Modern Slavery Statement for Man With A Van Lewisham

Man With A Van Lewisham is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to help prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can affect any sector, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse or coercion.

As a responsible Lewisham removals and transport service, we expect the highest ethical standards from our staff, contractors, and suppliers. Our commitment applies across all areas of activity, including recruitment, subcontracting, vehicle maintenance, warehousing support, and any outsourced services. We require that all business relationships reflect our values of dignity, transparency, and compliance with applicable labour laws.

We continuously review our internal practices to identify and reduce risk. This includes assessing working conditions, checking for unlawful deductions, monitoring excessive working hours, and ensuring that employment decisions are made freely and fairly. Where concerns arise, we investigate promptly and take appropriate action. Man With A Van Lewisham will not tolerate any supplier or worker who knowingly participates in exploitation.

Our supplier due diligence process is designed to help prevent modern slavery from entering our operations. Before engaging a new supplier, we assess their ownership, labour standards, and compliance history. We also require suppliers to confirm that they prohibit forced labour, child labour, and trafficking in all forms. This due diligence is proportionate to the risk presented by the service or goods supplied.

In addition to initial checks, we carry out supplier audits on a scheduled and risk-based basis. These audits may include document reviews, site visits, worker verification, and assessment of subcontracting practices. When appropriate, we ask suppliers to provide evidence of payroll compliance, right-to-work controls, training records, and grievance procedures. If a supplier fails to meet our standards, we seek immediate remediation or end the relationship.

We also promote awareness among our teams so that risk can be recognised early. Staff involved in procurement and operations are trained to identify indicators such as restricted movement, unexplained wage deductions, document retention, intimidation, or poor accommodation conditions. Training reinforces the importance of ethical sourcing and encourages staff to treat every concern seriously and without delay.

Reporting channels are essential to our approach. Anyone working with or for Man With A Van Lewisham can raise concerns about modern slavery through internal reporting routes, including managers and designated compliance contacts. Reports may be made confidentially, and we aim to ensure that concerns are handled sensitively, fairly, and as quickly as possible. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

If a potential issue is reported, we follow a clear escalation process. This may involve gathering evidence, speaking with relevant parties, suspending work with the supplier, or referring matters to the appropriate authorities where required. Our response is guided by the seriousness of the issue and the need to protect vulnerable individuals. We recognise that effective action depends on prompt reporting and a willingness to intervene.

Our commitment extends beyond formal procedures. We expect all employees and business partners to act with honesty and to help maintain a safe, lawful, and ethical working environment. Where risks are identified, we take practical steps to address root causes, strengthen controls, and reduce the chance of recurrence. This is part of our broader responsibility as a van hire and moving services provider in Lewisham.

We are committed to an annual review of this statement and the measures supporting it. Each year, we assess our progress, update our risk evaluation, and consider whether additional controls, training, or audits are needed. The review process ensures that our response remains effective and relevant to changing business activities, supplier relationships, and legal expectations.

As part of that annual review, we examine any incidents, complaints, supplier findings, and improvements made during the year. We also consider whether our procurement practices, onboarding checks, and awareness training remain robust. Where gaps are identified, we strengthen our procedures and record the actions taken. This helps ensure continual improvement and accountability across the business.

Man With A Van Lewisham remains fully committed to preventing modern slavery in all forms. Through a zero-tolerance policy, careful supplier audits, secure reporting channels, and an annual review process, we aim to uphold ethical standards throughout our operations. Our statement reflects an ongoing commitment to respect human rights and to act decisively wherever exploitation may be found.