Barony Universal Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Introduction
Barony Universal is a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded cosmetics, toiletries and household products worldwide. Barony Universal was founded in 1994. Since then we’ve delivered quality in every aspect of our business underpinned by a competitive offer and rigorous understanding of our markets.
We directly employ over 200 people and also utilise the services of various GLA licenced labour provider at peak production times. All workers are required to provide documentation to prove they are eligible to work in the UK and all suppliers are vetted and approved before use.
The directors of the company are aware of the modern slavery risks and acknowledge responsibility to the modern slavery act 2015 and recognise they have an obligation to prevent slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that people are treated with dignity and respect at all times and we will do all we can within our power to prevent slavery and human trafficking not only in our own business but also throughout our supply chain. We encourage all our suppliers to uphold the principles in this statement and to adopt similar commitments within their businesses.
Slavery and Human Trafficking
As a company we are fully aware of our responsibilities and are guided by a strict set of business policies that are reviewed, agreed and implemented by the Directors as a minimum annually. Company Policies Include; Ethical & Human rights Policy, Whistleblowing Policy, Health & Safety Policy, Prevention of Illegal working Policy, and Anti-Bribery Policy.
As a company we are fully aware of our responsibilities and are guided by a strict set of business policies that are reviewed, agreed and implemented by the Directors as a minimum annually.
Company Policies Include;
• Ethical & Human rights Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Health & Safety Policy
• Prevention of Illegal working Policy
• Anti-Bribery Policy
We aim to act in a socially responsible manner at all times by:
• Respecting the economic, social, cultural, political and civil rights of those involved in our operations.
• Complying with all human rights legislation.
• Developing ethical trading standards and practices.
• Monitor and advise suppliers within existing business practices.
• Educate our staff about Ethical Trading and Human Rights.
• Seek to ensure our products are supplied to the highest technical and ethical standards
• Recognising and reviewing the ETI Base Code and engaging with external audits
• Contributing as active members of SEDEX to ensure visibility of our supply chain
• Demonstrating support the ‘Stronger Together’ campaign.
Due Diligence
Due diligence is an important part of Barony Universal Products commitment to demonstrating accountability and transparency in ensuring that we identify and mitigate the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking not only in our Company but also in our supply chain. Health and Safety as well as Ethical information is requested as part of the supplier vetting programme. We partake in third party SMETA ethical audits and share the results via the SEDEX platform and/or directly with our customers. In addition to utilising the GLA Active Check platform the Company also conducts bi-annual audits of their agency provider, these include one to one worker interviews to ensure that they have a confidential route for raising any concerns. The company has an active workers health and safety committee dedicated to promoting a safe working environment for each employee and we encourage the reporting of concerns and the protection of whistle blowers.
Supply Chain Risk
As we primarily manufacture and market our products ourselves the risks of modern slavery being present in our business is mitigated by the controls we have implemented. The greatest risk comes from 3rd party suppliers of goods and / or services and we have to rely on the information supplied to us in good faith as these operations are outside of our direct control. All suppliers are vetted prior to supply via our approved supplier process.
Training
We actively promote the Stronger Together initiative, key staff have attended external training workshops and share their learnings with other managers in the business. Staff awareness initiatives include the siting of Stronger Together posters in several languages throughout the site.
This statement has been approved by Steven Groden, Managing Director of Barony Universal Products Plc on the 31st May 2023.
This statement will be reviewed and updated annually.
