1. Introduction
Research Donors is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business. We recognise our responsibility to uphold ethical and legal standards, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our operations and supply chains are free from any form of forced labour or exploitation.
2. About Research Donors
Research Donors is a supplier of human biospecimens for use in biomedical research. We provide products that meet the stringent requirements of research organisations internationally, Research Donors operates a voluntary, compensated donation program, where donors receive payment for their time and inconvenience. This compensation is offered transparently and fair, never as an incentive or under coercion.
3. Our Commitment to the principles of The Modern Slavery Act 2015
At Research Donors we have implemented a Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy that reflects our commitment to maintain a workplace and supply chain that is free from any form of slavery, servitude, employee abuse, forced, compulsive or coercive labour. Research Donors is committed to providing equal opportunities in the workplace, and work to create a respectful and non-discriminatory environment for our staff. We aim to foster an environment where all our staff feel confident that they can expose wrongdoing without risk to themselves. We are committed to upholding strict ethical standards in our donor programs, ensuring voluntary participation with informed consent.
4. Assessing and managing risk
We assess ourselves to have a low risk of modern slavery or human trafficking. As a supplier of biospecimens for biomedical research, we work with and maintain close relationships with our donors, suppliers, distributors, and customers. These relationships enable us to closely manage compliance. As part of our Quality Management System (ISO9001:2015), we continually identify, assess, monitor, and manage potential business risks, including Modern slavery and human trafficking.
5. Donor Welfare and Ethics
While we operate a voluntary, compensated donation program, we have strict policies in place to ensure that:
• All blood donations are 100% voluntary, with no coercion, or pressure, financially or otherwise.
• All donations are completely voluntary and based on informed, documented consent
• All donors retain the right to refuse or withdraw at any time without consequence
• Donors are screened to prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals
• Payment is fair, fixed and disclosed upfront – never depending on volume or frequency
6. Due diligence
Recruitment: Staff recruitment processes are undertaken internally or through third-party recruitment agencies. Prior to commencement of employment, Research Donors undertakes checks to demonstrate the legal entitlement of our employees to work in the UK. Records demonstrating compliance are kept for the duration of ongoing employment. Donor recruitment is conducted through voluntary sign up on our website and screening takes place with each and every donor to ensure all donors are free from any coercion and aware of their right to withdraw.
Training: All employees of Research Donors are required to undertake training that includes “Modern Slavery” and “Bullying and Harassment in the workplace” modules as part of the induction process. We strive to create awareness of the issues associated with forced labour and human trafficking to empower our team to identify and report any concerns.
Procedures and policies: Research Donors has a comprehensive employee handbook which addresses the standard(s) required of our employees. HR procedures are in place to deal with misconduct and any abusive or coercive behaviour in the workplace will be dealt with in accordance with our policies.
7. Engagement and transparency
Research Donors publishes and makes available its organisational structure as part of its Quality Management System (ISO9001:2015). Subject to requirements, data protection legislation and commercial sensitivity, Research Donors will make this statement, plus other relevant policies, procedures, and records available to our supply-chain partners to enable them to meet their due diligence requirements.
8. Reporting and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees and donors to report any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical donor practices. Reports from employees can be made confidentially through our Winningtemp reporting system.
9. Approval and review
This statement is made in accordance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It has been reviewed and approved by Mike Kerins (Director) on 23rd July 2025. It will be reviewed and updated annually.
