About the Statement:
This statement has been produced in accordance with the UK Modem Slavery Act 2015, which requires businesses to disclose the steps they are taking to tackle slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking
(together known as modern slavery). It covers the six areas outlined in the Home Office guidance:
Organisation structure and supply chains.
Policies in relation to slavery and human trafficking.
Due diligence processes.
Risk assessment and management.
Key Performance Indicators to measure the effectiveness of steps being taken.
Training on modern slavery and trafficking.
This statement details the steps taken by MDM Timber Ltd to prevent modern slavery within MDM Timber Ltd and supply chains. The information included in the statement refers to the financial year ending 30th April 2024.
Organisation structure and supply chains
MDM Timber Ltd. Is an independent Timber and Panel Products Importer and wholesaler based in Basildon, Essex, United Kingdom and is controlled by a board of Directors.
The labour supplied to MDM Timber Ltd. in pursuance of its operation is carried out in Basildon, United Kingdom. Responsibility for modern slavery and ethical sourcing is established at board level.
MDM Timber Ltd sells timber products originating from Europe, New Zealand, Asia and South America.
Policies in relation to slavery and human trafficking
MDM Timber Ltd policies are approved by the board and are reviewed and updated annually. These include the Supplier Code of Conduct, Human Rights Policy, Employee Code of Conduct which includes a section on modem slavery and human trafficking, Whistleblowing Policy and Health and Safety Policy.
Due diligence processes
All supply chains are fully mapped to assess the geographical risks of modern slavery and human trafficking using the Walk free Global Slavery Index.
Suppliers are checked to ensure they have current third party certification from recognised third party chain of custody schemes
(Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Suppliers must sign and adhere to the Supplier Code of Conduct.
There are procedures in place which allow employees and those external to our business to anonymously reports any concerns.
Risk assessment and management
We have identified a low risk of modern slavery occurring in our business operations and among our direct employees. UK employees are protected by robust employment laws as well as our own employment policy and practices.
The greatest risk of modern slavery lies within our supply chain rather than within the UK business. Moreover, the most significant human rights concerns often do not stem from our direct suppliers, but from further down the supply chain.
To ensure transparency in its supply chain, MDM Timber Ltd utilises internationally recognized third-party audited chain of custody schemes, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Ce1iification (PEFC).
Key Performance Indicators to measure the effectiveness of steps being taken
Key performance indicators include the following:
Percentage of suppliers signed and acknowledged the Supplier Code of Conduct
Employees Modern Slavery training completion rate
Number of reports received by grievance channels
Time taken to address reported issues
Percentage of supply chains fully mapped in higher risk countries
Annual reviews and updates of modern slavery risks
Annual review and updates of modern slavery policy
Training on modern slavery and trafficking
Mandatory modern slavery training is provided to all employees detailing the modern slavery red flags colleagues should remain alert to and how to report concerns. A Code of Conduct is as been issued to all UK colleagues which includes a section on modern slavery.
This statement is made in pursuance of Section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and will be reviewed for each financial year.