Modern Slavery and Ethical Responsibility at Flowers Barking
Our Zero Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery
At Flowers Barking, we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as a trusted florist serving the Barking community. We maintain a zero tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking within any part of our business operations and supply chains. We believe it is our responsibility to actively prevent exploitation and to promote respect for human rights, reflecting the trust placed in us by Barking households and businesses.
Supplier Due Diligence Procedures
We source our flowers, materials, and services from a carefully selected network of suppliers. Before entering any new supplier relationship, we conduct comprehensive due diligence. This involves assessing a supplier’s compliance with all relevant labour and human rights legislation, as well as their ethical standards and practices. All suppliers are expected to uphold our values, and we require assurances that they do not tolerate modern slavery, child labour, or human trafficking anywhere in their operations or supply chains. Regular reviews and audits are performed, and any identified risks or incidents are addressed immediately through established escalation and rectification processes.
Staff Training and Awareness
We recognise the crucial role our employees play in upholding our ethical commitments. All staff members at Flowers Barking receive regular training to help them identify the signs of modern slavery, understand the risks facing our industry, and learn the steps they can take to report any concerns. This training is updated annually to reflect evolving best practices and any changes to relevant legislation. We foster a culture of vigilance and shared responsibility, ensuring that everyone working with us is empowered to speak up against unethical practices.
Reporting and Escalation Channels
As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, we provide dedicated channels through which staff and suppliers can confidentially report any concerns related to modern slavery or human rights abuses. Reports are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, with strict protections in place for whistleblowers. No adverse action is ever taken against individuals for raising genuine concerns. If modern slavery is discovered, we will act promptly to address it and work collaboratively with relevant authorities where required.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
Our modern slavery statement and associated policies are reviewed and updated annually as part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. Each year, we evaluate the effectiveness of our processes, identify areas for enhancement, and set new objectives to strengthen our approach. We share these learnings with our staff and suppliers, ensuring that our anti-slavery efforts continue to evolve and reflect global standards.
Our Commitment to the Barking Community
Serving the people and businesses of Barking carries a responsibility to uphold values of integrity and fairness. We are committed to ethical business practices not only because it is required by law, but because it aligns with our vision of being a trusted partner and supporter of our local community. Through vigilant oversight, staff empowerment, and transparent practices, Flowers Barking stands against modern slavery in all its forms.
