Modern Slavery Statement for Man With a Van Plumstead

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Man With a Van Plumstead in respect of our activities as a local transport and removals business. We recognise that modern slavery and human trafficking are serious crimes and fundamental violations of human rights. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery does not take place in our own operations or in any part of our supply chains.

This statement sets out the steps we are taking, and intend to take, to prevent modern slavery in connection with our services, including our use of labour, vehicles, equipment, and associated services.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Man With a Van Plumstead has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, and child labour. We do not tolerate such practices in our own operations or in any organisation with which we have a business relationship.

Everyone working for or on behalf of Man With a Van Plumstead, including employees, contractors and agency workers, is required to uphold this commitment. Any breach of this policy by our staff may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or engagement. Where a supplier or business partner is found to be involved in modern slavery or is unwilling to address credible concerns, we will take appropriate action, which may include suspension or termination of the relationship.

Our Supply Chains and Risk Management

Our supply chains primarily consist of vehicle hire and maintenance services, fuel providers, equipment and packing materials suppliers, and occasional use of subcontracted transport providers. While our business is relatively small and locally focused, we recognise that modern slavery risks can exist at any level of a supply chain, including within seemingly low-risk sectors.

We seek to identify and assess potential risk areas within our supply chains by considering the nature of the goods and services supplied, the location where they originate, and the labour practices typically associated with those activities. Where we identify higher risk, we will increase the level of scrutiny applied to that supplier or category of supplier.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Man With a Van Plumstead conducts proportionate due diligence on new suppliers and reviews existing suppliers on an ongoing basis. This includes assessing their policies and practices relating to labour standards, working conditions and ethical conduct.

We expect our suppliers and subcontractors to operate in accordance with all applicable laws on employment, labour and human rights. Wherever reasonable, we seek confirmation that they have their own measures in place to prevent modern slavery, such as written policies, training, and monitoring systems.

We reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence from suppliers to verify compliance with our expectations and any contractual obligations relating to modern slavery. If required, we may request documentation on recruitment practices, working hours, wages, and grievance procedures. Where non-compliance is identified, we will work with the supplier to agree a corrective action plan and timescale. If they fail to make satisfactory progress, we may reconsider or terminate our relationship with that supplier.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage openness and support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith about possible instances of modern slavery, whether in our own operations or in our supply chains. All managers within Man With a Van Plumstead are responsible for listening to concerns and escalating them appropriately.

Workers, suppliers and other stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspicion of modern slavery to a senior member of our management team. Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing. Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns or assist with investigations.

Where appropriate, and in line with legal obligations, we will refer matters to relevant authorities and cooperate fully with any external investigations into suspected modern slavery or human trafficking.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff. Managers and key personnel involved in procurement or supplier management receive guidance on recognising potential indicators of modern slavery, such as signs of coercion, restriction of movement, or unusual employment arrangements.

We aim to improve our processes and systems over time by learning from experience, industry developments and evolving best practice. This may include refining our supplier onboarding questionnaires, updating contractual terms, and enhancing staff training.

Monitoring and Annual Review

Man With a Van Plumstead is committed to monitoring the effectiveness of the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery. We will review this Modern Slavery Statement at least once every year, and more frequently if there are significant changes to our business structure, operations, supply chains or the legal framework governing modern slavery.

As part of the annual review, we will consider feedback from staff and suppliers, outcomes of any audits or investigations, and any incidents or concerns raised. We will then assess whether additional measures or improvements are necessary and update our policies and procedures accordingly.

This statement represents our ongoing commitment to acting ethically and responsibly, and to playing our part in the wider effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.