Modern Slavery Statement – Our Ethical Responsibility

Introduction

At Cowley Florist, integrity, respect, and social responsibility form the foundation of our business. As a trusted local florist, serving households and businesses throughout Cowley, we recognize our responsibility to operate ethically and ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking play no part in our operations or supply chains.

Zero Tolerance Policy

We have a clear and unwavering zero tolerance policy for all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, servitude, child labour, and human trafficking. This commitment applies to every aspect of our business, from our direct workforce to our relationships with suppliers and service providers. Any breach of this policy is taken extremely seriously and will result in swift corrective action and, where appropriate, termination of contracts or partnerships.

Supplier Due Diligence

As a florist, we work with a network of local and national flower growers, wholesalers, and sundries suppliers. We conduct thorough due diligence processes before entering relationships with new suppliers. This involves assessing their ethical working practices, understanding their recruitment policies, and verifying compliance with relevant modern slavery legislation. We expect our suppliers to mirror our own values and adhere to the highest standards to ensure their operations are free from exploitation and abusive practices. Ongoing monitoring through periodic reviews and self-assessment questionnaires is undertaken to further safeguard our supply chain.

Staff Training and Awareness

Raising and maintaining the awareness of all our staff regarding the risks and indicators of modern slavery is crucial. We provide regular training and information sessions to ensure that our team understands their responsibilities, knows how to identify signs of modern slavery, and knows what action to take if they have concerns. This empowers everyone at Cowley Florist to contribute to our culture of vigilance, diligence, and ethical practice.

Reporting Channels

We actively encourage a culture of openness and accountability where staff, suppliers, or third parties who have concerns regarding modern slavery can raise them confidentially without fear of retaliation. Clear channels for reporting any suspicions or breaches are communicated to all employees as part of their induction and through ongoing training. All concerns will be investigated promptly with integrity and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with our policies and procedures.

Annual Review

This statement and our approach towards preventing modern slavery are reviewed annually. This review assesses the effectiveness of our measures, incorporates legislative updates, and ensures continual improvement in alignment with best practice. Should any new risks or challenges be identified, we will adjust our processes and training accordingly to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct.

Our Ongoing Commitment to Cowley

Cowley Florist is proud to serve our local community, including families, corporate clients, and neighbourhood businesses. We believe that maintaining ethical supply chains is integral to the trust placed in us by our customers. This Modern Slavery Statement reflects our ongoing commitment to upholding human rights, combating all forms of exploitation, and promoting transparency in everything we do.