Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Man and a Van Chelsea in respect of our financial year and outlines the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains.
Man and a Van Chelsea provides removals, transportation, and related services in and around Chelsea and the wider London area. Although we are a small to medium enterprise, we recognise that modern slavery can occur in any sector, including local service industries, and we are committed to playing our part in its eradication.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
Man and a Van Chelsea has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity, and in full compliance with applicable laws in all our business relationships. We expect the same high standards from all those we work with, including employees, agency staff, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Any indication that modern slavery or human trafficking may be taking place in connection with our business is treated as an extremely serious matter. Where concerns are substantiated, we will take immediate corrective action, which may include terminating contracts or working with relevant authorities.
Our Operations and Supply Chain
Our core operations involve the provision of man and van services, household and office removals, and related logistical support. Our supply chain primarily consists of providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, packaging materials, storage facilities, and occasional labour or specialist subcontracting.
We recognise that risks can arise in areas such as temporary labour, vehicle cleaning, warehousing, and sourcing of products and materials. We therefore aim to work only with reputable suppliers and partners who share our commitment to ethical conduct and the elimination of modern slavery.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Man and a Van Chelsea is progressively implementing due diligence measures to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks in our supply chain. We aim to work with suppliers who can demonstrate responsible labour practices, safe working conditions, and compliance with relevant employment legislation.
We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits, either directly or through trusted third parties, to assess adherence to our standards. These audits may include reviewing employment practices, worker documentation where appropriate, and health and safety arrangements. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our standards or to address identified issues within an agreed timeframe, we may suspend or cease the business relationship.
Employee Awareness and Responsibilities
All colleagues, whether permanent, temporary, or agency workers, are expected to support our stance against modern slavery. We seek to raise awareness of the signs of exploitation and encourage staff to be vigilant, particularly when engaging with new suppliers, subcontractors, or labour providers.
Managers are responsible for considering modern slavery risks in relevant business decisions, such as procurement or outsourcing. Any concerns must be escalated promptly through the appropriate reporting channels.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Man and a Van Chelsea encourages the reporting of any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business. Concerns can be raised internally with a line manager or a senior member of the management team. We also encourage staff and suppliers, where appropriate, to report serious concerns to external authorities or recognised helplines if they feel unable to raise them directly with us.
We will investigate all reports sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is not substantiated after investigation.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We are committed to continually reviewing and improving our approach to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking. Over time, we aim to strengthen our due diligence, risk assessment, and supplier engagement processes as our business grows and our supply chain evolves.
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed annually by the management of Man and a Van Chelsea to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with best practice and legal requirements. Any necessary updates or enhancements to our policies, procedures, or training will be implemented following this review.
This statement has been approved by the management of Man and a Van Chelsea and represents our ongoing commitment to operating ethically and to helping prevent modern slavery in all its forms.
