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Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Introduction

This statement sets out the Company’s actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. As a Company we endeavor to work with a high degree of ethics, accountability, compliance and sustainable practices in the way that we operate.

Our business and structure

This statement covers the activities of DR Wakefield and Co Ltd.  We are a green bean coffee merchant based in the UK which trades globally.  Our business focuses on fair, ethical and sustainable trade and we aim to look after the ethical interests of our suppliers and our customers.

Our Company currently operates from our offices in Southwark, Central London. Although the Company can be viewed as operating in some high-risk countries, we do not consider our activities to be at high risk of slavery or human trafficking because of our close working relationships and knowledge of the organisations that we trade with.  We additionally ask these organisations to confirm their compliance with the relevant legislation and to operate to similar standards as our own.

Our supply chains

We expect our suppliers and contractors to demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach toward exploitation. The majority of our suppliers have a long-standing relationship with us, which gives us trust and confidence in their practices.  We undertake due diligence when we are considering any new suppliers and we regularly review our existing suppliers’ activities.

Relevant policies

The Company has comprehensive policies in place including:

Whistleblowing policy

At DR Wakefield we encourage all of our employees, workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains, of the organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking. The Company’s whistleblowing procedure is designed to make it easy for workers to make disclosures, without fear of retaliation.

Equal opportunities and diversity policies

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in our recruitment and in our employment practices and we are fully committed to the elimination of discrimination which includes both direct and/or indirect discrimination.  As an employer we recognise the value that a diverse workforce can bring to our organisation.

Corporate social responsibility policy

Our Corporate Social Responsibility policy gives details of our work to improve the long-term interests of our stakeholders, be they our suppliers, partners, customers and our employees.  As part of this work we actively support projects in conjunction with this, such as Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance.

Training and awareness

The Directors and employees are aware of the policies detailed above and the Employee Handbook also contains a specific policy on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.  The Company does not currently require its staff to complete formal training on modern slavery.

Board approval

This statement was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, who will review and update it annually.