Modern Slavery Statement for Storage Aldborough Hatch
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps that Storage Aldborough Hatch has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. It is made in respect of the latest financial year and reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical conduct and responsible procurement.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Storage Aldborough Hatch has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships. We expect the same high standards from all individuals and organisations that work with or for us, including employees, agency staff, contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
We are dedicated to ensuring that there is no modern slavery in any part of our business. We seek to embed this commitment in our culture, policies, and everyday decision-making, and we continually review our practices to identify and reduce any risk of exploitation.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Storage Aldborough Hatch operates in the storage and related services sector. Our supply chain includes providers of building maintenance, security, cleaning, equipment, packaging materials, technology, and professional services. While the overall risk of modern slavery in our sector is considered relatively low, we recognise that no supply chain is entirely risk free and that vigilance is required at all times.
We aim to work with suppliers who share our values and are willing to uphold and demonstrate high standards of labour and human rights protections in their own operations and supply chains.
Policies and Supplier Standards
Our approach to preventing modern slavery is supported by a range of internal policies and procedures, including our commitment to fair recruitment, non-discrimination, and safe working conditions. These policies are communicated to relevant staff and reviewed periodically.
We expect our suppliers and contractors to adhere to all applicable laws relating to employment, working conditions, health and safety, and human rights. Where appropriate, our contracts and purchasing terms require suppliers to confirm that they do not engage in, or condone, modern slavery or human trafficking and that they take reasonable steps to ensure the same in their own supply chains.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
Storage Aldborough Hatch carries out proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers to assess the risk of modern slavery. This may include gathering information about ownership, operating locations, workforce practices, and compliance with labour laws. We may request evidence of policies, certifications, or other measures that address human rights and ethical employment.
Where we identify higher-risk suppliers or categories of spend, we may conduct more detailed checks or audits. These audits can involve reviewing documentation relating to recruitment, pay, working hours, and grievance mechanisms. If any non-compliance or concerns are identified, we will work with the supplier to achieve timely remediation, and we reserve the right to terminate relationships with suppliers that fail to meet our standards or refuse to address issues.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
We encourage all employees, contractors, and suppliers to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any part of our business or supply chain. Concerns can be raised with line managers, senior management, or through established internal reporting channels. We will treat all reports seriously, handle them sensitively, and investigate as appropriate.
No individual will suffer any retaliation for raising a concern in good faith about suspected modern slavery or human rights abuses. We are committed to ensuring that concerns are heard, investigated, and addressed without fear of disadvantage.
Training and Awareness
We seek to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and site operations. Training and guidance focus on recognising warning signs, understanding our policies, and knowing how to report concerns. By building awareness and capability, we aim to strengthen our ability to prevent and detect exploitation.
Monitoring, Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Aldborough Hatch is committed to the continuous improvement of our approach to tackling modern slavery. We monitor the effectiveness of our policies, due diligence activities, and reporting mechanisms, and we seek feedback from stakeholders to identify areas for enhancement.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. As part of this review, we consider any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier audits, changes in our operations or supply chains, and developments in legislation or guidance. Where necessary, we update our procedures and take additional steps to strengthen our controls.
This statement has been approved by the management of Storage Aldborough Hatch and will be updated and published each year to reflect our ongoing efforts to combat modern slavery and protect human rights throughout our business and supply chains.
