This statement is made in pursuant to Section 54 (1) Part 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Tolchard’s slavery and human trafficking statement for 2024.
Introduction from the Managing Director
At Tolchards Ltd, we fully embrace the role we must play in eliminating challenging practices as well as respecting human rights across our own operation. All colleagues who work for Tolchards Ltd. benefit from a working environment in which their rights and freedoms are wholly respected and kindness and compassion are demonstrably valued.
We recognise that slavery and human trafficking is a blight on global society and that we all have a responsibility to remain alert to the risks.
Our Business and Organisation Structure
Tolchards Ltd is a drinks distribution company with a portfolio of 5 depots across the country and over 150 employees, serving independent, on trade accounts. We have been in existence for 14 years and currently have a turnover in excess of £50m
All Depots are based within the UK, with the Support Centre and Head Office in Torquay.
Our Policies on Slavery and Human Trafficking
Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, human trafficking and forced labour. Tolchards Ltd is committed to acting ethically and with integrity and transparency in all business dealings. Via a range of measures encompassing the employee life cycle, we have put effective controls and safeguards against any form of modern slavery taking place within our business.
Due Diligence
The organisation undertakes due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers, whilst reviewing our existing suppliers. We ensure this is conducted on our suppliers, and customers by or on behalf of Tolchards limited.
We ensure that all suppliers have the correct registration and certification of VAT, as well as correct identification, before trading. We have also registered on the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS) following new legislation to raise awareness and identifying the risks of illicit trading with our current and new suppliers, as well as being transparent to our customers.
As a company, we have always maintained and continue to support our local communities by recruiting within the local area, minimising the risk of human trafficking and carrying out Right to Work checks with all employees. This is an integral part of our recruitment policy.
Although not completed yet, Tolchards Ltd will require all staff to complete training on modern slavery. Specifically:
- How to identify the signs of slavery and human trafficking
- What initial steps should be taken if slavery or human trafficking is suspected
- Available external advice, guidance and support.
This training will be carried by the HR department throughout 2024 in all Depots and for all employees. By raising awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking we aim to ensure all colleagues are sensitive of any areas that could pose a concern or risk and maintain our commitment to act with integrity and compassion.
This statement was approved by the Board of Directors, 30th December 2023