Introduction

The Modern Slavery Act 2015, which received Royal Assent on 26th March 2015, was established to combat slavery in the UK, consolidating previous offences related to human trafficking and forced labour.

Modern slavery is a heinous crime and a fundamental violation of human rights, stripping individuals of their freedom, dignity, and autonomy for the benefit of others. It is a global issue affecting millions, including individuals in developed nations, where exploitation persists in various forms. Every business, regardless of size or industry, faces potential exposure to modern slavery within its own operations and supply chain.

At Beards, we maintain a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We are fully committed to eradicating exploitative practices within our business and supply chain. We strongly support the UK government’s mission to eliminate modern slavery and human trafficking and actively engage our suppliers to enhance transparency and accountability across their global networks.

We have taken concrete steps to assess, mitigate, and eliminate modern slavery risks within our business and will continue implementing proactive measures to ensure ethical sourcing and fair labour practices.

Beards Jewellers Policies

Beards uphold a strict framework of policies to identify, prevent, and combat slavery and human trafficking across our operations.

• Encouraging Whistleblowing: Employees, customers, and suppliers are actively encouraged to report any concerns about modern slavery or human trafficking without fear of retaliation. Formal, confidential reporting channels are in place.

• Code of Conduct: Our Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for ethical behaviour and integrity, ensuring that all employees uphold the highest professional and moral standards when representing Beards, both domestically and internationally.

• Supplier Accountability: We hold our suppliers to rigorous ethical standards. Those failing to meet our compliance requirements must demonstrate immediate improvement or face sanctions.

Supplier Commitments

We require all suppliers to attest and confirm that they:

• Fully comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

• Operate with transparency, accountability, and auditable business practices, free from ethical ambiguities.

• Do not engage in any form of forced, compulsory, or slave labour.

• Ensure employees work voluntarily and retain the right to leave employment freely.

• Provide each employee with a written employment contract, including a reasonable notice period for resignation.

• Do not withhold wages or require employees to post deposits or bonds as a condition of employment.

• Do not demand employees surrender passports or work permits as a condition of employment.

Commitment to Compliance

We remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicating modern slavery and ensuring that every individual within our supply chain is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

We, the undersigned, fully comply with the above commitments.

Alexander Rose

Managing Director