Modern Slavery Act Statement

 

Modern Slavery Act 2025 Statement

Puffin Energy Ltd t/a Puffin Wood Fuels
Financial Year Ending: 2026

1. Introduction

Puffin Energy Ltd t/a Puffin Wood Fuels (“the Company”) is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms. We recognise our responsibility under the Modern Slavery Act 2025 to take a robust approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing any risks of exploitation within our operations and supply chains.

We believe everyone deserves to work in conditions of safety, dignity, and fairness, and we expect the same high standards from all those with whom we do business.

2. Our Business

Puffin Wood Fuels operates within the wood fuel and energy sector across various depots in Scotland. Our activities include the sourcing, processing, distribution, and sale of wood fuels and related products to domestic and commercial customers.

We recognise that, although the risk of modern slavery within our own direct workforce is low, risks may arise in supply chains involving forestry, transport, and subcontracted services.

3. Our Supply Chain

Our supply chain includes:

  • UK-based timber suppliers
  • Transport and logistics partners
  • Equipment, machinery, and PPE providers
  • Occasional third-party contractors for maintenance and specialised services

We work to build long-term, ethical relationships with suppliers and expect them to share our commitment to transparency and human rights.

4. Policies and Commitments

We have implemented the following measures to help prevent modern slavery:

  • Modern Slavery Policy outlining zero tolerance for any form of forced labour, servitude, or trafficking.
  • Supplier Code of Conduct requiring suppliers to operate ethically, legally, and in compliance with the Modern Slavery Act.
  • Whistleblowing Policy enabling employees and contractors to raise concerns confidentially without fear of retaliation.
  • Recruitment and Right-to-Work Checks ensuring all workers are employed legally and voluntarily.

5. Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

We carry out ongoing risk assessments to identify potential areas where modern slavery may occur, with particular focus on:

  • Forestry and raw material sourcing
  • Third-party logistics
  • Temporary labour providers (where applicable)

Our due diligence processes include:

  • Evaluating suppliers for compliance with labour and human rights standards
  • Requiring confirmation of modern slavery policies from higher-risk suppliers
  • Reviewing contracts to include anti-slavery clauses
  • Investigating any reported concerns promptly and thoroughly

6. Training and Awareness

We ensure key staff understand the signs of modern slavery and know how to report concerns. Awareness materials highlight:

  • Indicators of exploitation
  • Responsibilities under the Modern Slavery Act
  • How to escalate concerns internally

Further training will be expanded as the business grows and supply chains evolve.

 7. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to improving our practices year-on-year. Over the coming periods, we aim to:

  • Strengthen supplier audits and verification processes
  • Expand risk-based assessments of non-UK suppliers where relevant
  • Review policy effectiveness annually
  • Report transparently on steps taken and identified outcomes

8. Approval

This statement is made pursuant to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2025 and outlines the steps taken by Puffin Energy Ltd t/a Puffin Wood Fuels during the financial year ending [Insert Year] to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.

It was approved by the Board of Directors on: 01/04/2025

Allyn Harper
Director

Puffin Energy Ltd t/a Puffin Wood Fuels