Ethics
Our social and ethical policy
We only source products from suppliers and manufacturers who can demonstrate a responsible attitude to the environment, the conditions and welfare of their workforce and compliance with international and local laws. To ensure this, all factories selected to work with us are independently audited in-line with the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) code of conduct.
Our ongoing audit programme uses a grading system to highlight where a supplier needs development and in which specific areas. This is always followed up with a bespoke corrective action plan, which we manage and support. This enables us to help address and resolve any issues by working directly with the supplier or factory in a way that’s easily implemented. We’ll follow progress at every stage to ensure that suppliers’ standards, policies and procedures are acceptable to all parties.
We even audit our auditors…
We insist on using suitably qualified companies auditors certified as ISO 9000:2000 Lead Auditors to conduct every audit. Our principle audit company is also an Associate Auditor Group member of Sedex. A combination of this auditing program and additional policy development with the individual suppliers enables us to prevent the employment and exploitation of young people. To complement it, and ensure ongoing compliance from our supply base, we employ additional unannounced audits using Far East based team members trained in factory audit techniques.