Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Introduction
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person's liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain. 

Signwaves Ltd has a zero tolerance approach to modern slavery and is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all its business dealings and relationships and will manage and monitor effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in its business or supply chain.

Our Organisation
Signwaves manufacture and print display products for blue-chip brands and retailers, agencies and trade resellers.
We operate from a three acre factory, office and warehouse site in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, supported by a joint-venture manufacturing facility in Dongguan, China

Supply Chain
The majority of our purchases are made from the UK, Turkey and China.  We recognise the complexities in working with an international supply chain and we are committed to working together with our suppliers, customers, regulators and other parties to ensure slavery and human trafficking is absent from our working practices.  

We are members of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex) and work with 3rd party auditors to ensure that we and our suppliers are acting ethically and with integrity in all relationships.

Policies
Signwaves has a number of policies that support and reflect our approach to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
•    Labour and Humans Rights Policy which outlines our internal requirements to meet and maintain compliance with the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) base code.
•    Business Ethics Policy which sets out the values and standards that Signwaves Ltd will be supported and guided by in all aspects of its business activities
•    Whistleblowing Policy which sets out how Signwaves Ltd will support and protect any employee, worker, agency worker, consultant or contractor that makes a disclosure
•    Equal Opportunities Policy which sets out the company’s commitment to treat all employees and job applicants equally and avoid any unlawful discrimination

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence
Assessment of our commercial activities in relation to modern slavery or human trafficking lies with the Board or Directors.  The risk associated with activities undertaken on behalf of the company is considered to be low.  

All suppliers are required to submit a Supplier Questionnaire and further checks, as seen appropriate by the business, are undertaken before being approved to the supply chain.  Copies of our relevant business policies are supplied to each supplier and we actively request information on their own company polices to ensure both parties are aligned in their working practices.

Right to work screening and referencing is undertaken for all potential employees during the recruitment process. 

Suppliers situated in countries that have a greater potential for slavery or trafficking activities, are constantly monitored and where necessary/appropriate, visited to assess factory conditions and working practices.  Findings from such surveillance visits are fed back to the board of directors.

Performance Indicators
There have been no known reports or instances of modern slavery or human trafficking from any source, including employees, customers, suppliers, law enforcement agencies or members of the public.

Training and Communication
This and other supporting policies are shared with all staff through internal communication channels.  Further training, guidance and legislative updates are given to relevant staff as and when required.

Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking must be communicated to all suppliers from the outset 

Compliance
Strict adherence to this statement and any supporting policies are a condition of employment at Signwaves Ltd.  Failure to comply with this policy may lead to disciplinary action or where breaches of the law take place, criminal proceedings against the individual or individuals involved.
Ultimate responsibility for this statement lies with the board of directors.  They will ensure that it is communicated to and understood by all employees.  Day to day implementation of the statement is delegated to Senior Management.
Approval
This statement is approved by the Board of Directors of Signwaves Ltd

Bob Brown
Managing Director
Signwaves Ltd