedures in place to enable employees to raise concerns about wrongful behaviour within its business, including in relation to ethical standards, without fear of reprisal. These procedures are set out in the Speak Up Policy which is reviewed at least annually. Ensuring the independence, autonomy and effectiveness of the whistleblowing procedures in place, including those for the protection of staff raising concerns, is the responsibility of the Chair of the Audit Committee.
Ensuring ongoing compliance
Ageas UK has procedures in place to ensure ongoing compliance with the policies referenced in this statement. Adherence to the policies and applicable legislation and guidance is monitored by Ageas UK’s Compliance department.
Ant Middle
CEO
Ageas (UK) Limited
5th May 2023