Modern Slavery Statement – Blackfriars Flowers
Our Approach to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Blackfriars Flowers is dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards in all areas of our operations. As a trusted Blackfriars florist serving local households and businesses, we recognize our responsibility to combat modern slavery and human trafficking in our sector and supply chain. This statement outlines the steps we take to prevent any aspect of modern slavery in our business and the actions we expect from those we work with.
Zero Tolerance Policy
We maintain a zero tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, compulsory labour, child labour, and human trafficking. Whether in our direct operations or our extended supply chain, we will not accept or condone any practices that violate fundamental human rights. All team members, suppliers, and partners are expected to share our strong commitment to these values.
Supplier Due Diligence
Our supply chain is integral to the integrity of our business. We carefully select suppliers and growers based on their ability to meet our ethical standards as well as our requirements for quality and consistency. As part of our supplier due diligence, we:
- Assess potential suppliers for their labour practices and compliance with local and international legislation on modern slavery.
- Require suppliers to confirm their own anti-slavery policies and provide evidence of their compliance.
- Conduct risk assessments to identify suppliers or regions that may pose a higher risk of modern slavery.
- Review supplier relationships regularly to ensure ongoing standards are maintained.
Staff Training and Awareness
We recognize that training and awareness are critical to preventing and identifying modern slavery risks. All employees receive induction training on our zero tolerance policy and are provided with resources to help them recognize signs of exploitation, forced labour, and trafficking. Ongoing training ensures that both new and existing staff remain vigilant and informed about how to respond if they have concerns.
Reporting Channels
Fostering a culture of openness is essential. We provide clear reporting channels for employees, suppliers, and any stakeholders to confidentially raise concerns if modern slavery or unethical conducting is suspected within our operations or supply chain. All reports are handled sensitively and investigated thoroughly. We enforce a strict non-retaliation policy to protect anyone making a report or raising a concern in good faith.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
This statement is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect our ongoing commitment to tackling modern slavery. We monitor evolving risks within our sector and adjust our processes as needed, seeking input from staff and stakeholders. Regular assessment ensures our policies remain effective and responsive to changes both locally and globally.
Our Ongoing Responsibility
As a longstanding presence in the Blackfriars community, serving both households and businesses, we are deeply committed to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of all those who contribute to our business. Our efforts to prevent modern slavery underline our promise to act responsibly and ethically at every step, strengthening the trust placed in us by customers and the wider community.
