Modern Slavery Statement
West Kensington Man and Van Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by West Kensington Man and Van to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act ethically in all areas of our business. This statement applies to all staff, contractors, and suppliers engaged by West Kensington Man and Van.
Modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, including slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. West Kensington Man and Van is committed to ensuring that such practices do not occur in any part of our business or supply chains.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
West Kensington Man and Van operates a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept, condone, or ignore any form of exploitation, whether direct or indirect. All employees, agency staff, and contractors are expected to uphold this policy and to act with integrity and transparency in all business dealings.
Any individual or organisation found to be involved in modern slavery or human trafficking in connection with our business will face immediate action, which may include termination of contracts, reporting to the appropriate authorities, and other measures deemed necessary to protect affected individuals and prevent recurrence.
Our Supply Chains and Risk Management
Our core services involve removals, transportation, and associated logistics. While our supply chains are relatively straightforward, they can include vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, equipment and packaging suppliers, facilities services, and labour agencies. We recognise that some of these areas may carry a higher risk of labour exploitation, particularly where low-skilled or temporary work is involved.
We are committed to identifying and assessing potential risks of modern slavery in our supply chains and to taking proportionate steps to address them. This includes due diligence on new suppliers, ongoing monitoring, and escalation of concerns where necessary.
Supplier Standards and Audits
West Kensington Man and Van expects all suppliers and service providers to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. We seek to work only with organisations that uphold lawful, fair, and safe working conditions. Our supplier standards require compliance with all relevant labour, employment, and human rights legislation.
We conduct supplier audits and assessments proportionate to the level of risk and the nature of the goods or services supplied. These may include requesting documented policies, reviewing employment practices, and, where appropriate, carrying out site visits. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to demonstrate adequate controls against modern slavery, we will reconsider the relationship and may discontinue the engagement.
Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels
We aim to ensure that our staff understand the risks and indicators of modern slavery so they can identify and respond to concerns. Information on our zero-tolerance policy and reporting procedures is provided through internal communications and staff briefings. Managers in higher-risk areas receive additional guidance to help them recognise warning signs of labour exploitation.
West Kensington Man and Van encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to speak up if they have any concerns about modern slavery, whether within our operations or in our supply chains. Concerns can be raised with a line manager, a senior manager, or through internal reporting channels designated for ethical or safeguarding issues. Reports will be treated sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We are committed to continually improving our approach to tackling modern slavery. This includes reviewing our risk assessments, updating supplier due diligence, enhancing staff awareness, and strengthening our procedures where gaps are identified. Lessons learned from audits, investigations, or industry developments are used to refine our processes.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every twelve months to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. Any significant changes in our business operations or supply chains will trigger an earlier review if needed. The updated statement is approved by senior management and communicated within the business and to relevant external stakeholders.
By adopting this Modern Slavery Statement, West Kensington Man and Van reaffirms its commitment to acting ethically, respecting human rights, and working to ensure that modern slavery has no place in our organisation or in the partnerships on which our services depend.