Modern Slavery Statement

The statement below is made pursuant to section 54, Part 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes the Mutual Energy group’s slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 31 March 2023. This statement was approved by the Mutual Energy Limited Board of Directors on 29th March 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

Patrick Larkin
Chief Executive
29th March 2023

Organisation structure and supply chains

Mutual Energy Limited owns and operates strategic gas and electricity transmission assets which link Northern Ireland to Great Britain’s electricity and gas markets. Mutual Energy is based entirely in the UK and has no international presence. The group’s supply chains relate to Operations and Maintenance, and Corporate Services. The group has considered Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 “Transparency in Supply Chains” and has concluded that the group is very unlikely to be affected by slavery, as are our suppliers.

Policies in relation to slavery and human trafficking

Staff are made aware of the Modern Slavery Act and a number of policies exist which are relevant to this area, as set out below:

  • Code of ethics and business principles
  • Anti-bribery procedures
  • Use of contractors and management supervision
  • Procurement policy
  • Recruitment policy
  • Whistleblowing policy

Due diligence processes

The group publicly advertises all material tendering opportunities on the Find a Tender System, in line with the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 and the Public Procurement (Amendment, etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. For such contracts, the group asks if the applicant, or any person who is a member of its administrative, management or supervisory body or has powers of representation, has had criminal convictions in relation to offences under the prevention of modern slavery legislation. If yes, this would result in mandatory exclusion from the tender process. The group also asks the applicant if they have breached any labour laws and if they have, this can allow for discretionary exclusion from the process.

Risk assessment and management

Risk assessment and management is central to the group’s governance arrangements. The group has a risk management framework in place and risk registers are prepared and reviewed regularly by the Board and its relevant committees. The group is committed to protecting whistle blowers.

Key performance indicators to measure effectiveness of steps being taken

Risk assessment procedures have not identified any significant risks in relation to slavery and human trafficking and, as such, no mitigating measures and key performance indicators have been put in place.

Training on modern slavery and trafficking

Staff are made aware of the Modern Slavery Act but, given this low risk profile, no specific training is provided or undertaken in relation to these matters.