Modern Slavery Statement

Introduction

At Ascot Vapes, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and promoting human rights in all aspects of our business. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines our efforts to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our organization and supply chain. We recognize the importance of transparency and accountability in combating these issues and are dedicated to taking the necessary steps to eliminate any form of modern slavery.

Our Organization

Ascot Vapes is an online magazine that provides information, reviews, and resources related to vaping and e-cigarette products. While our organization primarily operates within the digital realm, we understand that modern slavery can exist at various stages of the supply chain, including the production of goods and services we may indirectly benefit from.

Our Policies

We have implemented robust policies and procedures to ensure compliance with anti-slavery and human trafficking laws. These policies include:

·        Supplier Code of Conduct: We expect all our suppliers, contractors, and business partners to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which explicitly prohibits the use of forced labor, child labor, or any other form of modern slavery.

·        Due Diligence:We conduct due diligence on our suppliers to assess their compliance with our Supplier Code of Conduct. This process includes evaluating their labor practices, sourcing policies, and any potential risks related to modern slavery.

·        Employee Awareness and Training:We provide regular training to our employees to raise awareness about modern slavery, its signs, and reporting mechanisms. This empowers our staff to identify and address any concerns related to modern slavery.

·        Whistleblowing Policy:We maintain a confidential whistleblowing policy that encourages employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any suspected instances of modern slavery. We ensure that all reports are treated seriously and promptly investigated.

·        Risk Assessment:We conduct periodic risk assessments to identify areas of potential vulnerability within our supply chain. These assessments enable us to take appropriate actions to mitigate and prevent modern slavery risks.

·        Compliance Monitoring:We continuously monitor our suppliers’ compliance with our ethical standards and may conduct audits, as necessary, to ensure adherence to our policies.

·        Continuous Improvement:We are committed to continuously improving our processes and procedures to combat modern slavery effectively. We collaborate with relevant stakeholders and industry initiatives to share best practices and stay updated on evolving trends and legislation.

Supplier Engagement

We expect our suppliers to uphold the same high standards regarding modern slavery and human rights. As part of our due diligence process, we actively engage with our suppliers to promote transparency and responsible practices throughout the supply chain. We encourage open dialogue and cooperation to address any concerns and ensure that our shared commitment to combating modern slavery is maintained.

Future Steps

We recognize that the fight against modern slavery requires ongoing effort and collaboration. Moving forward, we will:

• Continue to assess and strengthen our policies, procedures, and training programs to effectively prevent and detect modern slavery within our operations and supply chain.
• Expand our engagement with suppliers, encouraging them to implement robust systems and processes to eliminate modern slavery risks.
• Monitor emerging legislation and industry best practices to ensure our policies remain current and aligned with global standards.

Conclusion

Ascot Vapes is unwavering in its commitment to promoting ethical practices and combating modern slavery. We will continue to work diligently to ensure our organization and supply chain are free from any form of modern slavery or human trafficking. By actively engaging with stakeholders and fostering transparency, we aim to contribute to the global effort in eradicating modern slavery and promoting a fair and just society.

This statement is made in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and will be reviewed annually to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance.

Signed,