Modern Slavery Statement 2024/25

Introduction

The Cumberland is committed to preventing slavery or human trafficking in its corporate activities and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

As part of the financial services sector, we recognise that we have a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking and we continue to take our responsibility very seriously during the coronavirus pandemic.

This statement is made in relation to the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Organisational structure and supply chains

The Cumberland is a building society based in Cumbria, with our branch operating area covering Cumbria, South West Scotland, West Northumberland and North Lancashire.

Throughout our branch operating area, we offer mortgages, savings and current accounts. We also provide residential and commercial mortgages across mainland UK.

Our Business team specialise in hospitality and commercial lending - ranging from holiday lets mortgages to hotel and development finance.

Borderway Finance offer vehicle finance for personal and business customers.

Due Diligence Process

The Cumberland Group does not operate outside the United Kingdom.

Wherever possible, the Group builds long standing relationships with local suppliers and key third parties.

All key third parties have been assessed and due to the nature of the work they undertake,the fact that they are predominately located in the United Kingdom, and the Group’s knowledge of their business, it is believed that the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking is low and no further action is required.

Relevant policies

We operate the following policies that describe our approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations:

• Whistleblowing policy
  We encourage all our workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, our organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. Our whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation.
• People Handbook
  Our handbook makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing our organisation. We strive to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating abroad and managing its supply chain.
• Supplier/Procurement
  We are committed to ensuring that its suppliers adhere to the highest standards of ethics. Suppliers are required to demonstrate that they provide safe working conditions where necessary, treat workers with dignity and respect, and act ethically and within the law in their use of labour.
• Recruitment/Agency workers policy
  We use only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting workers from that agency.

Jill Johnston
Chief People Officer