Modern Slavery Statement 2022-2023
Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative fully supports the government’s objectives to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.
This statement is made on behalf of Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the 'Act'), and constitutes our anti-slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending November 2023
This legislation is a crucially important development in tackling slavery and human trafficking and we will not trade or partner with any business or organisation which is involved in this shocking practice, however remotely or indirectly.
About Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative
We are a UK based retailer with both an online platform and retail spaces in both Scotland and England. We offer bicycles, ebikes and bicycle equipment as well as having workshops for bicycle repairs and servicing. We have a unique structure and a team of around 80 people who genuinely care about our business and its customers.
About our supply chain
We predominantly sources goods from the UK, and we make sure the suppliers we use are protecting workers’ rights. We are committed to ensuring that our supply chains are free of any taint of slavery or trafficking. To ensure this, we are committed to working ethically with integrity and seek to work with those organisations who also want to and can demonstrate they work in that way and share our values.
Our policies on slavery and human trafficking
We are committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business. We have a range of policies in place including anti-bribery, anti-fraud and corruption, whistleblowing, disciplinary procedures, diversity and conflict of interest which reflect our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships. We strive to implement and enforce effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place anywhere in our supply chains. We expect our suppliers and contractors to demonstrate a zero tolerance approach to human exploitation.
Due diligence processes for slavery and human trafficking
As part of our initiative to identify, monitor and mitigate against industry risk, business transaction risk and risk in the countries in which we operate, we have in place policies and systems across our business; our trading partners; and our supply chains to:
- Identify and assess potential risk areas in our supply chains.
- Mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking occurring in our supply chains.
- Monitor potential risk areas in our supply chains.
- Make staff aware of the Modern Slavery Act and inform them of what to do if they suspect there is a case of this.
- Protect whistle blowers.
- Investigate any reports of modern slavery.
As part of our procurement process, we will only engage with suppliers and contractors who confirm their compliance with the Act. We will continue to keep our staff informed and raise awareness of how to recognise and respond to indicators of human rights abuses. We have amended our Employment Handbook to incorporate modern slavery and human trafficking issues, encouraging our employees to report any concerns confidentially.
We will continue to review our policies and procedures to ensure that anti-slavery is at the forefront of our operations.
Alan Nestor
Managing Director
Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative