Modern Slavery Statement – Lee Florist

Our Zero Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

At Lee Florist, we are dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards in every aspect of our business. As a trusted florist serving both households and businesses in our community, we firmly oppose all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation. We maintain a strict zero tolerance policy for any activities that compromise human rights or dignity. Our team, suppliers, and all those connected to our operations are expected to share and uphold these values.

Supplier Due Diligence

The floral sector operates within a diverse and complex supply chain. Lee Florist recognises the potential risks involved, especially in the sourcing of flowers, accessories, and packaging. To mitigate these risks, we conduct thorough due diligence checks on all our suppliers. We seek transparency regarding their operations, ensuring they comply with applicable anti-slavery and human trafficking laws. Our vetting process includes questionnaires, requests for information about employment practices, and, where necessary, site visits.

We reserve the right to terminate business relationships with any supplier found to be in breach of our modern slavery policy or who fails to address any concerns raised during our checks. By fostering open and honest relationships throughout our supply chain, we remain vigilant for any signs of unethical practices and swiftly act to address issues as they arise.

Staff Awareness and Training

Our employees are central to our commitment to combating modern slavery. All staff members, from management to delivery personnel, receive ongoing training on identifying the signs of modern slavery and understanding the relevant laws and company policies. Training materials and workshops are regularly updated to reflect best practices and legislative changes, ensuring our team remains informed and empowered to act responsibly. The aim is to create an environment where every individual feels confident to identify, prevent, and report any concerns without hesitation.

Reporting Channels

We provide clear and accessible channels for employees, suppliers, and third parties to raise concerns in confidence. We encourage the reporting of any suspicions related to modern slavery, knowing that such concerns will be treated seriously and investigated thoroughly. Employees can share information through established internal processes, while suppliers and external partners are made aware of our policy and their role in upholding our standards. There are no reprisals for reporting suspected wrongdoing in good faith.

Annual Review and Ongoing Commitment

This Modern Slavery Statement is subject to annual review to ensure our practices remain robust, effective, and aligned with current legal requirements. We measure the effectiveness of our anti-slavery procedures, adapting and strengthening our approach year-on-year. Feedback from staff, audits of suppliers, and outcomes from our reporting mechanisms inform these reviews.

Our Responsibility as a Local Florist

As a longstanding Lee florist, our reputation has been built on trust, integrity, and care for our customers and our community. Our firm stance against modern slavery reflects not only our legal responsibilities but also our ethical obligations as a local business. We are committed to upholding the rights of every individual involved in our operations and supply chain and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure our business remains free from exploitation and wholly dedicated to fair, dignified, and safe working conditions for all.