Voluntary Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2025
Fane Valley Co-Operative Society Limited and its subsidiaries (“Fane Valley”) have voluntarily issued this modern slavery and human trafficking statement in accordance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Modern slavery is a grave crime and a breach of fundamental human rights. At Fane Valley, we are dedicated to ethical conduct and integrity in all our business dealings and relationships. This commitment includes the implementation and enforcement of robust systems and controls to prevent modern slavery within our operations and supply chains.
We are equally committed to maintaining transparency in addressing modern slavery throughout our organisation and supply chains, aligning with our disclosure obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. We expect our contractors, suppliers, and business partners to uphold similarly high standards.
This statement applies to all businesses within the Fane Valley Group.
Our Business
Headquartered in Moira, Northern Ireland, Fane Valley is a forward-thinking agricultural and food processing business. Our activities span animal feed manufacturing, agricultural supplies, agronomy and forage services, porridge oats and breakfast cereals production, integrated production and processing of premium duck products, pullet rearing and egg production, beef drippings and edible offal processing.
Operating across various locations in the UK and Ireland, we maintain long-standing, trusted relationships with suppliers across diverse sectors. We are committed to ensuring that all workers in our supply chains are treated fairly, humanely, and equitably.
By issuing this voluntary statement, we affirm our dedication to ethical trading principles and outline the measures taken to combat modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains.
Employee Rights and Safeguards
Our standard employment contracts clearly define the rights and responsibilities of our employees. We recognise and will respond to instances of trafficking encountered in our operations or supply chains. Key measures include:
• Employees are free to resign with notice, as stipulated in their employment contracts.
• Robust recruitment policies include checks on the eligibility to work in the UK to guard against human trafficking or forced labour.
• Employees are paid at least the national minimum wage, and we comply with all regulations regarding working hours, statutory leave, and rest breaks.
Commitment to Ethical Trading
Our Modern Slavery Policy underscores our commitment to ethical practices and our ongoing efforts to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking in our supply chains. Additional policies promoting ethical and transparent business practices include:
• Anti-Bribery Policy
• Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy
• Harassment & Bullying Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Supplier Policy
We work exclusively with reputable employment agencies that adhere to our anti-slavery and human trafficking standards. New suppliers must comply with these standards as part of their contracts.
Due Diligence and Risk Management
We conduct due diligence by screening suppliers and subcontractors for adherence to ethical labour practices. Anti-slavery provisions are included in supplier contracts, and compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 is mandatory for ongoing partnerships.
Suppliers are periodically contacted to confirm compliance, ensuring that it remains a condition of doing business with Fane Valley.
Measuring Effectiveness
To monitor our progress in preventing slavery and human trafficking, we will track:
• The percentage of suppliers vetted for ethical labour practices.
• The number of reported breaches.
• The percentage of staff trained to identify and address risks of slavery and human trafficking.
Training and Awareness
We will provide training to ensure staff understand the risks associated with modern slavery. New employees are briefed on the Modern Slavery Act 2015 during their induction, and our Anti-Slavery Policy is readily accessible to all staff on The Metacompliance platform and completion of same is mandatory for all employees.
Future Actions
Following a review of this year’s measures, we believe that the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains remains low. Over the next 12 months, we aim to:
• Conduct random audits of top suppliers in Whites Speedicook Limited.
• Train supervisors to identify and report signs of injury or malnourishment in workers.
• Include modern slavery and human trafficking in business risk assessments.
• Incorporate modern slavery clauses in all trading contracts.
• Distribute training via The Metacompliance platform.
• Annually review and update our Modern Slavery Policy.
• Provide progress updates to the Group Board.
This voluntary statement is issued in accordance with section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 for the financial year ending September 2024. It was approved by the Board on December 18, 2024.