Modern Slavery Statement

Introduction

Plump Ltd, trading as Cursive is committed to preventing acts of modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within both our business and our supply chain. We acknowledge our responsibility under relevant modern slavery legislation and are dedicated to improving our practices to combat slavery and human trafficking.

This statement outlines the steps we have taken and continue to take to understand potential modern slavery risks related to our business and the measures adopted to ensure that there is no slavery or human trafficking in our own operations and supply chains.

Our Business

Cursive is a strategic digital agency specialising in bespoke website design and build. Our services include digital product and website design, user experience (UX) design, web development, software development and digital transformation consulting.

Our studio is based in the United Kingdom, and we serve clients both domestically and internationally. We work with organisations across various sectors including nonprofits, education & academia, cultural institutions, professional services, and purpose-driven businesses.

As a boutique design studio, we operate with a core team of experienced designers, strategists, and developers, supplemented by a trusted network of specialised freelancers and contractors when projects require additional expertise. Our collaborative approach and commitment to ethical business practices extend to all aspects of our operations, including how we work with our team members, contractors, and suppliers.

Our Supply Chains

Our supply chains include technology providers, creative freelancers, facilities management. We work with ~30 suppliers, primarily based in Europe and the US.

Our Policies on Modern Slavery

We are committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply chains. We expect the same high standards from all our contractors, suppliers, and other business partners.

Our policies related to modern slavery and human trafficking include:

Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy: Outlines our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery
Supplier Code of Conduct: Sets out the standards required of our suppliers
Whistleblowing Policy: Encourages staff to report any concerns related to our direct activities or supply chains
Recruitment Policy: Includes conducting eligibility to work checks for all employees

Due Diligence Processes

We have implemented the following due diligence processes to identify and mitigate risk:

Risk assessments to determine which parts of our business and which suppliers are most at risk
Regular supplier audits and questionnaires for high-risk suppliers
Contract provisions requiring compliance with modern slavery legislation
Clear channels for reporting concerns
Protection for whistleblowers

Risk Assessment and Management

We have assessed our operations and supply chains to identify potential modern slavery risks. We recognise that while our direct operations present a lower risk profile due to the nature of our workforce, certain areas warrant particular attention:

Higher-risk areas we have identified:

Procurement of technology hardware: Supply chains for computers, mobile devices, and other equipment may involve manufacturing in regions with elevated modern slavery risks
Office supplies and facilities management: Services such as cleaning, maintenance, and catering which may employ vulnerable workers

Measures implemented to manage these risks:

Supplier assessment: We have developed a tiered risk assessment approach for our suppliers based on the nature of services/products provided, geographical location, and industry sector
Direct relationships: We establish direct relationships with freelancers rather than using intermediary platforms
Technology procurement: We prioritise technology manufacturers with transparent supply chains and strong modern slavery policies
Contract provisions: Our supplier contracts include specific clauses requiring compliance with modern slavery legislation and our ethical standards
Ongoing monitoring: We conduct periodic reviews of our higher-risk suppliers and require them to provide updated information on their labour practices
Minimising high-risk procurement: We carefully consider alternatives when sourcing from industries or regions with known elevated modern slavery risks

We recognise that modern slavery risks can change over time, and we commit to regularly reviewing and updating our risk assessment approach to ensure it remains effective.

Training and Awareness

We provide training to our staff to ensure a high level of understanding of the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains and business. Our training includes:

Induction training for new employees
Regular updates for relevant staff members
Specific training for those involved in procurement and supplier management

Looking Ahead

We will continue to enhance our procedures to help identify, prevent, and mitigate any risks of modern slavery or human trafficking in relation to new and existing suppliers. We will review and update this statement annually.

Approval

This statement is made pursuant to Section 54(1) of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Cursive’s modern slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending September 2025.

This statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 1 October 2024.

Rob Colley Director, Cursive (Plump Ltd) 1 October 2024