About QED
- QED Ltd is a software development and AI technology company with entities in Croatia, Serbia and the UK. We design and build bespoke software, data solutions and AI products for clients across various sectors.
- Our workforce consists of employees, contractors and interns based primarily in the UK, Croatia and Serbia.
- Our direct exposure is assessed as low given the nature of our work, but risks exist in our broader supply chain and we remain vigilant.
Our Supply Chain
QED's supply chain is relatively simple and predominantly consists of:
- Technology vendors and SaaS providers (e.g. cloud infrastructure, development tools, HR systems)
- Professional services firms (legal, accountancy, HR)
- Freelance contractors and sub-contractors in the technology sector
Our highest risk categories are assessed as:
- Hardware procurement (potential conflict minerals / manufacturing conditions)
- Offshore development sub-contracting
Policies in Relation to Slavery and Human Trafficking
QED maintains the following policies relevant to preventing modern slavery:
- This Modern Slavery Statement
- ESG Policy (including supply chain ethics and ethical client selection)
- General Data Protection Policy
- Employee Privacy Notice
- Code of Conduct (included in the Employee Handbook)
- Whistleblowing Policy
All employees are required to read and acknowledge our Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits participation in or facilitation of modern slavery, forced labour, child labour or human trafficking in any form.
Due Diligence Processes
To identify and address risks of modern slavery and human trafficking, QED takes the following steps:
Employment Practices
- All employees and contractors are engaged through written contracts at or above the applicable national minimum wage (UK National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage; Croatian and Serbian statutory minimums).
- Right-to-work checks are conducted for all employees before commencement of employment.
- We do not charge fees to workers for employment, accommodation or equipment.
- We do not hold workers' identity documents.
Supply Chain
We prefer suppliers with published Modern Slavery Statements or equivalent commitments.
Reporting and Concerns
- Any employee, contractor or third party who suspects modern slavery or human trafficking in connection with QED's business or supply chain should report it immediately to the COO at compliance@qedcode.io.
- Reports can also be made to the relevant authorities: the Modern Slavery Helpline (UK: 08000 121 700) or the National Crime Agency.
Training
Awareness training is provided to senior leadership. All staff are directed to report any concerns to the COO.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the COO - and, where applicable, at Board level - and updated in response to changes in law, regulatory guidance or business operations. Material changes are communicated to all staff.