Modern Slavery Statement for Man With A Van Southgate

Man With A Van Southgate is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and with full respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and any form of exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the risk of modern slavery can exist in many sectors, including transport, removals, storage support, and outsourced services, and we take this responsibility seriously.

Our business operates on the principle that every individual deserves dignity, fairness, and lawful treatment. We expect all employees, contractors, and partners of Man With A Van Southgate to act with integrity and to comply with all applicable labour and employment laws. We also require that any person acting on our behalf understands that abusive practices, coercion, deception, or restriction of freedom will not be accepted in any circumstance.

We are committed to maintaining clear standards in recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day operations. All workers must be employed voluntarily, paid appropriately, and given the freedom to leave their role in accordance with legal and contractual obligations. Any indicators of exploitation, such as withholding documents, unsafe working conditions, or restricted movement, are treated as serious concerns and investigated immediately.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

To reduce risk across our supply chain, Man With A Van Southgate applies proportionate due diligence when selecting and reviewing suppliers. We expect suppliers to share our ethical standards and to demonstrate compliance with modern slavery laws. Where appropriate, we request confirmation of labour practices, subcontracting arrangements, and workforce protections.

Supplier audits are an important part of our approach. These may include document reviews, checks on workforce controls, and assessments of employment conditions. If a supplier is identified as presenting a higher risk, we reserve the right to increase monitoring, request corrective action, or end the relationship if issues are not resolved. We aim to work constructively with suppliers, but we will not continue partnerships where there is evidence of exploitation or refusal to improve.

We also encourage suppliers to maintain their own internal reporting and safeguarding procedures. A strong supply chain depends on transparency, and we expect timely cooperation if any concern arises. Our purchasing decisions are influenced not only by service quality and reliability, but also by ethical conduct and respect for human rights.

Reporting, Training, and Responsibility

All staff are expected to remain alert to the signs of modern slavery, including unusual control over workers, signs of fear or intimidation, and inconsistencies in employment arrangements. We provide relevant awareness information so that team members understand how to identify risks and escalate concerns. Responsibility for oversight sits with management, who review concerns, determine next steps, and ensure that action is taken without delay.

We maintain reporting channels that allow concerns to be raised safely and in confidence. Any employee, contractor, or supplier who suspects misconduct is encouraged to report it through established internal procedures. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with discretion. Retaliation, victimisation, or punishment for raising a genuine concern will not be tolerated.

Where a concern indicates possible criminal activity or immediate danger, we will cooperate with the appropriate authorities and take urgent protective measures. Our aim is to create a culture in which people feel secure speaking up and confident that their concerns will be addressed fairly and responsibly.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal requirements and business practices. The review considers any changes in our operations, our supply chain, and the wider risk environment. We also assess whether our controls, supplier checks, and reporting arrangements remain fit for purpose.

As part of the annual review, we examine any incidents raised during the year, the outcomes of investigations, and any actions taken to prevent recurrence. Where improvements are needed, we update processes, strengthen training, and refine audit expectations. This ongoing review reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and to keeping modern slavery prevention embedded in our business culture.

Man With A Van Southgate remains firmly committed to lawful, ethical, and respectful working practices. Through our zero-tolerance stance, supplier audits, clear reporting channels, and annual review process, we seek to help prevent exploitation and uphold the highest standards of responsibility in everything we do.