Modern Slavery Statement
Man and a Van Ruislip Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the approach taken by Man and a Van Ruislip to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chains. As a local removals and transport business, we recognise our responsibility to act ethically, transparently, and with integrity in all our business dealings.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
Man and a Van Ruislip has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that modern slavery has no place in our own activities or in the activities of any organisation that supplies goods or services to us. This commitment applies to all aspects of our work, including the sourcing of vehicles, fuel, equipment, uniforms, facilities, and any subcontracted transport or labour.
All directors, employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this policy. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in the termination of contracts or working relationships, as well as reporting to the relevant authorities where appropriate.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Man and a Van Ruislip provides removals, collection, and delivery services to domestic and commercial customers. Our supply chain includes vehicle providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging providers, maintenance services, and occasional subcontracted drivers or labour. While our business is relatively small and locally focused, we understand that modern slavery risks can exist at any level of the supply chain, particularly where goods or services originate from higher-risk sectors or regions.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our onboarding and ongoing review of suppliers, we seek assurances that they comply with all applicable labour, human rights, and health and safety laws. We favour suppliers who can demonstrate clear policies and procedures against modern slavery and who can show evidence of due diligence in their own supply chains.
Where proportionate to the nature and scale of the relationship, we conduct supplier checks and audits. These may include requesting written confirmations of compliance, reviewing publicly available information, asking about labour practices and recruitment methods, and, where feasible, conducting site visits or meetings. If concerns arise, we may require corrective actions, enhanced monitoring, or, where issues are not resolved, termination of the relationship.
Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the management of Man and a Van Ruislip. Managers are expected to promote ethical conduct, monitor supplier relationships, and respond appropriately to any concerns or reports. We aim to increase awareness of modern slavery among our staff, especially those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment, so they can identify warning signs such as coercion, withholding of documents, or inappropriate recruitment fees.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Man and a Van Ruislip encourages anyone who works for us, works with us, or engages with our services to report any concerns related to modern slavery or human trafficking. Concerns may relate to our own operations, our suppliers, or any third party encountered in the course of our business.
Reports can be made to management or through agreed internal reporting routes. We will take all reports seriously, handle them sensitively and, where possible, confidentially, and we will not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Where there is evidence or a reasonable suspicion of modern slavery, we will act promptly, which may include contacting relevant authorities and taking immediate steps to safeguard affected individuals.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires regular reflection and improvement. Man and a Van Ruislip will review this Modern Slavery Statement and our related practices at least once every year, or more frequently if there are significant changes in our business, legal requirements, or identified risks.
As part of the annual review, we will consider any reports or incidents that occurred, feedback from staff and suppliers, developments in best practice, and any changes in our supply chain. Where necessary, we will update our policies, enhance training, refine supplier checks, and strengthen our due diligence procedures.
This Statement reflects the position and commitment of Man and a Van Ruislip at the time of publication and demonstrates our ongoing determination to play our part in eliminating modern slavery and human trafficking.
