Modern Slavery Statement 2024 – Coulsdon Flowers

Introduction

At Coulsdon Flowers, we are deeply committed to operating responsibly and upholding the highest ethical standards in every aspect of our business. As a trusted florist serving both households and businesses in Coulsdon and the surrounding areas, we recognize our responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and our broader supply chain. This statement explains the steps we take to ensure modern slavery does not exist in any part of our business and how we honour our role in the local community.

Our Zero Tolerance Policy

We have a strict zero tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking. Our policy applies to every part of our organisation, including all staff, contractors, and suppliers. Any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery within our operations or supply chains results in immediate action and, where necessary, termination of the working relationship. This unequivocal stance demonstrates our commitment to dignity, respect, and fair treatment for all people involved in our business.

Supplier Due Diligence

We understand that our obligation to prevent modern slavery extends beyond our shopfront and into the supply chains that bring us our flowers, materials, and essential products. All of our suppliers are required to confirm their compliance with anti-slavery and labour laws as a condition of doing business with Coulsdon Flowers. We conduct thorough due diligence on new suppliers and regularly review existing relationships, seeking clear evidence of fair labour practices. Where appropriate, we ask suppliers to provide details of their own modern slavery policies and practices, and may require audits to verify compliance. If a supplier fails to meet our expectations or to provide sufficient information, we reserve the right to reconsider our partnership.

Staff Training and Awareness

We prioritise regular training and awareness-raising for all our staff on the risks of modern slavery and how to spot potential indicators. Training is built into our onboarding process and is revisited annually for all employees. Through practical examples and guidance, we empower staff to identify, prevent, and report any concerns related to modern slavery. Our team is fully informed of the company’s policy and its implementation, underlining the importance of vigilance at all times.

Reporting Channels

Maintaining open and safe channels for raising concerns is essential to our approach. All staff members, suppliers, and third parties are encouraged to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery in complete confidence. Reports are handled sensitively and investigated promptly, with strict protection against retaliation for those who come forward. The fulfilment of our responsibilities depends on everyone in our business feeling able to speak up without fear.

Annual Review

We are committed to continuous improvement. This modern slavery statement, and the processes it sets out, are reviewed annually by our management team. We monitor developments in legislation, guidance, and best practice to ensure our approach remains robust and relevant. Where necessary, we update our procedures to further strengthen our prevention and detection measures.

Conclusion

Our commitment to tackling modern slavery is embedded within the values of Coulsdon Flowers, reflecting both our legal obligations and our moral responsibility as a trusted local florist. We are dedicated to remaining vigilant, transparent, and ethical in every aspect of our operation, and we encourage our customers, suppliers, and staff to support us in upholding the highest standards for the benefit of our entire community.