Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps Battersea Man and Van is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings.

Battersea Man and Van provides local and regional man and van services, including home and office removals, deliveries, and related logistics support. While our business is relatively small and operates mainly within the United Kingdom, we acknowledge that risks can exist at any level of a supply chain and we are committed to continuous improvement in identifying and addressing those risks.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. This applies to all aspects of our business, including permanent and temporary staff, agency workers, contractors, and any organisations supplying goods or services to us.

All directors, managers, and workers are expected to act in line with this policy and to challenge behaviour or practices that are inconsistent with our commitment. We will not knowingly engage with any supplier or partner involved in modern slavery or human trafficking and we reserve the right to terminate relationships where credible concerns are identified and not promptly remedied.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards

Our supply chains primarily involve vehicle leasing and maintenance, fuel providers, packaging and materials suppliers, cleaning and facilities services, and occasional labour agencies. We aim to work only with reputable suppliers who share our values on ethical conduct and human rights.

We communicate our expectations on modern slavery to existing and prospective suppliers. Where appropriate, we seek written confirmation that suppliers comply with all relevant modern slavery and human trafficking laws and that they uphold fair employment practices, including the prohibition of forced labour and the protection of workers' rights to freedom of movement and fair pay.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Battersea Man and Van is developing and maintaining proportionate due diligence processes to assess and manage modern slavery risks in our supply chains. These processes currently include:

Screening new key suppliers for their modern slavery statements or equivalent policies, where applicable. Assessing suppliers based on their location, type of service, and sector risk profile. Retaining the right to request further information or documentation where we identify potential higher risk.

Where risk indicators are identified, we may carry out more detailed checks and request evidence of labour practices. We also reserve the right to undertake targeted audits, which may include site visits, interviews, or document reviews, either directly or through a competent third party. If a supplier fails an audit or refuses reasonable cooperation, we will review the relationship and may decide to suspend or end the engagement.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We are committed to promoting awareness of modern slavery among our team. Managers and relevant staff are given guidance on recognising potential signs of exploitation, such as withheld documents, restricted movement, or signs of coercion, and on the steps to take if concerns arise.

We encourage all staff, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns about modern slavery or unethical behaviour within our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised in confidence to a line manager or a senior manager. We will treat all reports seriously, investigate them promptly, and, where appropriate, take corrective and protective action. No one will suffer any detrimental treatment for raising a genuine concern in good faith.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Battersea Man and Van. They ensure that appropriate policies, processes, and reviews are in place and that any identified gaps or risks are addressed.

This statement and our related procedures are reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature of our business and supply chains. The review considers any incidents reported, audit findings, and feedback from staff and suppliers, and leads to updates in our risk assessments, training, and supplier engagement where necessary.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement has been approved by the management of Battersea Man and Van and reflects our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery in all areas of our business.