Bankside Flowers Modern Slavery Statement

Introduction

Bankside Flowers, as a longstanding florist trusted by households and businesses across Bankside, recognises its ethical responsibility to combat modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines the measures and policies we have implemented to ensure that modern slavery does not take place within our operations or our wider supply chains. Our commitment extends to all areas of the business, underlining our dedication to ethical practices and respect for human rights.

Our Zero Tolerance Policy

We have adopted a strict zero tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to all areas of our business and supply chains. All employees, suppliers, contractors, and business partners are expected to uphold this principle, and we ensure that our standards are made clear at every stage of engagement. Breaches of this policy are treated with the utmost seriousness and may result in immediate termination of contracts or employment, as appropriate.

Supplier Due Diligence

Bankside Flowers sources high-quality flowers and associated products from a range of suppliers. We conduct thorough due diligence on all suppliers, including risk assessments and vetting processes aimed at identifying and mitigating any risks related to modern slavery. Our supplier onboarding requires clear evidence of compliance with all relevant labour laws and ethical sourcing standards. We engage only with supply partners who share and demonstrate our commitment to eradicating forced labour and exploitative practices. Where appropriate, we seek written assurances of their adherence to anti-slavery principles.

Staff Training and Awareness

All Bankside Flowers staff receive regular training on modern slavery and human trafficking. Training programmes are designed to raise awareness of the signs and risks, and to ensure staff understand how to escalate concerns. Our aim is for every employee, from shop floor to management, to be equipped to identify and report suspicious activity, both within our operations and across our supply chains. Training materials are reviewed and updated annually to reflect the latest best practices and legal developments.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We actively encourage employees and other stakeholders to report any concerns related to modern slavery, whether observed within Bankside Flowers or among our suppliers. Confidential reporting channels have been established to allow individuals to raise concerns securely and without fear of reprisal. All reports are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by designated team members. We emphasise a culture of transparency, trust, and protection for whistleblowers.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated annually to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness. We assess both our internal procedures and the external landscape to identify areas for further improvement. Where needed, we set new objectives and take proactive steps to strengthen our systems and practices against modern slavery. Feedback from staff, customers, and stakeholders informs our reviews and advances our commitment year on year.

Our Responsibility as a Bankside Florist

Bankside Flowers is proud to serve the local community, supplying homes and businesses with beautiful, ethically-sourced flowers. We see our anti-slavery efforts as integral to our role as a trusted local business. By setting and upholding high ethical standards, we seek to add meaningful value—not only through our products but also through our positive impact on people and society. We will continue to take a proactive and transparent approach in preventing modern slavery, supporting human rights, and acting responsibly in all aspects of our business.