Modern Slavery Statement for Man with Van Newington
Man with Van Newington is committed to conducting all aspects of its operations in an ethical, responsible, and transparent manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our own operations and throughout our supply chains.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
We operate a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery in every form. We do not tolerate the use of forced, bonded, involuntary, or child labour by our employees, contractors, suppliers, or any other party acting on our behalf. All business decisions are expected to support and uphold this commitment, and any breach of this policy is treated as a serious misconduct issue that may result in termination of contracts or working relationships.
We are committed to respecting human rights as set out in applicable laws and recognised international standards. Our directors and management are responsible for ensuring that our business culture promotes fairness, dignity, and respect for every individual with whom we interact.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Man with Van Newington provides transport, removals, and associated services. While our direct operations are relatively simple, we recognise that risks may exist within our broader supply chain, including providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, uniforms, temporary labour, and other supporting services.
We aim to work only with reputable suppliers who share our values and who can demonstrate that they operate in compliance with all relevant labour and human rights legislation. We expect our partners to maintain systems and controls that prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in their own operations and supply chains.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
We conduct proportionate due diligence on key suppliers, contractors, and service providers before entering into new agreements and at appropriate intervals during the relationship. This may include requesting information about their labour practices, policies on modern slavery, and the steps they are taking to identify and reduce risk in their own supply chains.
Where we identify higher-risk suppliers or sectors, we may carry out additional checks or request further assurances. We reserve the right to undertake audits, request supporting documentation, and conduct site visits where practical, in order to verify compliance with our standards. If a supplier fails to meet our expectations or refuses reasonable cooperation with our due diligence, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage anyone working for or with Man with Van Newington to raise concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical labour practices at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management, or through any internal reporting mechanism made available within the business.
We will take all reports seriously and handle them sensitively, to the extent possible. We will not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is later found to be unfounded. Where appropriate, we will work with relevant authorities or specialist organisations to investigate and address any issues that arise.
Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities
Relevant members of our team, especially those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management, are expected to understand the risks of modern slavery and the requirements of this statement. We seek to improve awareness by providing information on how to recognise warning signs, how to report concerns, and how to support our zero-tolerance approach in day-to-day activities.
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management, who review our policies and their implementation and ensure that actions are taken when risks are identified.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and continual improvement. We are committed to reviewing our approach annually, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation or circumstances within our business or supply chains.
As part of each annual review, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our due diligence processes, supplier engagement, and reporting mechanisms. We will consider whether further training, policy updates, or additional checks are needed and will implement improvements as appropriate.
This Modern Slavery Statement reflects the position of Man with Van Newington at the time of publication and will be updated to reflect our progress and any new measures adopted to strengthen our fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.
