ETHICS: TEAMWORK AND RESPECT

By collaborating with Exceptio, you will benefit from unrivalled quality, fast turnaround and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.  And just as important to us as our commitment to the highest standards of quality control and production, which as Sedex members, with SMETA Pillar 4 factory approval is fully accountable, we set ourselves the highest standards of social and environmental performance. In line with this transparency,  you can follow our supply chain from source to sock.

Exceptio aim to use business as a force for good, making a positive difference to both people and planet, and as modern slavery is an ever-growing problem, we support the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our equal opportunities approach includes

  • we will never abuse or purposely undervalue anyone.

  • we are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.

  • we will always treat all people equally and fairly regardless of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, creed, colour, race, ethnic origin, nationality or disability.

  • we will always relate to people with equal mind.

  • our offices are accessible to individuals with physical disabilities.

All efforts are made to inform all Exceptio’s employees of their responsibilities toward the company’s policy of equal opportunities. Our modern/anti-slavery policy states:

Anti-slavery policy of Exceptio Limited.

The purpose of this policy is to: 

(a)    set out our responsibilities, and of those working for and on our behalf, in observing and upholding our position on modern slavery and human trafficking; and

(b)    provide information to those working for and on our behalf on how to identify and re-port concerns regarding modern slavery and human trafficking. 

Responsibility

Responsibility for Exceptio Ltd anti-slavery initiatives sit ultimately with our MD.

Relevant Policies

Exceptio Limited (known after this as The organisation) operates the following policies that describe its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations.

The organisation encourages all its workers, customers and other business partners to report any concerns related to the direct activities, or the supply chains of, the organisation. This includes any circumstances that may give rise to an enhanced risk of slavery or human trafficking.

• Employee code of conduct;

The organisation’s code makes clear to employees the actions and behaviour expected of them when representing the organisation. The organisation strives to maintain the highest standards of employee conduct and ethical behaviour and managing its supply chain.

• Supplier code of conduct;

The organisation is committed to ensuring that its suppliers adhere to the highest standards of ethics.

Suppliers are required to demonstrate that they provide safe working conditions where necessary, treat workers with dignity and respect, and act ethically and within the law in their use of labour.

• Recruitment/Agency workers policy;

The organisation uses only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labour and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting workers from that agency.

Due Diligence

The organisation undertakes due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers, and regularly reviews its existing suppliers.

Training

The organisation will require all staff within the organisation to complete training on modern slavery.

The organisation’s modern slavery training will cover:

• Our business’s purchasing practices, which influence supply chain conditions, and which should, therefore, be designed to prevent purchases at unrealistically low prices, the use of labour engaged on unrealistically low wages or wages below a country’s national minimum wage, or the provision of products by an unrealistic deadline;

• How to assess the risk of slavery and human trafficking in relation to various aspects of the business, including resources and support available;

• How to identify the signs of slavery and human trafficking;

• What initial steps should be taken if slavery or human trafficking is suspected;

• How to escalate potential slavery or human trafficking issues within the organisation;

• What external help is available, for example through the Modern Slavery Helpline, Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and “Stronger together” initiative;

• What messages, business incentives or guidance can be given to suppliers and other business partners and contractors to implement anti-slavery policies;

• What steps the organisation should take if suppliers or contractors do not implement anti-slavery policies in high-risk scenarios, including their removal from the organisation’s supply chains.

Ethical Trading

Exceptio Ltd are committed to ensuring our suppliers are biding by international ethical trading standards encompassing at least the below statements:

Employment is freely chosen; there is freedom of association with the right to collective bargaining; working conditions are safe and hygienic; no child labour shall be used; the UK minimum living wages are paid with no excessive working hours; no discrimination is practised in any form.

This policy will be reviewed annually.

R. Horsley

Managing Director

(01/04/2024)