Voluntary Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

1. Introduction & Commitment

Blackfeather Dancewear is committed to ensuring that our business operations and supply chains are free from modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking. Although Blackfeather Dancewear is a small business and is not legally mandated to publish a statement under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, we choose to do so voluntarily.

We believe in ethical trade, fair pay, and transparency. We hold a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery in any form, and we expect the same high standards from all of our partners, suppliers, and contractors.

2. Business Structure, Supply Chains & Reseller Status

Blackfeather Dancewear is a boutique dancewear and apparel brand based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom. We supply high-quality garments, apparel, and footwear to domestic and international commercial markets.

Our position in the market is primarily that of a reseller. Rather than owning or directly operating manufacturing facilities or textile mills, we source, curate, and resell products and materials manufactured by external third-party suppliers, brands, and specialised garment makers.

Our supply chain primarily consists of:

• The procurement of finished and semi-finished dance apparel and performance items from external manufacturers.

• The procurement of specialised fabrics and components used by our independent UK-based contractors for bespoke development.

• Logistical and courier services to transport physical goods across the UK and to international destinations.

3. Policies & Ethical Practices

We operate several internal practices to ensure we are acting ethically and transparently:

• Fair Pay and Legal Rights: We ensure that all direct workers and local independent contractors are paid fairly, in accordance with or exceeding UK legal requirements.

• Freelance Clarity: Our contractual agreements with remote garment makers (such as independent pattern-cutters and sample makers) clearly state their status as independent entities who retain full autonomy over their working environment, free from coercion.

• Whistleblowing: We maintain an open culture. Any contractor, partner, or customer is encouraged to raise concerns about any suspected exploitation within our brand network directly with Blackfeather management.

4. Due Diligence and Managing Supply Chain Risk as a Reseller

As a small business operating as a reseller in the global apparel sector, an industry with inherent risks regarding textile manufacturing, we recognise that our visibility into deep tier-supplier networks (such as raw cotton farming or fabric dyeing factories) is naturally limited.

Consequently, we take targeted, risk-proportionate steps to manage our supply chain and conduct due diligence as far as is reasonably practicable for a business of our size:

• Vetted Suppliers: When acting as a reseller for finished goods or sourcing components, we prioritize established suppliers and manufacturing brands who publish their own ethical trade policies or possess recognized global certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, SEDEX, or fair-trade standards).

• Direct Enquiries: We engage with our primary suppliers to ask direct questions regarding their labour practices, seeking reasonable assurance that their workforces are free from exploitation.

• Geographic Risk Awareness: We focus our diligence efforts heavily on goods sourced from regions globally flagged as high-risk for forced labour, choosing domestic or stringently regulated European and international supply partners wherever possible.

• Zero Subcontracting Without Consent: To maintain maximum visibility, our agreements prohibit our primary design and sampling contractors from subcontracting Blackfeather development to unverified third parties without our prior knowledge.

5. Awareness & Training

We ensure that management and anyone involved in procurement or managing freelancer relationships understands the "red flags" of labour exploitation, including:

• Unusually low market pricing from a manufacturer that strongly suggests unfair wages or forced labour.

• Communication blocks (e.g., if an agent insists on managing all communication and payment for an independent maker, restricting direct contact).

• A complete lack of transparency from a brand or factory regarding where their garments are assembled.

6. Approval and Review

This voluntary statement is reviewed annually to reflect Blackfeather Dancewear’s ongoing commitment to ethical craftsmanship, responsible commercial reselling, and transparent supply chains.

Last updated: 27/05/2026