Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery Statement for Kingston upon Thames Man and Van
Kingston upon Thames Man and Van 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 prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers engaged with our services.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. We will not knowingly work with any individual, organisation, or supplier involved in such practices.
All people who work for or with Kingston upon Thames Man and Van are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and conduct. We are committed to ensuring that employment is chosen freely, that workers are treated with dignity and respect, and that wages, working hours, and conditions meet or exceed applicable legal requirements.
Our Operations and Supply Chain
Kingston upon Thames Man and Van provides removal and transportation services, relying on a network of drivers, vehicles, equipment providers, storage facilities, and other support services. While our direct operations are relatively small and local, we acknowledge that modern slavery risks may exist within wider supply chains, particularly in areas such as temporary labour, vehicle procurement and maintenance, fuel and equipment sourcing, and cleaning and facility services.
We are committed to identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks through responsible sourcing and ongoing engagement with our suppliers and partners.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers and contractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our approach, we:
Define clear expectations around labour standards, human rights, and ethical conduct within our supplier requirements and commercial arrangements. Select and retain suppliers based not only on quality and price, but also on their ability to demonstrate responsible business practices and compliance with modern slavery legislation. Reserve the right to terminate relationships with any supplier that is found to be involved in, or unwilling to address, modern slavery concerns.
Where appropriate and proportionate to the supplier relationship, we may carry out due diligence checks and audits to review their policies, working practices, and recruitment processes. This can include requesting documented evidence of compliance, such as risk assessments and training records, and seeking clarification where we identify gaps or inconsistencies. We will follow up on areas of concern and expect timely and effective corrective action.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or unethical conduct in connection with Kingston upon Thames Man and Van. No one who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any form of retaliation or disadvantage as a result of speaking up.
Concerns can be raised confidentially through internal line management or senior management channels, or via established reporting processes within our business. Reports will be treated sensitively, investigated promptly, and handled with appropriate confidentiality. Where necessary, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other relevant authorities.
Training and Awareness
We are committed to improving awareness of modern slavery risks among our workforce and key suppliers. We provide guidance to relevant employees on recognising indicators of exploitation, understanding their responsibilities, and knowing how to respond if concerns arise.
We encourage an open culture where ethical conduct is discussed, and where people feel empowered to question working practices that may pose a risk of harm or exploitation.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Our approach to preventing modern slavery is not static. We are committed to reviewing and improving our policies, procedures, and due diligence activities on an ongoing basis. This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by the senior management of Kingston upon Thames Man and Van, or more frequently if required by changes in our business operations or in legislation.
As part of this review, we will consider feedback from staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders, evaluate the effectiveness of our current measures, and identify areas for enhancement. Where necessary, we will update our processes, strengthen supplier requirements, and provide additional training.
Approval of this Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the management of Kingston upon Thames Man and Van and represents our ongoing commitment to uphold human rights and eliminate modern slavery from our business and supply chains.
