This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the MSA) and sets out the steps that the affiliated UK entities of Burford Capital Limited (Burford) have taken and will continue to take to ensure that modern slavery or human trafficking is not taking place within our business or our supply chain.
Burford is the leading global finance and investment management firm focused on law. Its business includes litigation and risk management, asset recovery and a wide range of legal finance and advisory activities. Burford is publicly traded on the New York and London Stock Exchanges, and it works with clients and law firms around the world from its principal offices in New York, London, Chicago, Washington, Singapore and Sydney.
Standards of Conduct – Each employee always has an obligation to observe and follow the company’s policies and to maintain proper standards of conduct. Standards are enumerated in the Burford Employee Handbook.
Recruitment Policy – Burford operates a robust recruitment and onboarding programme, including conducting eligibility to work for all employees to safeguard against human trafficking or employees being forced to work against their will.
Global Screening – Burford screens all prospective clients and suppliers in high-risk jurisdictions. The comprehensive screen includes a history of legal and/or regulatory enforcement as well as any negative media coverage.
Whistleblowing Policy – Burford operates a global policy so that all employees know that they can raise concerns about business practices, whether the issue is internal to Burford or in relation to an external client or supplier.
Given that Burford’s business relates to global finance and litigation, our supply chain does not resemble the typical manufacturing supply chain. Our suppliers include property and facility management and maintenance, office supplies, catering and hospitality services provided to our offices. However, all new vendors are assessed internally and pre-screened before any initial payment for services is remitted and screened on an ongoing basis to ensure real time notification of any potential red flags.
There is no evidence of, or serious risk of, modern slavery in Burford’s business or supply chains. However, Burford will continue to stay vigilant and monitor any changes to the business or supply chains that would warrant additional scrutiny.
On at least an annual basis, Burford sends a communication reminder to all employees of their obligations to monitor and escalate any concerns related to slavery or human trafficking to Senior Management.
This statement is approved by the board of directors of Burford Capital Limited on 16 May 2023 for and on behalf of Burford, pursuant to Section 54 of the MSA.