In 2023, the BBC broadcast a documentary containing allegations of serious misconduct by two contractors working at James Finlay Kenya (now Browns Plantations Kenya, following the purchase of this business in November 2023). After taking immediate action to strengthen safeguarding at James Finlay Kenya, Finlays commissioned an in-depth investigation, carried out by the responsible business practices NGO Partner Africa, into the extent and nature of misconduct at JFK. This was completed in 2023 and the recommendations of the report, Finlays’ response, and the resulting action plan can be found here.
Progress in 2024
Since then, work to implement a robust action plan based on Partner Africa’s recommendations has taken place. The action plan has been led by Browns with support from Finlays as well as NGOs, customers and other experts. The action plan is based on Partner Africa’s recommendations and takes a ‘root and branch’ approach that has seen urgent action taken on immediate priorities, structural changes aiming to prevent further abuse from occurring, and the implementation of a robust approach to Human Rights Due Diligence.
An updated summary of progress against the action plan can be viewed here
Key actions taken include:
- Acknowledgement of the report by Browns Plantations Kenya leadership to the community took place in December 2023. Formal dissemination of the report and action plan was carried out in Q1 2024. Direct engagement during open sessions with workers and the community provided opportunities for feedback and involvement in, delivery of the action plan.
- In the spirit of contributing to industry knowledge about the issues of sexual and gender based violence in Kenya, Browns Plantations Kenya has engaged members of civil society on the investigation findings and are in dialogue with them about how they can potentially support delivery of the action plan and BPK more widely in addressing sexual and gender based violence.
- Browns Plantations Kenya has been working with appropriate external expertise to develop an updated Human Rights strategy and remediation framework aligned with UNGPs and Human Rights Due Diligence is progressing.
- A new Independent whistleblowing line has been selected through direct consultation with workers. This is available to the whole local community and has been operational since July 2024.
- Independent monitoring and evaluation of action plan objectives and outcomes took place in June and December 2024 by Ethical Trade Services Africa. Two further action plan reviews will take place in 2025.
While Browns is now ultimately responsible for implementing the action plan, Finlays remains closely involved as Browns Plantations Kenya’s biggest customer. Delivering the action plan in full will take time, however Browns has made a strong commitment to ensuring the action plan is implemented as quickly as possible, and that BPK is a place of safety, inclusivity, respect and equal opportunity for all.
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For more information on Finlays sustainability strategy, which includes the Our People pillar focused on human rights due diligence click here.
For further information, email media@Finlays.net
