Organisation
This statement applies to Robinson Young (referred to in this statement as ‘the Company’). The information included in the statement refers to the financial year 1st April 2025 – 31st March 2026, affirming our commitment to ethical practices and safeguarding against modern slavery.
Definitions
The Company considers that modern slavery encompasses:
- Human trafficking;
- Forced work, through mental or physical threat;
- Being owned or controlled by an employer through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse;
- Being dehumanised, treated as a commodity or being bought or sold as property;
- Being physically constrained or to have restriction placed on freedom of movement.
Commitment
The Company acknowledges its responsibilities in relation to tackling modern slavery and commits to complying with the provisions in the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The Company understands that this requires an ongoing review of both its internal practices in relation to its labour force and, additionally, its supply chains.
The Company does not enter into business with any other organisation, in the United Kingdom or abroad, which knowingly supports or is found to involve itself in slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.
This statement applies to all employees, workers, contractors, agency staff, and third parties working for or on behalf of Robinson Young in the UK and overseas. It also applies to all suppliers, service providers, and partners within our global supply chain.
Organisational Structure
Robinson Young is a UK (based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk) specialist distributor of non-food FMCG products, offering cost-effective sales, marketing, and distribution services for both branded and private label goods to various retail channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers. We are members of SEDEX and hold relevant accreditations, including a WDA(H) for MHRA products.
The Company is controlled by a Board of Directors.
Supply Chain
Our global sourcing includes regions such as Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America, with an awareness of the potential risks of modern slavery in certain sectors.
Due Diligence Processes
The Company carries out due diligence processes in relation to ensuring slavery and/or human trafficking does not take place in its organisation or supply chains, including conducting a review of the controls of its suppliers.
- All new suppliers must complete a Supplier Audit Questionnaire (SAQ) on labour practices and ethical standards, renewed every 3 years or sooner if changes occur.
- Risk-based assessments are conducted based on geography, industry, and previous audit findings.
- We may request evidence of modern slavery policies, third-party audits, or ethical sourcing certifications, utilising the SEDEX database to check suppliers’ compliance and labour standards.
Recruitment and Employment Practices
We ensure that:
- All staff are employed in accordance with UK employment law
- No recruitment fees are charged to workers
- Right-To-Work checks are carried out for all employees
- Employees are provided with written contracts in a language they understand
- No worker is subject to intimidation, coercion, or threats related to their employment.
We work only with reputable labour providers and verify their compliance with UK labour standards.
Assessing and Managing Risk
In general, the Company considers its exposure to slavery/human trafficking to be relatively limited. Nonetheless, it has taken steps to ensure that such practices do not take place in its business nor the business of any organisation that supplies goods and/or services to it.
Training and Awareness
All relevant staff, particularly those involved in Quality Control, Supply Chain and Warehouse, receive training to understand the risks associated with modern slavery and how to identify and report concerns.
As well as highlighting risks to employees, the Company has raised awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking issues by;
- Displaying posters in key staffing areas around the company premises which highlights how employees can raise concerns.
- Employees participate on Webinars and on-line training relating to modern slavery and human trafficking.
Steps
The Company has not, to its knowledge, conducted any business with another organisation which has been found to have involved itself with modern slavery.
In accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Company has taken the following steps to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place:
- Conducting all business relationships ethically and with integrity
- Assessing modern slavery risks in our supply chain and operations
- Taking appropriate steps to mitigate identified risks
- Engaging with suppliers to promote fair and safe working conditions
- Ensuring that our procurement practices do not contribute to modern slavery
- Raising awareness and training our staff to recognise and report concerns
- Complying with all applicable legislation including the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Reporting Concerns
Employees, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to report any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical practices in our operations or supply chain.
- Line Managers
- HR or Compliance Officer
All reports will be treated seriously, investigated thoroughly, and addressed promptly. The Company undertakes that no employee who makes a report under this procedure will be subjected to any detriment as a result.
Employee Assistance Programme
We recognise that sometimes you may face certain challenges in your work and home life that are difficult to deal with. We subscribe to a confidential and professional life management service that provides you with a qualified counsellor who can offer personal support for any practical or emotional challenges you may be facing.
This service is totally confidential and can be accessed online www.healthassured.org/your-eap/ or by telephone 0800 047 4097.
Further details of this service are available from your Line Manager or HR.
Review and Approval
The Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated annually.
This statement was reviewed and approved by the Company Managing Director, Kevin Sperling on 18th November 2025.
Managing Director Name: Kevin Sperling
Date: 18/11/2025
Managing Directors Signature:
