Modern Slavery Statement for Man and Van Shepherd's Bush

Man and Van Shepherd's Bush is committed to conducting its business honestly, ethically, and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations relating to modern slavery and human trafficking. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. We are committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all business dealings and to putting effective systems and controls in place to safeguard against any form of modern slavery taking place within our own operations or those of our suppliers and partners.

All directors, managers, employees, contractors, and agency workers are required to uphold this commitment and to comply with our policies and procedures. Any breach of this policy by staff may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or engagement.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Man and Van Shepherd's Bush operates in the transport and removals sector, providing local and regional moving services to residential and business customers. Our supply chains include vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging suppliers, cleaning and facilities services, and selected labour agencies for additional staffing during peak periods.

We recognise that certain parts of the transport and logistics sector, particularly where subcontracted or temporary labour is used, may present a higher risk of labour exploitation. We are therefore committed to proactively identifying, assessing, and managing these risks in our operations and supply chains.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We seek to work only with reputable suppliers and partners who share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our due diligence process, we take the following steps.

We assess new suppliers and contractors based on their ethical standards, labour practices, and compliance with modern slavery legislation. We expect suppliers to have their own policies and processes that align with our zero-tolerance approach. We reserve the right to conduct proportionate audits or request evidence of the measures suppliers have in place to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.

Where appropriate and practical, we review supplier documentation such as policies, codes of conduct, and training materials. If we identify any concerns or non-compliance, we will work with the supplier to agree on corrective actions and timescales. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to meet our standards, we will consider terminating the relationship.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We are committed to promoting awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff and key suppliers. Managers and relevant personnel are briefed on how to recognise indicators of exploitation, such as signs of coercion, restricted freedom of movement, withheld documents, or unreasonable working conditions.

We encourage all employees and contractors to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be raised directly with a line manager or a senior manager. Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly and fairly. We will not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management at Man and Van Shepherd's Bush. They are responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of our policies, procedures, and controls and for ensuring that any lessons learned are implemented across the business.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every 12 months, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, our operations, or identified risks. As part of the annual review, we will assess the effectiveness of our supplier due diligence, audit activities, and staff awareness initiatives, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

By maintaining strong governance, clear responsibilities, and ongoing monitoring, Man and Van Shepherd's Bush aims to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our business or supply chains. This statement has been approved by the management of Man and Van Shepherd's Bush and represents our ongoing commitment to ethical and responsible business practices.