Man with Van Northwood Modern Slavery Commitment
Man with Van Northwood is firmly committed to conducting all aspects of our business in an ethical and responsible manner. We recognise that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour remain serious global issues, and we are determined to help combat these abuses within our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement explains the steps we take to prevent, identify, and address modern slavery risks in connection with our services.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This means that any involvement in, or facilitation of, modern slavery is strictly prohibited within Man with Van Northwood and among those who work with us. We expect every member of our team, as well as all third parties who supply goods or services to us, to uphold the same high standards.
Our zero-tolerance stance applies to all activities, including recruitment, employment conditions, subcontracting, purchasing, and day-to-day operational decisions. Any actual or suspected breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in the termination of employment or business relationships, as well as reporting to the appropriate authorities where necessary.
Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits
Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, storage facilities, maintenance services, and other business support functions. We aim to work only with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to ethical labour practices and respect for human rights.
We communicate our expectations on modern slavery and ethical conduct to key suppliers and, where appropriate, require confirmation that they have their own policies and controls in place. We reserve the right to carry out audits, site visits, or information requests to assess compliance with our standards.
Where risks are identified, we may require suppliers to provide further information, implement corrective actions, or demonstrate improvements within an agreed timeframe. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to comply with our requirements, we may reduce, suspend, or end our engagement with that supplier.
Due Diligence and Risk Management
We take a risk-based approach to due diligence, focusing our attention on activities and suppliers that may present a higher risk of modern slavery. This includes reviewing the nature of the services supplied, the locations involved, and the type of workforce engaged.
As part of our ongoing risk management, we aim to improve awareness within our team so that potential warning signs, such as indications of forced or coerced labour, can be recognised and reported. We also seek to embed respect for human rights into our decision-making processes, including procurement and operational planning.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing
We encourage anyone connected with Man with Van Northwood, including workers, contractors, and suppliers, to raise concerns about possible modern slavery or human trafficking in our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be reported to management through existing communication channels or raised in writing where appropriate.
Reports will be treated sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is not ultimately substantiated. All reports will be reviewed and, where necessary, investigated. Appropriate action will be taken in response to any confirmed issues, which may include engaging with authorities or specialist organisations.
Training and Awareness
We recognise that awareness and understanding are essential to preventing modern slavery. Where relevant to their roles, team members may receive guidance on recognising signs of exploitation, understanding our zero-tolerance policy, and knowing how to raise concerns safely.
We also encourage key personnel who work closely with suppliers or recruitment to remain informed about best practice in ethical sourcing and labour standards. By fostering a culture of openness and responsibility, we aim to minimise the risk that modern slavery can occur unnoticed within our sphere of influence.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with current legislation and industry expectations. As part of this review, we consider any incidents reported, changes in our operations or supply chains, and emerging guidance on tackling modern slavery.
We are committed to continuous improvement. Over time, we aim to strengthen our risk assessment processes, enhance supplier engagement, and further develop training and awareness initiatives. By doing so, Man with Van Northwood seeks to play an active role in promoting fair, safe, and respectful working conditions for everyone connected with our business.
This statement reflects the position of Man with Van Northwood for the current financial year and will be updated as our practices and commitments evolve.
