Storage St Margarets Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Storage St Margarets in recognition of our responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting business ethically, with integrity, and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations relating to labour standards and human rights.
Our Commitment and Scope
Storage St Margarets recognises that modern slavery is a serious global issue that can occur in many forms, including forced labour, servitude, human trafficking, debt bondage, and exploitation of vulnerable workers. This statement applies to all aspects of our business, including our employees, contractors, temporary workers, and suppliers who provide goods and services that support our storage operations.
Zero Tolerance Policy
We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with or support any organisation, individual, or activity that is connected to modern slavery. Any breach of this policy by employees, contractors, or suppliers will be treated as a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action, contract termination, or reporting to relevant authorities.
All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting this policy within their teams and ensuring that any concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. Our expectations regarding ethical conduct and respect for human rights are communicated as part of our internal policies and procedures.
Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards
Storage St Margarets relies on a range of suppliers for goods and services such as facility maintenance, security, cleaning, and equipment. We expect all suppliers and business partners to uphold standards equivalent to our own, including compliance with labour laws, fair treatment of workers, and prohibition of forced or compulsory labour.
Our procurement processes aim to incorporate checks on the ethical performance of suppliers. New and existing suppliers are assessed on their commitment to preventing modern slavery, and we reserve the right to cease working with any supplier that fails to meet these expectations.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
We are committed to conducting appropriate due diligence on suppliers that present a higher risk of labour exploitation, based on factors such as location, industry, and type of service. Where proportionate, we may carry out supplier audits to review employment practices, recruitment methods, and working conditions.
These audits and reviews may include requests for documentation, self-assessment questionnaires, or on-site visits. Where non-compliance is identified, we will work with the supplier to implement corrective actions within an agreed timeframe, or, where necessary, terminate the relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Storage St Margarets encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery within our operations or supply chains. We will investigate all credible reports and take appropriate action to address substantiated issues.
Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or in accordance with our whistleblowing policy. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will ensure that individuals who raise genuine concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation or detrimental treatment.
Training and Awareness
We aim to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and facilities operations. Training and guidance are provided to help employees recognise signs of exploitation and understand how to escalate concerns.
By promoting awareness, we seek to create a culture in which ethical behaviour is expected, and potential instances of modern slavery are more likely to be identified and challenged.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Storage St Margarets is committed to continuously improving our approach to preventing modern slavery. We monitor the effectiveness of our policies and processes by reviewing supplier performance, audit outcomes, and any reported incidents or concerns.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually and updated where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and best practice. The review will consider feedback from stakeholders, audit findings, and any lessons learned from investigations or remedial actions.
By maintaining strong governance, open reporting channels, and a clear zero-tolerance stance, Storage St Margarets aims to play an active role in combating modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals connected to our business.
