Introduction

Blackdown Signs is committed to a zero-tolerance policy towards slavery and human trafficking in any form. We conduct regular due diligence across all our suppliers, both new and existing, and maintain stringent policies regarding our recruitment and management of all permanent and temporary staff. This statement elaborates on our business practices and the measures we undertake to combat modern slavery.

About Blackdown Signs

Founded in the UK, Blackdown Signs has established itself as a premier sign manufacturing company, offering a diverse range of signage solutions for various sectors. Our dedication to quality and ethical practices has contributed to our growth within the industry. As a responsible employer, we strive to provide fulfilling career opportunities and a supportive working environment for our employees.

Our Business Operations

At Blackdown Signs, we specialise in the design, production, and installation of high-quality signage solutions. Our operations prioritise sustainable practices and adherence to legal standards, ensuring that we remain a responsible member of the community. While our primary focus is on the UK market, we continually seek to enhance our supply chain and service delivery, all while ensuring that our partnerships meet the ethical standards we uphold.

Our Supply Chains

Our supply chain encompasses various categories including materials procurement, printing services, technical support, and logistics. We engage with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical labour practices and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. As we expand our relationships, we conduct thorough assessments and site visits when necessary, ensuring the integrity of our supply chain remains uncompromised.

Our Approach to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Blackdown Signs maintains a firm stance against modern slavery and human trafficking. We require all suppliers, regardless of their location, to agree contractually to audits and to comply with local laws pertaining to slavery and trafficking. This commitment helps ensure there is no ambiguity regarding the standards we expect from our supply chain.

As we integrate and align our policies with new suppliers, particularly those arising from collaborations or acquisitions, we are recommitted to due diligence processes that emphasize these ethical expectations.

Our Policies on Slavery and Human Trafficking

Modern slavery, which includes servitude and human trafficking, is a critical global issue that can also affect the UK. At Blackdown Signs, we encourage our employees to voice any concerns through our whistleblowing policy, which ensures confidentiality and anonymity. Every report will be thoroughly investigated, and necessary action will be taken.

Our Compliance Team is responsible for maintaining our policies, which are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain effective. Management is expected to promptly address any concerns reported and to take appropriate actions. We also commit to supporting our customers in complying with their obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

The Blackdown Signs Modern Slavery Policy reflects our dedication to ethical practices in all business relationships, with clear systems in place to prevent slavery and human trafficking throughout our supply chain. All suppliers must adhere to our Subcontractor and Supplier Code of Conduct, which explicitly outlines these expectations.

Due Diligence Processes for Slavery and Human Trafficking

Our supplier management and Compliance functions undertake a governance role at both operational and leadership levels to address modern slavery risks. This structure facilitates the identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential risks in our supply chain, while ensuring ongoing monitoring and compliance with our policies.

Recognizing the complexities of supply chains, we strive to comprehend the entirety of our supply chain, including the sourcing of raw materials. This includes a meticulous review of suppliers’ policies, records, and their own due diligence processes to confirm compliance.

All suppliers are required to inform us immediately upon recognizing any signs of slavery or human trafficking in their operations or supply chains, fostering a collaborative approach to resolving issues. Any supplier found in breach of these commitments will face corrective actions, which may include the termination of contracts.

Supplier Adherence to Our Values and Ethics

Blackdown Signs has published a Code of Conduct accessible to all suppliers and subcontractors. Acceptance of orders from us requires a contractual commitment to comply with this Code, which addresses modern slavery, ethical business conduct, and environmental responsibility.

Training

We ensure all our staff are aware of significant changes to our policies, including our position on modern slavery. Our recruitment processes are designed to inform new employees about these policies and to offer fair employment packages. We provide ongoing training and updates related to the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking, aligning with regulatory developments, including the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Our Effectiveness in Combatting Slavery and Human Trafficking

Blackdown Signs employs Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of our measures against modern slavery in our operations and supply chain. These KPIs include the number of suppliers contacted, compliance with our contract terms, and reported incidents of concerns through various channels.

Next Steps

The directors of Blackdown Signs bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy. This statement highlights our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all their forms. As our company continues to grow, we remain dedicated to refining our practices and championing ethical conduct throughout our operations.

This statement is made in accordance with Section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and outlines Blackdown Signs’ commitment for the financial year ending 2024. It has been approved by the Senior Leadership Team of Blackdown Signs.