Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery Statement for Man with Van West Hampstead
Man with Van West Hampstead is committed to conducting its business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in our operations or supply chains. It applies to all employees, workers, contractors, and suppliers engaged with our business.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation or individual involved in such practices. Compliance with this policy is a fundamental condition of working with or for Man with Van West Hampstead.
All staff are expected to act ethically and with integrity at all times, upholding our commitment to human rights and fair treatment. Managers are responsible for promoting awareness of this policy and ensuring that it is understood and followed in their areas of responsibility.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Man with Van West Hampstead provides local and regional transport, removals, and associated services. Our supply chain includes vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging suppliers, and occasional use of subcontracted drivers or transport services.
We recognise that risks of modern slavery may arise particularly where subcontractors, temporary workers, or overseas suppliers are involved. We therefore take specific steps to understand and address these risks as part of our procurement and supplier management processes.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to uphold the same high standards that we apply to our own operations. As a condition of engagement, suppliers must confirm that they do not use forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, and that they comply with all relevant labour and human rights legislation in the jurisdictions where they operate.
We conduct proportionate risk-based assessments of our suppliers. Higher-risk suppliers, such as those providing labour-intensive services or operating in sectors or regions with elevated human rights concerns, may be subject to additional due diligence. This can include requesting evidence of their own modern slavery policies, worker welfare practices, and compliance records.
Where appropriate, we reserve the right to conduct audits, site visits, or documentation reviews to verify supplier compliance. Failure to meet our standards, or refusal to cooperate with reasonable audit requests, may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.
Training and Awareness
We aim to ensure that relevant staff understand the signs of modern slavery and know how to respond to potential concerns. Induction for new employees and periodic refresher briefings for key roles will cover our modern slavery policy, high-risk situations, and reporting expectations.
Managers involved in procurement, supplier management, and workforce coordination are given particular guidance on identifying risk indicators, such as unusual recruitment practices, restricted worker freedom, or indications of debt bondage or exploitation.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage anyone working for or with Man with Van West Hampstead to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery or unethical labour practices at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be reported to a line manager, a senior manager, or through any established internal reporting route, verbally or in writing.
All reports will be treated seriously and, where possible, confidentially. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith, whether the concerns are ultimately substantiated or not.
Where there is credible evidence of modern slavery in our operations or supply chain, we will take prompt and appropriate action. This may include working with the supplier to remedy the issue, escalating to relevant authorities, or ending the relationship where necessary.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. Each year we will review this Statement and our related processes to assess their effectiveness and identify areas for enhancement. This review will consider developments in legislation, guidance, industry best practice, and any incidents or concerns reported during the year.
As part of the annual review, we will evaluate our supplier risk assessments, training activities, and any audit findings, and will update our procedures as required. The updated Statement will be approved at a senior level and published to reflect our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all workers connected to our business.
