Modern Slavery Statement – Flowers Loughton
Our Commitment to Combatting Modern Slavery
At Flowers Loughton, we uphold a steadfast commitment to conducting our business ethically and with integrity. As a trusted florist serving the households and businesses of Loughton and the surrounding community, we recognise our responsibility to address the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. This statement outlines the steps we take to prevent and eliminate any form of modern slavery from our business and supply networks.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Flowers Loughton adopts a strict zero tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and any form of exploitation. We are unequivocal in our expectations of all individuals and organisations connected to our business. This policy applies to all employees, suppliers, contractors, and other business partners. Any breach of this policy will trigger immediate investigation and appropriate actions, up to and including termination of contracts and legal recourse where applicable.
Supplier Due Diligence
Our supply chain is essential to delivering the high-quality floral products and services our customers expect. We conduct thorough due diligence before entering into relationships with new suppliers. This process includes assessing their policies on human rights and employment practices, as well as reviewing their compliance with anti-slavery and anti-trafficking laws. We seek assurances that all partners share our ethical standards. Where required, we request additional information and may carry out regular audits to ensure continuing compliance. We expect our suppliers to cascade these standards through their own supply chains.
Staff Training and Awareness
Awareness and vigilance at every level of our business are vital in the fight against modern slavery. Flowers Loughton is committed to ongoing training for all staff to recognise the possible signs of modern slavery and to understand their responsibilities under our policy. New employees are introduced to our ethical standards during their induction, and regular refresher sessions ensure that all team members are kept up-to-date with relevant developments and best practices. Training equips staff to identify potential concerns in our supply chain and day-to-day operations.
Reporting Channels and Incident Handling
We encourage an open culture where all concerns related to modern slavery can be safely reported without fear of reprisal. Our staff have access to clear and confidential reporting channels, whether they wish to raise issues within our business or external supply partners. All reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly. Any substantiated breaches will result in decisive action, including reporting to relevant authorities and supporting affected individuals as appropriate.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical practices. As a business embedded in the Loughton community, we continually seek to improve our processes, update our training, and engage with suppliers to raise standards across the board. Feedback from staff, suppliers, and customers is welcomed as part of our continuous improvement journey.
Our Responsibility as a Trusted Local Florist
At Flowers Loughton, we take pride in being a reliable and conscientious florist for both local households and businesses. We understand that our reputation is founded not only on the quality of our products and services but also on our dedication to ethical conduct and community values. Through our zero tolerance approach, diligent supplier management, robust staff training, accessible reporting mechanisms, and regular reviews, we affirm our commitment to operating free from any form of modern slavery. We will continue to champion transparency, responsibility, and respect for all individuals touched by our business.
