Modern Slavery Policy

Modern Slavery Policy

Introduction

At Azure Outdoor Living Limited trading as Gozo Living, we are committed to upholding ethical practices across all aspects of our business. We acknowledge our responsibility to combat modern slavery and human trafficking, both within our organisation and throughout our supply chain. This policy outlines our zero-tolerance approach to these issues and the measures we take to prevent them.

1. Understanding Modern Slavery

Modern slavery encompasses:

• Slavery and servitude: Situations where individuals are treated as property and forced to work without consent.
• Forced and compulsory labour: Work performed under threat or coercion.
• Human trafficking: The exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for labour or services.

These practices constitute severe violations of fundamental human rights, and we are dedicated to ensuring they do not occur within our organisation or supply chain.

2. Our Commitment to Ethical Practices

We are committed to:

• Conducting business with integrity, fairness, and compliance with applicable laws.
• Preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains.
• Promoting a safe, fair, and ethical working environment.

3. Our Approach

Supply Chain Management

• Due Diligence:
  We conduct thorough assessments of potential suppliers to ensure they comply with our ethical standards and legal obligations.
• Supplier Agreements:
  Contracts with suppliers include clauses requiring adherence to anti-slavery policies.
• Audits and Assessments:
  Regular audits and evaluations are carried out to monitor supplier compliance and identify risks within the supply chain.

Employee Awareness and Training

• Transparency and Openness:
  We cultivate a culture where employees can raise concerns about modern slavery without fear of retaliation.
• Training Programmes:
  All employees receive training to recognise and report signs of modern slavery, ensuring awareness throughout the organisation.

Policies and Procedures

• Code of Conduct:
  Our Code of Conduct explicitly states our zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking.
• Whistleblowing Policy:
  We encourage employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns about modern slavery through our whistleblowing channels, which ensure confidentiality and protection from reprisal.

Continuous Improvement

• Policy Updates:
  We regularly review and enhance our policies to align with evolving laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Industry Engagement:
  We participate in industry initiatives and collaborate with organisations to strengthen efforts to eradicate modern slavery.

4. Our People

Our recruitment process is designed to promote ethical employment practices:

• We prioritise internal promotions and partner exclusively with reputable recruitment agencies with whom we maintain long-standing relationships.
• All recruitment activities are conducted at our headquarters in Dereham, adhering to rigorous standards to prevent exploitation.

5. Transparency and Accountability

We are committed to transparency in our efforts to combat modern slavery:

• Reporting:
  We openly communicate our initiatives and progress in addressing modern slavery risks.
• Safe Working Environment:
  By fostering a secure and fair workplace, we aim to positively impact our employees, partners, and the wider community.

6. Monitoring and Enforcement

We are resolute in enforcing this policy:

• Non-compliance with our anti-slavery standards by suppliers or partners will result in immediate action, which may include termination of contracts.
• Internally, any violations of our policies will be met with disciplinary measures.

7. Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and up-to-date with legal requirements and best practices.

Contact Information

If you have concerns regarding modern slavery within our operations or supply chain, please contact us:

• Email: accounts@gozoliving.co.uk
• Phone: 01362 470771
• Address:
  Azure Outdoor Living Limited Trading as Gozo Living
  Unit 6 Astra Court, Greens Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 3TR

We are committed to working collaboratively to eliminate modern slavery and uphold ethical standards in every area of our business. Thank you for supporting our mission to ensure a safe and fair working environment for all.