Modern Slavery Statement

 

This statement was approved by the Board of Rodanto Ltd on 03/03/2025 and is published voluntarily in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It outlines the steps we have taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains during the financial year ending September 2024.

Rodanto Ltd

Established in 1953, Rodanto Ltd is a supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables, including soft fruits, lettuce, broccoli, courgettes, cucumbers, and peppers. Based in Sidcup, we
operate across the UK as an LTD Company, managed via a Chairman & joint managing directors.

We have a directly employed workforce of approximately 33, comprising managerial and professional staff, as well as skilled trades.

Supply Chain

Our operations include a raspberry farm in Kent, UK and commercial entities in Spain.

We source raw materials globally, primarily from Europe, Morocco, Egypt & South Africa, where we maintain a joint venture with local growers. Our direct supply chain is project-driven and typically comprises several suppliers per project, including providers of Fresh goods, raw materials, including packaging and other materials.

Subcontractors and suppliers appointed via our clients’ established frameworks include suppliers of produce and subcontractors providing materials and services such as machinery for packing and warehousing.

Policies

Rodanto Ltd is committed to eradicating any form of modern slavery within our business and supply chains. Our policies include:

  • Supplier Code of Conduct: All suppliers must adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which includes compliance with the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code and registration with SEDEX. Suppliers identified as high-risk are required to undertake independent third-party SMETA audits.
  • Recruitment Practices: We ensure that all our labour providers possess a Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) licence and comply with the provisions of the Gangmasters Licensing Act 2004. This focus addresses the risks of labour exploitation, especially in light of Brexit.
  • Training and Awareness: We provide regular training sessions for employees and managers on modern slavery risks, indicators of forced labour, and reporting mechanisms. This includes distributing multi-language Stronger Together leaflets and conducting paid induction training on hidden labour exploitation.

Due Diligence Processes

As part of our supplier approval process, we ensure that our suppliers adhere to the requirements of the ETI Base Code, are registered with SEDEX, and, where risk assessments identify, undertake independent third-party SMETA audits. Our Technical Managers regularly visit suppliers throughout the year, adopting a proactive approach to identifying potential indicators of labour issues.

Identification and Mitigation of Supply Chain Risks

We conduct regular risk assessments to identify and prioritize potential risks in our supply chain. This includes mapping operations to list all sites where workers are deployed and identifying risks in labour recruitment, including second-tier labour providers and sourcing agents. Upon identifying risks, we develop action plans and engage with suppliers to address and mitigate these issues. Our incident reporting and investigation procedures ensure that any concerns are promptly addressed, with cases escalated to relevant authorities as necessary.

Performance Indicators

To measure the effectiveness of our policies and procedures in combating modern slavery, we monitor the following key performance indicators (KPIs):

  • Number of suppliers audited annually.
  • Percentage of workers trained on modern slavery awareness.
  • Number of reported incidents related to modern slavery and the outcomes of investigations.
  • Compliance levels of suppliers with our Supplier Code of Conduct.

Training and Capacity Building

We are committed to enhancing the skills and knowledge of our workforce to identify and address modern slavery risks. Our training initiatives include:

  • Employee Training: All staff receive training on modern slavery risks, indicators of forced labour, and reporting mechanisms during induction and through regular refresher courses.
  • Supplier Engagement: We work closely with our suppliers to raise awareness of modern slavery issues and encourage them to implement similar training programs within their organisations.
  • Collaboration with External Organisations: We engage with professional bodies, charities, and NGOs, such as the ETI, SIZA, SEDEX, Stronger Together, GLAA, Spanish Ethical Forum, and Human Rights Watch, to stay informed about current trends and best practices in combating modern slavery.

Approval

This statement has been approved by Manging Director of Rodanto Ltd and is effective from the date below.

Edward Velasco

Managing Director

Date: 03/03/2025

Note: This statement should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness in combating modern slavery within Rodanto Ltd and its supply chains.