Happier Every Chapter Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is a response to Section 54(1), Part 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and relates to actions and activities for the financial year ending 30 April 2025. 

Happier Every Chapter ('the Company', 'we', 'us' or 'our') is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking violations in its own operations, its supply chain, and its products. We have zero-tolerance towards slavery and require our supply chain to comply with our values. 

Introduction

Happier Every Chapter is committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings. We are committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and throughout our supply chains.

This statement is made pursuant to section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps Happier Every Chapter has taken during the financial year to minimise the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chain.

Our Organisation Structure, Business and Supply Chains

Happier Every Chapter is a UK-based organisation specialising in inclusive books, literacy services, educational resources, subscription programmes, curated book collections, events and related services for schools, families, public sector bodies, businesses and community organisations.

Our supply chains include publishers, book distributors, wholesalers, printers, packaging suppliers, logistics providers, couriers, digital service providers, event partners and other professional service suppliers based in the UK and internationally.

Our Policies in Relation to Slavery and Human Trafficking

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that there is no slavery, servitude, forced labour or human trafficking in any part of our business or supply chains.

Our relevant internal policies and controls include:

• Ethical sourcing and responsible procurement practices
• Supplier standards and expectations
• Whistleblowing and reporting concerns procedures
• Equal opportunities and fair treatment principles
• Compliance with employment, health and safety, and safeguarding obligations
• Periodic review of suppliers and business practices

Due Diligence Processes

As part of our commitment to combating modern slavery, we undertake proportionate due diligence processes, which may include:

• Assessing suppliers before entering into commercial relationships
• Working with reputable publishers, distributors and service providers
• Reviewing supplier policies, statements or standards where appropriate
• Monitoring supplier performance and conduct
• Requesting corrective action if concerns arise
• Ending relationships where suppliers fail to meet expected ethical standards

Risk Assessment and Risk Management

The areas of our business and supply chain where modern slavery risks could potentially arise include book sourcing, printing, manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, fulfilment, shipping, delivery services and third-party outsourced support functions.

Although we consider the overall risk level to be low, we recognise that risks may exist in extended or multi-tier supply chains, particularly where labour-intensive manufacturing, overseas sourcing or subcontracted logistics are involved.

We assess and manage these risks through:

• Supplier selection and screening
• Preference for reputable and established suppliers
• Ongoing supplier review where proportionate
• Escalation of concerns where identified
• Review of supply chain practices and sourcing routes
• Corrective action or termination where standards are not met

Measuring Effectiveness

We assess the effectiveness of our anti-slavery actions using proportionate performance indicators, including:

• Number of suppliers reviewed annually
• Supplier compliance responses received
• Concerns raised and resolved
• Staff awareness and training completion
• Improvements made to procurement controls
• No known instances of modern slavery identified in our direct operations

These measures help us strengthen our approach and identify where further action may be required.

Training and Capacity Building

We provide appropriate awareness training and guidance to staff and individuals involved in procurement, supplier management, operations and fulfilment activities.

Training may include:

• Understanding modern slavery risks
• Recognising warning signs
• How to escalate concerns
• Responsible purchasing practices
• Supplier engagement expectations

We will continue to build internal awareness as the organisation grows.

Ongoing Commitment

We recognise that addressing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We will continue to review and improve our policies, controls and supply chain oversight to support ethical and responsible business practices.

Approval

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Happier Every Chapter and will be reviewed annually.

Signed:
Ndah Mbawa
Founder & Director
Happier Every Chapter