Trutex Modern Slavery Statement

As a responsible and ethical business, Trutex has a zero-tolerance approach to all types of modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains. We are members of SEDEX and actively endorse and adopt all base codes within the ETI structure and monitor this though regular auditing (SMETA, BSCI & by Trutex staff) and by working with all suppliers within our supply chain to ensure standards are maintained.

This statement has been published in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act (2015). It provides information on our activities and commitments to prevent modern slavery in our business operation and supply chains.

Trutex Supply Chain

Trutex is committed to establishing long term partnerships with it's suppliers. Long term manufacturing relationships result in reliable supply and consistency of product quality. Trutex manufactures garments in 21 (Tier 1*) factories globally, centred in six key manufacturing locations: Bangladesh, China, Indonedia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and UK.

We focus on having long term relationships with the factories that manufacture Trutex products on our behalf and work cooperatively with local management teams to understand the changing dynamics of each local market. Trutex monitors via our local office the cost of living, minimum wage, local regulations, and the local market infrastructure.

No sub-contracting of production is allowed at any time, unless expressly requested in advance and approved by Trutex following a detailed review process. Any sub-contracted factory is subject to all the same standards and approvals as any tier one factory. Trutex staff visits and goes through authorisation of sub-contracting and annual independent audits.

Professional Affiliations and Associations

ETI Membership

Trutex are proud to be a foundation stage member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for worker’s rights around the globe.

 

 

SEDEX Membership

One of the world’s leading ethical trade service providers, working to improve working conditions in global supply chains.

 

Slave Free Alliance Membership

A leading global charity working towards a slave-free supply chain.

Schoolwear Associaton Membership

A trade organisation representing the interests of school uniform
stakeholders.

Trutex Policies and Code of Conduct

Ethical Statement

Trutex are committed to Corporate and Social Responsibility and, as part of this, have an ethical sourcing strategy ensuring each factory meets all aspects of ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) base code.

As a member of the Sleve Free Aliance, Sedex Organisation and Foundation member of the ETI Trutex is focused on continuous improvement within the supply chain.

Adherence to the ETI base code throughout our supply chain is monitored through our Sedex data monitoring and third party SMETA ethical auditing of suppliers. This is supported by our head office and local in-country offices, ensuring ensure standards are met and opportunities for improvement identified.

Trutex manages a range of initiatives to help us act responsibly and align our operations to our business aims, where we seek to:

  • Act in an ethical manner
  • Develop long term positive relationships with suppliers
  • Be responsible for our impact on the environment
  • Deliver value to our customers
  • Take care of our employees
  • Support charitable initiatives and community projects.
  • Raise awareness and educate

As a foundation member, Trutex is working on developing tranining and support toolkits for our in-country offices and partner suppliers.

Supplier/Buyer Code of Conduct

Our suppliers are contracted to abide by our supplier code of conduct, which is in line with International Labour Organisation Conventions and the ETI Base Code.  Ensuring that we work with only compliant suppliers.

All Tier 1 suppliers have been issued with copies of our current code of conduct and these requirements form part of the annual supplier manufacturing agreement.

Whistle Blowing Policy

In the UK, we conduct right to work checks and have an up-to-date whistle-blowing policy and process whereby employees can raise any concerns they may have in total confidence. The whistleblowing policy is published within the employee handbook on a mandatory read basis.

Cotton Policy

Consistent with our commitment to ensure that the people making our products are treated with dignity and respect and work in safe and healthy conditions.

Trutex works with our suppliers to trace the sources of cotton fibres and where appropriate we seek documentary evidence to support the transparency of our supply routes. All relevant tier 1 and tier 2 factories have received our cotton policy and provided assurances through a self-certification process.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy

All personnel, agents and clients of Trutex Ltd must comply strictly and in good faith within the letter and spirit of all applicable laws and regulations in any location in which Trutex transacts business. We consider compliance with anti-bribery laws to be more than a legal requirement; compliance is also a reflection of how Trutex’s company values are embedded.

Our anti bribery and corruption policy is issued to all staff. The policy is issued to all Tier 1 and 2 suppliers as part of the new supplier on boarding process.

Due Diligence, Risk Assessment and Future Actions

Trutex has recognised the need to develop and deliver anti-modern slavery initiatives in its business and supply chain and improve modern slavery mitigation.

As members of the Slave Free Alliance we gain insight and advice from the SFA about knowing what to look for and how to be prepared and protected against slavery within our supply chain.

Trutex is developing and improving existing key policies with embedded practical modern slavery content, strengthening the message on compliance.

The team is committed to driving the modern slavery agenda forward and there is full executive level engagement.

Training and Awareness

The business has invested in training and development of staff. Recent courses undertaken are:

  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
  • Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking
  • Cyber Security
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Health & Safety

Approved for and on behalf of the Board of Trutex Investments Limited

Matthew Easter

Group Chief Executive Officer

Updated version control May 2023

*Tier 1 suppliers defined as Production units where there is the assembly and manufacture of Trutex garments. Tier 2 is currently being mapped.