Introduction
The Velvet Principle is committed to improving its practices to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. This statement sets out The Velvet Principle’s actions to:
- understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and
- put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains.
This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023.
As part of design sector, the organisation recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking.
The Velvet Principle is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
Organisational structure and supply chains
This statement covers the activities of The Velvet Principle:
- The Velvet Principle is a wayfinding, sign design and environmental graphic design consultancy, based in Twickenham West London. We provide design consultancy services to property development companies, commercial businesses, public sector organisations and architects.
- We employ less than 10 people and on occasions will engage one or more people from a small number of independent consultants to fulfil requirements. All the consultants are well known to us and trusted.
- From time to time, we will commission the fabrication of signs, products or graphic prints, on behalf of our clients. In such instances, we will use suppliers from our own network or those recommended by our client. As the quality of The Velvet Principle’s design work depends on the skills, capabilities and attention to quality of the fabricator, we take care in selecting production partners. These relationships have been built up over many years and we will have visited their offices and factories on several occasions to review the production. Companies recommended by clients are likely to have undergone a vetting process to validate their suitability as an approved supplier.
Countries of operation
- All of our work is carried out within the UK. Although most of our projects are also based within the UK, from time to time we do work on overseas projects. To date this has always been as a subcontractor to the architect appointed to the project.
- The architectural practices that we have worked with on such projects are all well-known reputable practices, head-quartered either in the UK or Canada.
- Within the last 3 years these have included projects in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In these instances the contractual relationship has been with the architect rather than directly with the client.
High Risk Activities
We recognise that our biggest potential exposure to Modern Slavery is in the product supply chain. We are committed to minimising this risk by only procuring from suppliers that are known to us and or have been validated by our clients. Prospective suppliers are subject to due diligence checks through the evaluation of polices and practices at tender stage and visits to their factory.
Responsibility
Responsibility for the organisation’s anti-slavery initiatives is as follows:
Policies: although The Velvet Principle is a micro company with Founder Directors actively involved in all day to day activities, we have the following policies and statements in place:
- Equality and diversity
- Health and safety
- Anti‐bribery and corruption
- Environmental sustainability
- Quality assurance
Training: all new employees will be introduced to the company’s policies and procedures as part of their induction process. From time to time these will be revisited to review and update as necessary and to refresh understanding. Specific training related to Modern Slavery will include:
- How to identify the signs of slavery and human trafficking
- What steps should be taken if slavery or human trafficking is suspected
- Seeking guidance via Modern Slavery Helpline.
Actions
- All current employees have received training on the company Modern Slavery Policy
- Supplier appointment procedures have been updated, to ensure compliance with the company’s policy
- Henceforward the appointment process of any potential new sign supplier will be subject to a satisfactory inspection of their factory.
Approval
This statement was approved on 31st May 2023 by The Velvet Principle Managing Director
Sian Kelly
Director, The Velvet Principle