Anti-Modern Slavery Statement
1. Introduction
Patterson Cheney Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries is committed to ensuring that slavery is opposed in all circumstances.
You will see our commitment within this statement as it outlines the steps we took during the financial year ending 30 June 2020 to minimise the risk of modern slavery occurring in our business and supply chains. This is the first stage of many that Patterson Cheney will adopt.
2. Our Structure, Operations and Supply Chains
Patterson Cheney is an Australian business focused in the sale of motor vehicles, vehicle servicing and repairs, and parts retailing.
Patterson Cheney is a proudly family-owned business that upholds the highest of values. Patterson Cheney operates only in Victoria across 10 sites. Across out busines our supply chains includes a variety of goods and services: vehicles and parts, consumables such as oil, fuel and lubricants, logistics and transport services, car washing and detailing services, cleaning. To further explain the unique automotive industry and structure please see the below diagram.
3. Our approach to modern slavery
The CEO/MD approved a Modern Slavery Plan in respect of the FY20 reporting period to focus the Group's initial responsibilities. The Modern Slavery Policy has been shared with all employees, tabled with both Senior Executive and Board members, and where applicable, our suppliers.
4. FY20 Modern Slavery Plan
5. Potential Risks of Modern Slavery in our Supply Chains
Building on our existing policies, this reporting period we focuses on the risks of modern slavery practices means the potential for an entity to cause, contribute to, or be directly linked to modern slavery through its operations and supply chains. The nature of being a retailer or seller and through our initial review of our supply chain, approximately 80% of the risk/exposure sits within the OEM businesses.
Our focus in FY20 was on our highest value suppliers, namely our vehicle manufacturers and higher risk sectors such as cleaners, car washers and detailers.
With the majority of our risk associated with our OEM’s, we must not lose sight of other potential risks. Cleaners, car washers and detailers work in a high-risk sector that can often involve the use of unskilled and temporary labour and foreign workers.
In addition, with the introduction of Labour Hire Authority the risk has significantly reduced. Patterson Cheney requires all relevant suppliers to provide labour hire licenses which are reviewed regularly.
6. Compliance and Action
In line with Patterson Cheney’s Modern Slavery policy, we provide employees, suppliers and their families with a confidential, whistleblowing service that is accessible 24/7, 365 days which can be used to report suspected cases of modern slavery.
7. Our policies and procedures
Patterson Cheney’s inherent supplier Code of Conduct is being created and will set the minimum standards expected of our suppliers. We are developing a supplier on-boarding questionnaire to help assess the risks or issues associated with the supplier prior to contracting with them. We aim to finalise this process in FY2021. Modern Slavery along with Patterson Cheney’s policy and procedures are all outlined and discussed as a apart of our extensive on-boarding routine.
In addition to the Modern Slavery Policy, Patterson Cheney maintain several other relevant polices which assist and support the efforts in addressing any modern slavery risks. These include, Whistleblower Policy, Grievance Policy, Workplace Health and Safety Policy and the Code of Conduct.
8. Educating our staff and suppliers
Patterson Cheney is in the process of providing more extensive training to Senior Executives, department Managers and relevant employees. This will take place in the reporting period of FY21.
9. Future steps
Further supplier audits through surveys, employee awareness sessions and continuing to audit Labour Licenses will assist Patterson Cheney to achieve its Modern Slavery objectives. Patterson Cheney will act immediately on any suspected and reported breach of this statement and any relevant policy.
This Modern Slavery Statement was approved by the board of Patterson Cheney Pty Ltd on the 8th of February 2021.
Cameron Bertalli, CEO/MD