Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
We strive to operate to the highest ethical standards in all our work and in our business dealings. We recognise that slavery and human trafficking are significant yet hidden issues. We believe we have a responsibility to be alert to modern slavery and human trafficking risks. This applies both inside our organisation and beyond. This statement gives some background to our organisation and partners.
Overview and structure
Garfield Weston Foundation was established in 1958 by the Weston family. We support a wide range of causes across the UK. In total, we have donated over £1.4 billion to charities, from grassroots local organisations to national institutions. Our board of Trustees govern the Foundation and are highly involved in its work. They bring significant experience and knowledge from the commercial and charitable sectors.
The Foundation owns 79.2% of Wittington Investments Limited (‘Wittington’). Wittington manages investments across a wide range of assets. The largest of these is its holding in Associated British Foods plc (ABF). ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group. Wittington publishes its own modern slavery statement. ABF also publishes its own modern slavery statement on its website.
Supply chain
Our supply chain means the staff and services we have that help the Foundation to operate. We consider the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking within our supply chain to be low. Our supply chain involves very few direct partners, contractors and suppliers. The majority of our supply chain is in the UK and involves small organisations, and individual freelance support. We review and improve our practices to identify human trafficking and slavery, and to remove it as necessary from our supply chain. We act ethically and with integrity in our relationships.
Our approach
We understand the importance of combatting modern slavery and human trafficking. We ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in our organisation or in our supply chain. We also ensure that our monitoring of our businesses and suppliers is proportionate and risk-based. We maintain and improve our policies and processes to avoid any complicity in the violation of human rights. We encourage an open, transparent and collaborative culture. This influences our dealings with everyone we come into contact with. We oppose any form of child labour or practices that impede the development of children. We have a clear whistleblowing policy. All our staff are eligible to work in the UK.