Modern Slavery Act
Slavery & human trafficking statement
This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, ‘Transparency in the Supply Chains’. The statement will be reviewed and updated annually. Each statement will be approved by the Board of Directors. This statement relates to our financial year 2018/19; year ending 23 February 2019. Footasylum ltd is a nationwide retailer with over 60 stores and web presence with other fascias inclusive of the business. Our supply chain entails the purchasing of goods for sale to our consumer, and goods and services that support the operation of our stores, offices and warehouse units. Referring specifically to products purchased for resale, there are numerous levels of suppliers and manufacturers throughout the production and purchase process. Footasylum ltd takes an active role in policing compliance in this area. Last year the business identified a number of risk indicators and detailed how it would address those areas for concern. The approach included:
- Establishing a new ‘Supplier Agreement and Code of Conduct’ for our goods and service suppliers which all existing and new suppliers are required to sign and adhere to. Copies of which are stored at Head Office.
- Establishing a new Compliance Code of Conduct which is aligned to the ETI Base Code. This Policy details our commitment as a business and our expectations of the suppliers that we work with.
- Guidance and training provided to all relevant personnel with regard to identifying potential risks during supplier visits and appropriate escalation processes.
This year, following on from the above, Footasylum ltd is working to improve the transparency lower down the supply chain and with support of a new Supplier Manual will aim to ensure that any manufacturers who sub contract work on behalf of the business also comply with our Code of Conduct and Ethical Sourcing Policies. The business aims to conduct due diligence visits attended by both internal employees and external auditors to determine the compliance of suppliers and manufacturers.
This year following on from the above Footasylum has worked to continually improve the transparency lower down the Supply Chain and has improved our ethical sourcing policy with the implementation of our new Supplier Agreement and Code of Conduct which aligns with the ETI Base Code to ensure our direct suppliers and any sub-contractors are fully aware of the high standards of compliance that Footasylum expects from all suppliers who produce our products. The business conducts regular due diligence visits by internal employees and also receives compliance audit reports from internationally recognised auditing companies to ensure the compliance of our manufacturers.
To date, Footasylum ltd has not been informed of any incidents of slavery or human trafficking however will investigate thoroughly and take the appropriate action as per our supplier terms of contract.
In conclusion, Footasylum ltd is committed to continually assessing slavery and human trafficking via internal and external auditing, both in the workplace, and externally through our supply chain and in all cases will address any incidents identified.
Barry Bown
Executive Chairman
31 May 2020