Creating better tomorrows for all pet rabbits
UK Modern Slavery Act Statement
Introduction
This statement is made pursuant to s.54 of the Modem Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps that the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) has taken and is continuing to take to ensure that modem slavery or human trafficking is not taking place within our business or supply chain.
The RWAF is a leading global consumer goods company. The RWAF rigorously applies high standards of corporate governance and ethics to its business and emphasises transparency and accountability. Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, human trafficking and forced labour. The RWAF is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
Relevant policies
The RWAF operates the following policies that describe its approach to the identification of modem slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations:
- Code of Conduct
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Anti-bribery policy
- Harassment Policy
The RWAF policies is the key to our continued growth and a commitment by every employee to an ethical workplace. Our policies help us keep that commitment by reflecting our values, putting our Company policies into practice and providing us with the information we need to make good decisions. The RWAF policies make clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing The RWAF. The RWAF strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour when operating abroad and managing its supply chain.
The RWAF uses only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and verifies the practices of any new agency before accepting workers from that agency.
The RWAF is committed to ensuring that its suppliers adhere to the highest standards of ethics. Suppliers are required to demonstrate that they provide safe working conditions where necessary, treat workers with dignity and respect, and act ethically and within the law in their use of labour. The RWAF works with suppliers to ensure that they meet the standards of the code and improve their worker’s working conditions. Each supplier is required to conduct themselves in the required manner, failure to do so will lead to the termination of the business relationship.
The RWAF encourages all its workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, The RWAF. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The RWAF’s whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation. Employees, customers or others who have concerns can contact our HR team anonymously if they wish to.
Risk assessment and due diligence
The greatest potential risk of slavery and human trafficking can exist in our supply chain. The RWAF believes that the risk of slavery and human trafficking is mitigated as a result of clearly established standards, oversight and quality controls within our sourcing process and business operations.
The RWAF undertakes due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers and regularly reviews its existing suppliers. The RWAF’s due diligence and reviews include:
- reviewing on a regular basis all aspects of the supply chain
- conducting supplier audits or assessments through The RWAF’s auditors.
Performance indicators
The RWAF reviewed its key performance indicators (KPIs) in light of the introduction of the Modem Slavery Act 2015.
Training
The RWAF requires key professionals within to complete training on modem slavery on a periodic basis.
The RWAF’s modem slavery training covers:
- our business’s purchasing practices, which influence supply chain conditions and which should therefore be designed to prevent purchases at unrealistically low prices, the use of labour engaged on unrealistically low wages or wages below a country’s national minimum wage, or the provision of products by an unrealistic deadline;
- how to assess the risk of slavery and human trafficking in relation to various aspects of the business, including resources and support available;
- how to identify the signs of slavery and human trafficking;
- what initial steps should be taken if slavery or human trafficking is suspected;
- how to escalate potential slavery or human trafficking issues to the relevant parties within The RWAF;
- what steps The RWAF should take if suppliers or contractors do not implement anti-slavery policies in high-risk scenarios, including their removal from The RWAF’s supply chains.
