Introduction
Astrea Academy Trust (“The Trust”) is a multi-academy trust operating across South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire. As a single employer for all its academies, the Trust is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The Trust is an exempt charity and a company limited by guarantee, which is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is the legal governing body of each academy within the Trust and remains accountable in law and to Ofsted and the Department for Education for the exercise of its functions.
The Trust is fully committed to preventing Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in all aspects of its operations and supply chains, in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Structure and Supply Chains
This statement covers the activities of The Trust and its network of academies, which includes primary, secondary, and all-through schools. The Trust works predominantly with UK-based suppliers and contractors, ensuring that employment practices are aligned with UK law and ethical standards.
Astrea is committed to working only with organisations that share its values and ethical approach to employment.
Risk Assessments
Risk management is embedded across the Trust’s operations and overseen by the Audit and Risk Committee.
Identified risk areas include:
High Risk – Given the nature of the operations of the Trust, we do not believe there to be any activities that would constitute high risk either within the Trust or our supply chain.
Medium Risk – Supply chains linked to the external provision of catering and cleaning. The supply of uniform where the contracted supplier uses an overseas company for manufacturing.
Low Risk – Contractors using subcontractors on large capital projects.
These risks are mitigated through robust procurement and tendering processes.
Policies on Modern Slavery
The Trust maintains a suite of policies that support ethical conduct and compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, including:
- Procurement Policy
- Recruitment Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
Recruitment
The Trust recruitment processes include comprehensive pre-employment checks, such as identity verification, right to work, references, qualifications, and DBS checks. These measures ensure that all staff are employed freely and fairly.
Measuring Effectiveness
Contracts with suppliers identified as medium or high risk are managed centrally to ensure consistent oversight. Regular reviews are conducted to monitor compliance and performance.
Procurement
Procurement teams are trained to identify and mitigate the risks of modern slavery. All tender documents require suppliers to confirm compliance with the Modern Slavery Act and provide relevant statements. Additional due diligence is conducted where higher risks are identified.
Non-compliance may result in contract termination.
Our Commitment
The Trust recognises its responsibilities under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Act and has been approved by the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
Rowena Hackwood
Chief Executive Officer
September 2025