About J D McDougall Limited
We are a specialist producer of flame retardant textiles, supplying the contract drapery and stage scenery industries for over 90 years in more than 30 countries. Clients include many of the most prestigious opera, ballet, theatre companies and television broadcasting organisations throughout the world.
Our fabrics are available together with a comprehensive manufacturing service for theatre stage drapes including Canvas Cloths, Back Cloths, Cycloramas, Tabs-Legs, Borders, Reefers, Swags and all types of Gauzes.
We have a constant development programme providing new fabrics and designs for use in schools, hotels, hospitals and other public areas. The majority of our fabrics are flame retardant, to comply with British and International Standards, which are especially suitable for any public space where safety is paramount.
Our commitment to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
We are committed to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act and the abolition of modern slavery and human trafficking. As an equal opportunity employer we take pride in the diversity of our workforce and ensure we maintain a non- discriminatory working environment free from harassment. We operate sound employment practices that provide fair treatment and appropriate guidance and support for all our workers. Our policies in our staff handbook provide reporting mechanisms to resolve any matters quickly and without detriment. We have strict recruitment procedures in place that ensure we check that every employee can demonstrate they have the ‘right to work in the UK’ and can provide the appropriate documentation. We use specified, reputable employment agencies and we verify the practices of any new agency before accepting workers from that agency.
We currently have the following policies in place:-
- Anti-slavery and Human Trafficking Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Harassment Policy
- Grievance Policy
- Conduct on Company Premises
- Health & Safety Policy
- Public Interest Disclosures Policy (Whistleblowing)
- Absence Policies
- Stress Policy
- Asylum & Immigration Act Policy
We maintain a fair and proactive approach to managing processes related to pay and benefits, working hours, staff management and training and development of our employees.
Our Supply Chain
We operate in over 30 countries and obtain fabrics from manufacturers from within the UK and overseas. We deal with reputable companies that are committed to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. In March 2018 we advised suppliers to comply with the Modern Slavery Act as part of our procurement process.
Our Policies on Slavery and Human Trafficking
We are committed to working with suppliers who ensure that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business. Our Anti-slavery and human trafficking Policy reflects our aims and commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in our business.
Our Action Plan
We have expressed our commitment to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and produced this voluntary statement. We will continue to undertake activities to embed the principles into our working practices. We have in place systems to:-
- Make staff aware of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and inform them of the appropriate action to take if they suspect a case of slavery or human trafficking
- Brief all staff involved in procurement of goods and services of the risks and actions to take
- Identify and assess potential risk areas in our supply chains by working with our suppliers
- Mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking occurring in our supply chains.
- Protect whistle blowers.
- Monitor the response and commitment to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act from our suppliers
- Embed the principles of the Modern Slavery Act into all relevant company policies and procedures
- Undertake an annual review of our progress and action plan
Ian McDougall
Managing Director
Statement introduced in September 2018