Supply Chain Policy
1. Stephen Betts & Sons Limited is an award-winning wholesale jewellery manufacturer, refiner of precious metals, and bullion supplier. This policy confirms Stephen Betts commitment to respect human rights, avoid contributing to the finance of conflict and comply with all relevant UN sanctions, resolutions, and laws.
2. Stephen Betts & Sons Limited is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). As such, we commit to proving, through independent third-party verification, that we:
- a. respect human rights according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work;
- b. do not engage in or tolerate bribery, corruption, money laundering or finance of terrorism;
- c. support transparency of government payments and rights-compatible security forces in the extractives industry;
- d. do not provide direct or indirect support to illegal armed groups;
- e. enable stakeholders to voice concerns about the jewellery supply chain; and
- f. are implementing the OECD five-step framework as a management process for risk-based due diligence for responsible supply chains of minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
3. We also commit to using our influence to prevent abuses by others. We carry out regular due diligence on our supply chain to ensure compliance with the Kimberley Process and WDC System of Warranties via Know Your Counterparty. Concerns regarding our supply chain can be raised by contacting [email protected].
4. Regarding serious abuses associated with the extraction, transport or trade of diamonds: We will neither tolerate nor profit from, contribute to, assist or facilitate the commission of:
- a. torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment;
- b. forced or compulsory labour;
- c. the worst forms of child labour;
- d. human rights violations and abuses; or
- e. war crimes, violations of international humanitarian law, crimes against humanity or genocide.
5. We will immediately stop engaging with upstream suppliers if we find a reasonable risk that they are committing abuses described in paragraph 4 or are sourcing from, or linked to, any party committing these abuses.
6. Regarding direct or indirect support to non-state armed groups: We will not tolerate direct or indirect support to non-state armed groups, including, but not limited to, procuring diamonds from, making payments to, or otherwise helping or equipping non-state armed groups or their affiliates who illegally: a. control mine sites, transportation routes, points where diamonds is traded and upstream actors in the supply chain; or b. tax or extort money, or diamonds at mine sites, along transportation routes or at points where diamonds are traded, or from intermediaries, export companies or international traders.
7. We will immediately stop engaging with upstream suppliers if we find a reasonable risk that they are sourcing from, or are linked to, any party providing direct or indirect support to non-state armed groups as described in paragraph 6.
8. Regarding public or private security forces: We affirm that the role of public or private security forces is to provide security to workers, facilities, equipment, and property in accordance with the rule of law, including law that guarantees human rights. We will not provide direct or indirect support to public or private security forces that commit abuses described in paragraph 4, or that act illegally as described in paragraph 6.
9. Regarding bribery and fraudulent misrepresentation of the origin of diamonds: We will not offer, promise, give or demand bribes, and will resist the solicitation of bribes, to conceal or disguise the origin of diamonds, or to misrepresent taxes, fees and royalties paid to governments for the purposes of extraction, trade, handling, transport and export of diamonds.
10. Regarding money laundering: We will support and contribute to efforts to eliminate money laundering where we identify a reasonable risk resulting from, or connected to, the extraction, trade, handling, transport or export of diamonds.
Charlie Betts - Group Managing Director
Date of effect: 01/09/2023
COP6 & 7 reports are available for (dates 2022 to 2023) by contacting VANESSA SOMERS.
[email protected] 0121 233 2413