Outline

Michael O’Mara books  (“MOM)”  is pleased to present its slavery and human trafficking statement as required by the UK Modern Slavery Act (2015). This statement illustrates the steps taken by MOM to ensure there is no modern slavery in its business or supply chains.

MOM books

MOM is an independent book publisher making and selling great books that entertain, educate and enrich the lives of adults and children around the world. MOM creates and owns proprietary content and publishes commercial books from its 3 imprints. We are creatively independent and expert in developing long-lasting content publishing around 150 new titles each year and having a backlist of over one thousand titles.

MOM was founded in 1985 and is based in London employing around 50 talented people. MOM sells its products globally in multiple countries and languages through a variety of sales channels, partnerships and routes to market.

MOM Supply Chain and Management

• MOM’s manufacturing is primarily books but may also encompass sourcing of non-book products such as pens, pencils and other components which may be packaged with books.
• The majority of MOM’s supply chain interaction is with a small group of suppliers with whom MOM has worked with for many years. MOM believes that cultivating long lasting relationships with suppliers is an important way in which to identify and manage any risks in the supply chain.
• MOM has centralised Production (and therefore purchasing), as well as Marketing and Sales and carefully controls the number of people authorised to add new suppliers to MOM thereby reducing exposure to supply chain risk.
• MOM holds certificates of compliance from vendors according to the accreditations they have from organisations like SEDEX, ICTI Care, opening up access to this information among our Production teams to facilitate review of compliance with regulatory and legal requirements. As supply agreements are negotiated, MOM’s terms and conditions of supply are updated to include undertakings from suppliers confirming that their operations comply with the Modern Slavery Act and permit MOM to terminate a supply agreement with immediate effect should there be an instance of non-compliance.
• When looking at new vendors, MOM aims to work with suppliers certified under the ICTI Care program covering ethical standards of manufacturing. MOM also seeks to ensure that vendors adhere to and maintain certification to print for particular customers who have additional ethical requirements.

MOM’s Internal Approach

• MOM honours the dignity of all people and respects the laws, customs and values of the communities in which we operate. MOM is committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business.
• A robust recruitment policy is operated, including right to work checks and commitment to a policy of equal opportunity and treatment, ensuring an inclusive, fair and diverse environment.
• MOM has an employee code of conduct, operates anti-bribery and corruption, equal opportunities, anti-harassment and whistleblowing policies and observes health and safety requirements, demonstrating MOM’s commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all employee and business relationships. These policies are also readily available to staff via the website and the employee handbook.