Bio D Case Study

Bio-D is an independent, ethically motivated company dedicated to promoting the use of environmentally responsible detergents. It manufactures effective, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic cleaning and laundry products that are made in the UK. Bio-D's products are produced from sustainable, naturally derived raw materials, free from chlorine and optical brighteners. All products are suitable for use with septic tanks and are approved by Cruelty Free International and the Vegan Society. Bio-D’s uncompromising standards have been recognized by numerous awards and endorsed by organizations like Allergy UK. They are the only green cleaning company whose products meet the standards for commercial food preparation, known as BSEN1276.

Agency Labour Compliance Audit Case Study

Our Audit client Bio-D contacted us to help them carry out an audit on their recruitment agencies. Datum RPO's audit checks cover 100% of supplied workers and are conducted every six months to ensure the highest levels of quality service. By reviewing the processes, systems, and records of each recruitment partner, we verify ongoing compliance and ensure that agencies meet the standards Bio-D deserves.

Audits are an excellent tool for evaluating risk within a supply chain. We recommend establishing a program that verifies:

• Compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Compliance with agreed terms of business.
• Completion of necessary worker pre-employment checks.
• Understanding of worker engagement methods.
• Insurance status of the labour provider and sub-suppliers.
• Social responsibility regarding worker pay, benefits, and statutory employment rights.

The Background

The major elements of the Datum Audit provided to Bio-D are:

• Verification of supplier compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Verification of adherence to recruitment best practices and agreed SLAs.
• Verification of social responsibility in treatment of worker pay, benefits, and statutory employment rights.
• Verification of ethical operating processes regarding financial disclosure and grievance redress.

Agency Resource in scope of the audit included:

• Pre-audit questionnaire.
• Certificate of incorporation.
• VAT certificate of registration.
• Documentary evidence of PAYE registration.
• Confirmation of business insurance.
• Template registration forms.
• Template worker contract.
• Health & safety policy.
• Equal opportunities and diversity policy.
• Environmental policy.
• Complaints policy and procedure.
• Modern Slavery Statement.
• ISO certificates (if held).
• Membership certificates (e.g., ALP, REC, APSCo).
• Contracts.

The Audit Solution

Datum identified four areas where minor corrective action from the supplying agencies was needed:

• Agencies needed to include clauses in the workers' contract.
• Ensure all workers have an email address and send an assignment confirmation email including job/brief assignment details.
• Ensure all workers have an email address and send an assignment confirmation email including health & safety information.
• Ensure all workers have an email address and send an assignment confirmation email including agency worker regulations.

Bio-D's Testimonial

"Datum RPO conducted a supplier audit for us and were very professional but easy to work with. The audit was well documented and provided in a report within 24 hours. I would not hesitate to recommend Datum RPO to other companies who need to outsource their audit requirements."

— Heather Nixon, Quality & Regulatory Manager