Modern Slavery Statement 2024
Stellison Ltd
Introduction
Modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It encompasses slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking, where individuals are coerced or deceived into exploitation for personal or commercial gain. Stellison Ltd is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our business and supply chains.
This statement is made in accordance with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and outlines the steps taken by Stellison Ltd during the financial year April 2023 to March 2024 to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.
Our Business
Stellison Ltd is a family-run electrical retail and distribution business operating across multiple locations in the UK. Established for several decades, we are proud to be a trusted part of our local communities, offering a wide range of electrical goods and services to both retail and trade customers.
We operate through a network of stores supported by centralized warehousing and logistics, working with a range of suppliers and service providers to deliver quality products and customer service. All staff are directly employed by Stellison Ltd and are based across our retail branches, distribution centres, and head office functions, including finance, IT, HR, marketing, logistics, and purchasing.
Our Supply Chain
Stellison Ltd sources a variety of electrical goods and related services from a broad network of suppliers. These suppliers include UK-based and international companies, many of which are part of large multinational organisations. While we do not directly visit every factory within our supply chain, we do engage regularly with our suppliers’ UK offices and international headquarters to ensure ethical standards are upheld.
We expect all our suppliers to comply with the principles of the Modern Slavery Act and to maintain high standards of ethical conduct.
Our Policies and Approach to Modern Slavery
Stellison Ltd is committed to ensuring there is no modern slavery or human trafficking within our business or supply chain. We promote a culture of integrity, respect, and accountability through a number of internal policies, including:
- Code of Conduct
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Anti-Harassment Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Professional Conduct Standards
- Business Gifts and Hospitality Policy
All employees receive a digital copy of our Employee Handbook upon joining, which includes these policies and is reviewed periodically. We also provide mandatory annual training in areas including Modern Slavery Awareness, Equality and Diversity, and Anti-Bribery.
Our Whistleblowing Policy offers a confidential mechanism for employees to report concerns, including any suspicions of modern slavery or unethical behaviour.
Due Diligence and Risk Mitigation
Stellison Ltd implements the following measures to mitigate the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains:
- A structured recruitment process that verifies the right to work in the UK and uses only reputable recruitment agencies.
- Regular training on modern slavery and related topics for all staff.
- Participation in international initiatives that promote responsible sourcing practices through our membership in the Euronics buying group.
Improvements During the Year
During the 2023–2024 financial year, Stellison Ltd made the following improvements:
- Delivered Corporate Criminal Offence training to directors and key staff.
- Began developing a supplier code of conduct aligned with international best practice, to be rolled out in the coming year.
Monitoring and Performance Indicators
Stellison Ltd measures its effectiveness in preventing modern slavery through:
- Monitoring completion rates of mandatory staff training and reporting statistics to senior management.
- Reviewing supplier compliance with our due diligence process and ethical standards.
- Investigating all reported concerns, taking appropriate remedial action, and updating relevant policies where needed.
- Ensuring directors complete annual eLearning modules on Modern Slavery, Anti-Bribery, Equality and Diversity, and Whistleblowing.
- Conducting an annual review of this statement by the Board of Directors to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
Board Approval
This Modern Slavery Statement was reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of Stellison Ltd on 30 April 2024.
Signed,
Steve Scogings
Managing Director
Stellison Ltd
