Modern Slavery within our supply chain
Introduction:
Modern slavery is a grave human rights violation that demands the attention and commitment of businesses worldwide. As a responsible company, it is crucial to actively work towards eradicating modern slavery from our supply chain. This policy note outlines the steps and measures that our company must adopt to ensure compliance with modern slavery requirements.
1. Policy Statement:
Our company acknowledges the severity of modern slavery and firmly condemns any form of forced labour, human trafficking, or exploitation within our supply chain. We are committed to maintaining ethical practices and upholding human rights, ensuring that all parties involved in our supply chain operate under fair and just conditions.
2. Risk Assessment:
Conduct a assessment of our supply chain to identify potential modern slavery risks. Evaluate geographical locations, industries, and suppliers that pose a higher risk of labour exploitation. Consider factors such as country-specific risks, supplier relationships, and procurement practices.
3. Supplier Due Diligence:
Implement a robust supplier selection process that includes assessing potential suppliers for their commitment to human rights, labour standards, and ethical practices.
Establish clear criteria and expectations for suppliers to demonstrate compliance with modern slavery requirements, including the provision of necessary documentation and certifications.
Regularly monitor and evaluate suppliers’ adherence to our standards, including site visits, audits, and self- assessments. Encourage suppliers to provide transparency and engage in dialogue regarding their labour practices.
4. Supplier Code of Conduct:
Develop and implement a comprehensive Supplier Code of Conduct that explicitly addresses modern slavery. The code should outline our expectations regarding fair wages, working hours, child labour, and protection of workers’ rights. Suppliers must acknowledge and agree to abide by the code as a condition of doing business with our company.
5. Training and Awareness:
Provide training to employees and key stakeholders involved in procurement, sourcing, and supply chain management to increase awareness of modern slavery risks and their responsibilities in mitigating those risks.
Promote a culture of transparency and ethical decision-making, encouraging employees to report any concerns or suspicions related to modern slavery within the supply chain.
Remediation and Continuous Improvement:
a. Establish a clear procedure for handling reported concerns or incidents related to modern slavery. Take prompt action to investigate and address any identified instances of non-compliance.
b. Collaborate with suppliers to implement corrective measures, supporting them in improving their labour practices and ensuring compliance with modern slavery requirements.
Regularly review and update policies, procedures, and risk assessments to adapt to evolving legislation, industry best practices, and emerging risks.
Collaboration and Industry Engagement:
Actively engage with industry networks, trade associations, and relevant stakeholders to share best practices, insights, and lessons learned. Collaborate with peers and participate in initiatives aimed at combatting modern slavery throughout global supply chains.
Conclusion:
By adopting this policy, our company reaffirms its commitment to combating modern slavery and ensuring ethical practices within our supply chain. By implementing the outlined measures, we will strengthen our ability to identify and address any instances of modern slavery and actively work towards a more responsible and sustainable supply chain.
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