Decker's Modern Slavery Statement: Behind the Brand

In the global effort to combat labor exploitation and human rights violations, adherence to modern slavery statements has become a critical barometer for businesses. This is particularly evident in the context of the UK's Modern Slavery Act 2015, which mandates that organizations with a total annual turnover exceeding £36 million must publish an annual slavery and human trafficking statement. One such company leading by example is Decker, a British footwear retailer.

Modern Slavery & Human Rights Training Course
Modern Slavery & Human Rights Training Course

Decker's modern slavery statement is a testament to the company's commitment to ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency. It provides an in-depth look into Decker's approach to tackling modern slavery, tapping into the company's robust ethical trading program and comprehensive risk assessment processes.

two pictures with different people in front of a store and one has an orange shirt on
two pictures with different people in front of a store and one has an orange shirt on

Decker's Ethical Sourcing Framework

Decker's modern slavery statement underscores the company's commitment to responsible sourcing, with an ethical sourcing framework that guides its vendor selection and engagement processes.

an image of people sitting in front of televisions with the caption,'slaver was never ablished, it was only extended to include everyone
an image of people sitting in front of televisions with the caption,'slaver was never ablished, it was only extended to include everyone

This framework is underpinned by Decker's Code of Conduct, which sets out the company's expectations for its suppliers regarding labor standards, health and safety, environmental management, and business ethics. The statement details how Decker evaluates potential suppliers against this code, ensuring they align with the company's ethical standards.

Supplier Due Diligence

a hand reaching out from the middle of a group of hands in black and white
a hand reaching out from the middle of a group of hands in black and white

Decker's modern slavery statement highlights the company's rigorous due diligence process for new and existing suppliers. This process includes a desktop evaluation, on-site audits, and ongoing monitoring to ensure continued compliance with Decker's ethical standards.

Decker's due diligence process also involves risk assessments, considering factors such as the supplier's location, industry sector, and size. This risk-based approach enables Decker to focus its efforts where they are most needed, ensuring the highest risk areas receive the most attention.

Supplier Training and Capacity Building

27 Million Reasons To Raise Your Voice For Freedom - The Salt Shaker
27 Million Reasons To Raise Your Voice For Freedom - The Salt Shaker

Recognizing that capacity building is key to driving supplier compliance, Decker's modern slavery statement emphasizes the company's commitment to supplier training and education. Decker provides regular training to its suppliers on various topics, including labor standards, health and safety, and business ethics.

This training is tailored to the specific needs and risk profiles of Decker's suppliers, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks within their own operations and supply chains.

Decker's Approach to Remediation and Collaboration

The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim's Point.
The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim's Point.

While Decker's modern slavery statement emphasizes the company's preventative measures, it also highlights the company's approach to managing instances where suppliers may fail to meet the expected labor standards.

In such cases, Decker works collaboratively with its suppliers to identify the root causes of non-compliance and develop remediation plans. This problem-solving approach demonstrates Decker's commitment to driving sustainable change in its supply chains, rather than simply terminating non-compliant relationships.

As the population in developing countries increases rapidly, so does the opportunity to profiteer from vulnerable people due to the lack of jobs and a safe living environment! Corruption in the government today is global and allows this modern slavery to exist and continue without moral consequences to the slave holders and sex traffickers! Developing Country, Critical Thinking, Worth Reading, Stuff To Do, Government, Modern Art, Typography, Human, Feelings
As the population in developing countries increases rapidly, so does the opportunity to profiteer from vulnerable people due to the lack of jobs and a safe living environment! Corruption in the government today is global and allows this modern slavery to exist and continue without moral consequences to the slave holders and sex traffickers! Developing Country, Critical Thinking, Worth Reading, Stuff To Do, Government, Modern Art, Typography, Human, Feelings
Bordode - RT @IJP_Media: Join us, as we co-host the
Bordode - RT @IJP_Media: Join us, as we co-host the
an old newspaper advertisement for the sale of slaves and stock
an old newspaper advertisement for the sale of slaves and stock
two hands reaching out towards the ocean with text on it that reads, on this day in 1897, the slave trade was abolished
two hands reaching out towards the ocean with text on it that reads, on this day in 1897, the slave trade was abolished
an advertisement with the words, in the real world that is called slavely evil
an advertisement with the words, in the real world that is called slavely evil
The UN General Assembly has adopted December 2 as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery to raise awareness of the dangers of slavery, forced labor, child labor, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, as well as to call for an end to modern-day slavery. Forced Labor, General Assembly, International Day, Adoption, Human
The UN General Assembly has adopted December 2 as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery to raise awareness of the dangers of slavery, forced labor, child labor, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, as well as to call for an end to modern-day slavery. Forced Labor, General Assembly, International Day, Adoption, Human
a group of people sitting on top of a wooden floor in front of a ship
a group of people sitting on top of a wooden floor in front of a ship
the silhouette of a man with a box on his neck, against a red and green background
the silhouette of a man with a box on his neck, against a red and green background
decker modern slavery statement
decker modern slavery statement
The Transatlantic Slave Trade | Equal Justice Initiative
The Transatlantic Slave Trade | Equal Justice Initiative

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

Decker's modern slavery statement underscores the importance of collective action in the fight against modern slavery. The company actively participates in multi-stakeholder initiatives and collaborations, such as the Ethical Trading Initiative and the Fashion Industry Charter for Action.

Through these collaborations, Decker shares best practices, identifies opportunities for collective action, and ensures its approach to modern slavery aligns with industry standards and international norms. This commitment to multi-stakeholder engagement is a testament to Decker's commitment to driving systemic change in supply chains.

Transparency and Accountability

Achieving transparency and accountability is integral to effective Modern Slavery Act reporting. Decker's modern slavery statement demonstrates the company's commitment to this principle, providing detailed information on its supply chain, risk assessment processes, and remediation efforts.

Furthermore, Decker's statement is signed by the company's Chief Executive Officer, underscoring the company's commitment to accountability. This high-level sign-off ensures modern slavery risks are given appropriate attention and resources at the most senior levels of the organization.

Decker's modern slavery statement is not merely a compliance document; it is a manifestations of the company's deep commitment to ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency. By shining a light on its robust ethical trading program and comprehensive risk assessment processes, Decker sets a high bar for businesses striving to eliminate modern slavery from their operations and supply chains. It is statements like these that will undoubtedly drive progress in the global fight against modern slavery.

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