Introduction
OBS Group Inc. is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and promoting fair labor practices throughout our operations and supply chain. We firmly oppose all forms of modern slavery, including forced labor, human trafficking, child labor, and any form of exploitation. This statement outlines the actions we have taken and continue to take to combat modern slavery, in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and other relevant legislation.
At OBS Group Inc., we recognize that modern slavery is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people globally. We are determined to ensure that it has no place in our business operations or our extended supply chain. This statement is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to maintain transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights across all aspects of our business.
Our Business and Supply Chain
OBS Group Inc. operates as a global leader in technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, services, with a vast network of suppliers and business partners spanning several continents. Our supply chain includes the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. Given the complexity and global reach of our operations, we acknowledge the risk that modern slavery could occur within our extended supply chain, and we are committed to addressing this risk through continuous monitoring and improvement.
We expect all our suppliers, contractors, and business partners to share our commitment to upholding human rights and preventing modern slavery in all forms.
Our Policies on Modern Slavery
OBS Group Inc. has implemented a robust set of policies and procedures aimed at ensuring ethical conduct and respect for human rights throughout our business. These policies are designed to prevent, detect, and address any instances of modern slavery or human trafficking within our operations and supply chain. Key policies include:
Human Rights Policy – This policy outlines our commitment to promoting and respecting the human rights of all individuals involved in our business operations, including employees, suppliers, and contractors. We adhere to international human rights standards, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Supplier Code of Conduct – We require all our suppliers to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which strictly prohibits the use of forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of modern slavery. Suppliers must also comply with all applicable labor laws, including those relating to wages, working hours, and working conditions.
Whistleblower Policy – We maintain a confidential whistleblower mechanism that allows employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns related to unethical practices, including modern slavery and human trafficking. All reports are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions are taken to address any violations.
Recruitment and Employment Practices – We ensure that our recruitment processes are transparent and free from coercion. All employees are hired voluntarily, compensated fairly, and provided with clear terms of employment. We do not tolerate any form of bonded or forced labor within our organization.
Due Diligence Processes
OBS Group Inc. conducts comprehensive due diligence to identify, assess, and mitigate the risks of modern slavery within our supply chain. Our due diligence process includes:
Supplier Risk Assessment – We assess the risk of modern slavery at various stages of our supply chain, focusing on regions, industries, or suppliers that may be more vulnerable to exploitation. High-risk suppliers are subject to additional scrutiny and monitoring.
Supplier Audits – We conduct regular audits of our suppliers to ensure compliance with our Supplier Code of Conduct and modern slavery requirements. Audits may be carried out by our internal team or by independent third-party auditors. Any non-compliance identified during an audit is addressed through corrective action plans, and suppliers are required to make improvements promptly.
Contractual Agreements – Our contracts with suppliers include specific clauses that require adherence to anti-slavery laws and policies. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the termination of the business relationship.
Training and Awareness
At OBS Group Inc., we believe that education and awareness are critical to preventing modern slavery. We provide regular training to our employees, particularly those in procurement, supply chain management, and human resources, to help them identify the signs of modern slavery and respond appropriately.
We also work closely with our suppliers to raise awareness of the risks of modern slavery and to promote ethical labor practices. This includes offering training and resources to help suppliers develop and implement their own anti-slavery policies and procedures.
Assessing Effectiveness
To ensure that our efforts to combat modern slavery are effective, we regularly review and assess our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes. We monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to modern slavery, including:
The number of suppliers audited for compliance with anti-slavery policies
The number of non-compliance issues identified and resolved
Employee and supplier training completion rates
We also seek feedback from external stakeholders, including industry experts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and human rights advocates, to continuously improve our approach to addressing modern slavery.
Future Commitments
OBS Group Inc. is committed to the continuous improvement of our modern slavery prevention efforts. We will continue to:
Strengthen our supplier due diligence processes, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks in high-risk regions and sectors
Expand our training programs to ensure that all employees, suppliers, and business partners are fully aware of the risks and signs of modern slavery
Collaborate with industry peers, government bodies, and NGOs to share best practices and develop innovative solutions to combat modern slavery
Report transparently on our progress in addressing modern slavery and human trafficking in our annual sustainability report
Conclusion
OBS Group Inc. remains steadfast in our commitment to eradicating modern slavery from our business and supply chain. We understand that this is an ongoing challenge, but we believe that through vigilance, transparency, and collaboration, we can make a meaningful contribution to the global effort to eliminate modern slavery. We will continue to hold ourselves, our suppliers, and our business partners to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that human rights are upheld in every aspect of our operations.
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the board of directors of OBS Group Inc. and will be reviewed annually.
Connect with OBS Corporate Governance Council:
cgc@theobservation.tech
Mailing Address:
Office of the Corporate Governance Council, 5th Floor, OBS Boulevard, Embassy Kirloskar Business Park, Near Godrej Woodsman Estate, Bangalore, Karnataka. - 560024 India.
If you have any concerns or issues that require attention, you can reach out to our Global Grievances Manager, Ms. Ruchika Mohan, who oversees grievance management with a meticulous approach. Her role is to ensure that every query is handled with the utmost professionalism and care. For a prompt and thorough resolution, you may contact her directly via email at grievances@theobservation.tech. Rest assured, Ms. Mohan will work diligently to address your concerns.