Ethical Trading

 

We are committed to creating working conditions that are fair, equitable and rewarding, and working in environmentally sustainable ways

 

We take our corporate and social responsibilities seriously. We are a niche, privately owned business, working in an industry where the pressures on margins are such that employment and environmental considerations are not always what they should be. We aim to be an example to others.

 

Ethical trading policy

These are the standards we set ourselves, and form part of the contract of employment. We also ask all our suppliers to affirm in writing to us that their businesses are also built on these ethical criteria.  We have developed a full policy statement outlining how we expect our practice to develop in order to be able to offer strong guarantees to our customers that the products they receive from us have been ethically produced and traded.
•    All employment is freely chosen
•    All staff are entitled to belong to trade unions and collective bargaining is respected, to the extent permitted by local law
•    Working conditions are safe and hygienic
•    Child labour is not used
•    London Living Wages are paid
•    Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted
•    Working hours are not excessive
•    No discrimination is practised
•    Regular employment is provided
•    No harsh, cruel or degrading treatment or practices are allowed
•    No bribery, corruption, blackmailing or bullying is permitted
•    Good environmental stewardship is practiced

 

London Living Wage

The Living Wage is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually, calculated according to the basic cost of living using the ‘Minimum Income Standard’ for the UK. Decisions about what to include in this standard are set by the public; it is a social consensus about what people need to make ends meet. L’Aquila is a London Living Wage accredited employer – w believe that every member of staff deserves a Living Wage.

 

Sedex Membership

In addition to our ethical practices, we are proud to be members of Sedex, a global platform that promotes responsible business practices. Sedex provides a framework for transparency, ethical sourcing, and supply chain management. Our membership demonstrates our commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.

 

Working for the community

Nadia Luciani Howell, the Managing Director of L’Aquila, is a long standing and active patron and supporter of HOPE for Children (Reg Charity No: 1041258) and helping to raise significant funds for Handicapped, Orphaned, Poor and Exploited (HOPE) children. All staff and partners are encouraged to be an active member of their community and L’Aquila and our partners support many charitable initiatives.

 

Voluntary Modern Slavery Statement

At L'AQUILA, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in every aspect of our operations. As a niche, privately owned food business, we recognize the importance of addressing modern slavery risks and ensuring that our practices align with our values of sustainability, ethical trading, and social responsibility.

Our Commitment 

L'AQUILA is dedicated to preventing all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. We believe that every individual has the right to work freely, safely, and with dignity. Our commitment is reflected in our policies, partnerships, and practices that prioritize transparency, fairness, and respect for human rights.

Our Policies

Our approach to combating modern slavery is guided by our Ethical Trading Code of Practice and Sustainability Policy. Key principles include:

  • Employment is Freely Chosen: All employment with L'AQUILA is voluntary. We do not require staff to lodge deposits or identity papers, and employees are free to leave after reasonable notice.
  • No Child Labour: We strictly prohibit the employment of individuals under the age of 16 and ensure compliance with laws regarding young workers.
  • Living Wages: Our employees receive pay rates above the national legal minimum standards, including London Living Wage as a baseline.
  • Safe Working Conditions: We maintain safe and hygienic workplaces through regular health and safety training and unrestricted access to essential facilities.
  • Non-Discrimination: Equal opportunities are provided to all employees, ensuring fairness in hiring, pay, promotion, and career development.

Our Supply Chain

We actively monitor social standards within our supply chain and require suppliers to adhere to ethical practices aligned with the ETI Base Code. This includes:

  • Membership in SEDEX or compliance with our Ethical Trading Code of Practice.
  • Written affirmation from suppliers regarding their commitment to ethical criteria.

We also prioritize partnerships with local artisan companies that use sustainable raw materials. This approach supports regional economic development while fostering ethical production practices.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

L'AQUILA conducts regular assessments of its supply chain to identify potential risks related to modern slavery. Our due diligence processes include:

  • Supplier evaluations based on ethical standards.
  • Transparent communication with partners about our expectations regarding human rights.
  • Collaboration with organizations that promote ethical trading practices.

Training and Awareness

We provide training for employees to ensure awareness of modern slavery risks and encourage reporting any concerns through established whistleblowing procedure. 

Continuous Improvement

As part of our sustainability journey, we continuously seek ways to enhance our practices. This includes refining policies, improving supplier engagement, and exploring innovative solutions to mitigate risks associated with modern slavery.