Modern Slavery Statement for St.John's Wood Man and Van

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the approach taken by St.John's Wood Man and Van to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a transport and removals business, we recognise our responsibility to protect the rights and wellbeing of all individuals who work with, for, or on behalf of our organisation.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

St.John's Wood Man and Van has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, servitude, and exploitation. We are committed to conducting business ethically, with integrity and transparency, and to implementing systems and controls that seek to ensure modern slavery does not occur within our own operations or our supply chains.

We expect the same high standards from all those we work with, including suppliers, subcontractors, labour providers, and other business partners. Any form of modern slavery is fundamentally incompatible with our values and our commitment to fair and safe working practices.

Our Business and Supply Chains

St.John's Wood Man and Van provides man and van, removals, and related transport services. Our supply chains primarily include vehicle and equipment providers, fuel suppliers, facilities services, and subcontracted drivers or removals teams. We recognise that some sectors associated with logistics and temporary labour can be at higher risk of labour exploitation, and we take active steps to identify and reduce these risks.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We require suppliers and subcontractors to comply with all applicable laws relating to employment, labour rights, and modern slavery. When entering into or renewing business relationships, we carry out proportionate due diligence to assess the risk of modern slavery and to verify that suppliers share our ethical standards.

Our expectations are clearly communicated to existing and potential suppliers. We reserve the right to decline to engage with, or to terminate our relationship with, any supplier or partner that does not meet these standards or that is unwilling to work towards compliance.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

St.John's Wood Man and Van undertakes periodic checks and audits of selected suppliers and subcontractors, focusing on those operating in higher-risk areas such as labour provision and outsourced services. These audits may include reviewing employment records, right to work documentation, working hours, pay practices, and evidence of appropriate policies and training on modern slavery.

Where concerns are identified, we will work with the supplier to agree a corrective action plan and reasonable timescales. If concerns are serious or not adequately addressed, we may suspend or end the business relationship. Our aim is to use our influence to drive positive change while safeguarding affected workers.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns related to modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices. Concerns may include suspected exploitation, coercion, illegal recruitment fees, retention of identity documents, or unsafe and degrading working conditions.

Reports can be made confidentially to management or through established internal reporting routes. No individual who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any retaliation or detrimental treatment. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed appropriately, including escalation to relevant authorities where necessary.

Training and Awareness

We provide guidance and information to relevant staff, particularly those responsible for procurement, supplier management, and human resources, to help them recognise the signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond. We promote awareness of our policies and expectations so that everyone connected with St.John's Wood Man and Van understands their role in preventing exploitation.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

St.John's Wood Man and Van is committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. We review our policies, risk assessments, and due diligence processes on an annual basis to ensure they remain effective and appropriate to our business activities and supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and approved at least once each year, and may be updated more frequently if required by changes in legislation, business operations, or identified risks. We will continue to refine our procedures, strengthen our supplier engagement, and promote a culture of respect for human rights across all aspects of our work.

By implementing and maintaining these measures, St.John's Wood Man and Van seeks to play its part in eradicating modern slavery and ensuring that everyone associated with our business is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.