St Mary Cray Florist Modern Slavery Statement 2024

Our Commitment to Combating Modern Slavery

As a trusted florist serving the community of St Mary Cray, St Mary Cray Florist recognises our responsibility to operate ethically and with integrity in all aspects of our business. We are dedicated to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation within our operations, our supply chains, and the broader floral industry. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines our approach and actions to address these vital issues.

Zero Tolerance Policy

St Mary Cray Florist maintains an unequivocal zero tolerance policy toward all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not, under any circumstances, condone or accept practices that involve forced labour, child labour, servitude, or exploitation. This core value informs not only our internal operations but also our expectations of suppliers and partners.

Supplier Due Diligence

We understand many risks of modern slavery can exist within supply chains. As a business that sources fresh flowers and associated products both locally and internationally, we conduct thorough diligence checks before engaging with any new supplier. This involves assessing supplier practices, ethical credentials, and compliance with modern slavery laws and standards. We prioritise working with suppliers who share our commitment to fair and humane treatment of all workers. If concerns arise about a supplier’s practices, we take prompt steps to investigate and, if necessary, discontinue the relationship.

Staff Training and Awareness

Our employees are central to our commitment to ethical practices. We regularly provide staff training to build awareness of the signs of modern slavery and guide them on how to respond if they suspect someone may be at risk. This training ensures that all staff recognize their responsibility, understand business conduct expectations, and feel confident in raising any concerns in a safe environment. A supportive workplace culture empowers our team to report unethical behaviour objectively and without fear of reprisal.

Reporting Channels

St Mary Cray Florist encourages the prompt reporting of any suspicions or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking, whether this arises internally or within our supply chains. Multiple reporting channels are in place so staff, suppliers, and members of the public can raise concerns directly and confidentially. All disclosures are investigated thoroughly, and we commit to taking appropriate action, including alerting relevant authorities if required.

Annual Review of Policies and Actions

We recognise that vigilance against modern slavery requires ongoing effort. Each year, our senior management conducts a comprehensive review of this statement, assessing the effectiveness of our policies, supplier management, training, and reporting systems. Where necessary, we update our approach to better effect positive change and respond to new risks or challenges. This annual reflection, together with our engagement with local households and businesses, ensures that our standards remain robust and up to date.

Serving St Mary Cray with Integrity

St Mary Cray Florist takes pride in upholding the highest ethical standards as we serve our local customers and businesses. We understand that our role extends beyond providing beautiful floral arrangements—it is also about fostering trust, transparency, and social responsibility. This Modern Slavery Statement reflects our ongoing promise to act with integrity today and every day.