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Modern Slavery Statement

This statement reflects the shared values and ethical governance of Burnthebook Ltd and its wholly owned subsidiary, Design for Change Ltd. While each brand delivers distinct services—digital transformation and design for social impact respectively—our approach to human rights, transparency, and anti-exploitation is unified across the organisation.

We are committed to upholding human rights and acting with integrity in all areas of our operations and extended supply chain. We actively oppose all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, and exploitation.

This statement is made in accordance with Section 54(1) of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps we are taking—and plan to take—to identify, assess, and mitigate the risk of modern slavery within our business and supplier networks. It also supports our broader commitment to B Corporation standards and responsible corporate conduct.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Burnthebook is a UK-based digital experience agency focused on transforming complex business challenges into intuitive digital solutions.
Design for Change is a purpose-driven agency delivering inclusive and ethical design for NGOs, IGOs, and mission-led partners.

Our combined supply chain includes:

  • Freelance creatives, developers, and strategists
  • SaaS providers (project management, data storage, comms)
  • Legal, HR, and financial consultants
  • Cloud infrastructure and software vendors

We estimate fewer than 100 individuals are engaged across our network at any one time. Most are based in low-risk regions such as the UK, EU, and North America, as identified by the Global Slavery Index.

We do not manufacture physical goods or operate in traditionally high-risk sectors. However, we recognise that no supply chain is immune, and we are committed to active, preventative management.

Policies and Governance

We maintain ethical oversight through a shared governance model. Our current practices include:

  • A Code of Ethical Practice embedding anti-exploitation and fair work principles
  • Whistleblower Protection for confidential, retaliation-free reporting
  • Contractual clauses requiring compliance with ethical business standards
  • Equal Opportunity & Fair Pay frameworks across employment and freelance contracts
  • Alignment with our CSR and ESG policies, reviewed annually

Effectiveness and KPIs

We evaluate our actions against measurable indicators, including:

  • The number of new suppliers reviewed for modern slavery and human rights risk
  • Verification of fair pay and right-to-work for all staff and freelancers
  • Whistleblower activity (to date, no reports of modern slavery have been received)

As we grow, and in line with B Corp expectations, we will expand our metrics to include:

  • Supply chain audits and self-declaration surveys
  • Transparency mapping across high-risk service areas
  • Publicly available annual progress reports

Due Diligence and Risk Management

We currently:

  • Conduct informal due diligence before onboarding new suppliers
  • Prioritise vendors with public human rights policies or ethical certifications
  • Use the Global Slavery Index to inform risk assessments by geography
  • Plan to adopt a formal Supplier Code of Conduct by mid-2026

Training and Awareness

While our team is currently small, we are embedding ethical awareness into:

  • New employee onboarding
  • Project planning for high-impact or international initiatives
  • Sustainability and impact planning discussions

As we scale, we will introduce:

  • Mandatory ethical sourcing training for team members managing vendors
  • Annual internal DEI and modern slavery policy reviews
  • A publicly accessible reporting contact for external parties

Our Broader Commitment

We view this statement as a living policy—not a compliance exercise. It forms part of our broader pursuit of ethical digital practice, B Corp certification, and inclusive business growth.

We believe modern slavery prevention is an essential component of responsible design and digital innovation, and we are committed to embedding human rights considerations into our everyday decisions, systems, and partnerships.

Board Approval and Review

This statement has been approved by the Board of Directors of Burnthebook Ltd, including its subsidiary Design for Change Ltd. It will be:

  • Reviewed and updated annually
  • Published on both companies’ websites
  • Supported by progress reporting aligned to B Corp, ESG, and UK statutory obligations

Signed,
Phillip Newson
Director and DEI Lead
Burnthebook Ltd / Design for Change Ltd
Date: June 2025

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