Modern Slavery Statement – Our Pledge Against Exploitation

Our Approach to Preventing Modern Slavery

At Downe Flowers, we believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. As a trusted florist serving local households and businesses, we recognise our responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chain. Our Modern Slavery Statement outlines the actions we take to ensure that all aspects of our business are free from exploitation and unethical practices.

Zero Tolerance Policy

We have a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of modern slavery, forced labour, or human trafficking. This policy covers all Downe Flowers employees, contractors, and suppliers. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, ensuring that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our organisation or supply chain.

Supplier Due Diligence

As part of our commitment, we conduct thorough due diligence when engaging with new and existing suppliers. We expect all our suppliers to uphold the highest standards in relation to human rights and labour practices. Every supplier is required to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislation and our own supplier code of conduct. This includes transparent recruitment processes, fair pay, safe working conditions, and the right to freely choose employment. We monitor suppliers for any risk of modern slavery and require corrective actions if any issues are identified.

Staff Training and Awareness

We believe that empowering our staff is essential in the fight against modern slavery. All Downe Flowers employees receive regular training to help them understand the signs of modern slavery and know the steps to take if they suspect exploitation is occurring. Our training modules cover legal requirements, reporting procedures, and ethical sourcing principles. By raising awareness at all levels of our organisation, we aim to build a safe and vigilant workplace culture where exploitation cannot take root.

Reporting Channels

We encourage a culture of openness and accountability. All employees, customers, and suppliers are encouraged to raise concerns or suspicions regarding possible modern slavery in our operations or supply chain. Multiple reporting channels are available to ensure that concerns can be raised confidentially and without fear of retaliation. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly, and appropriate actions are taken in line with our disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated annually to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness. We assess our policies, practices, and supplier relationships regularly, seeking opportunities to strengthen our approach and respond to emerging risks. Engagement with staff, suppliers, and stakeholders is welcomed as part of our continuous improvement efforts.

Our Responsibility to the Community

Downe Flowers is dedicated to serving our community with integrity and social responsibility. By taking a proactive stand against modern slavery, we demonstrate our commitment not only to our staff and customers, but also to the ethical standards expected of a trusted local business. We will continue to work diligently to ensure our operations and supply chain remain free from exploitation, and we invite everyone we work with to support us in this mission.