Storage Bexleyheath Modern Slavery Commitment
Storage Bexleyheath is committed to conducting business in an ethical and responsible manner. We recognise that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation are serious global issues that can affect any sector or supply chain. This Modern Slavery Statement explains the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery within our operations and supply chains.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Storage Bexleyheath has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to acting with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place in any part of our business or our supply chains.
All colleagues, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this commitment. We do not knowingly engage with any party that is involved in or connected to modern slavery, and we will terminate relationships where credible evidence of such practices is found and not promptly and appropriately remedied.
Our Supply Chains and Risk Management
Our supply chains include property services, facilities management, construction and maintenance contractors, equipment and materials providers, professional advisors, and various business support services. We assess the risk of modern slavery based on factors such as geography, sector, and the nature of the goods or services supplied.
Where higher risk is identified, we apply enhanced scrutiny and due diligence. This can include additional questions during supplier onboarding, requests for policy documents, and confirmation of compliance with relevant legislation and ethical standards.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
Storage Bexleyheath is strengthening supplier management to ensure our expectations on modern slavery are clearly communicated and monitored. Our approach includes:
Carrying out checks on new suppliers to assess their ethical practices and their own supply chain oversight. Requesting confirmation that suppliers comply with modern slavery and human rights legislation relevant to their operations. Reviewing suppliers’ policies and statements where applicable, including their own modern slavery commitments. Reserving the right to conduct proportionate audits or site visits, particularly where risk is considered higher or where concerns are raised. Taking appropriate action, which may include corrective action plans or termination of contracts, if suppliers fail to meet our standards.
We expect suppliers to cascade similar standards through their own supply chains, helping to promote respect for human rights beyond our immediate relationships.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing
Storage Bexleyheath encourages a culture of openness where concerns about modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical conduct can be raised without fear of retaliation. Colleagues, contractors, and other stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspected instances of modern slavery connected to our operations or supply chains.
Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels or directly to senior management. We treat all reports seriously and sensitively, and we investigate them promptly and, where appropriate, independently. We will not tolerate victimisation or detrimental treatment of any person who raises a concern in good faith.
Training and Awareness
We recognise the importance of awareness in preventing modern slavery. Relevant staff are informed about the risks of modern slavery and the signs of exploitation so that concerns can be identified and reported at an early stage. We seek to integrate ethical considerations, including modern slavery risks, into our wider culture, induction, and ongoing guidance.
Monitoring, Accountability and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery commitments sits with the senior management of Storage Bexleyheath. They review our policies and practices to ensure they remain appropriate and effective as the business and external environment evolve.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually. As part of that review, we consider feedback from colleagues and stakeholders, lessons learned from any concerns raised, changes in legislation, and developments in best practice. Where necessary, we will update our processes, strengthen supplier checks, and improve training to ensure continuous improvement.
Storage Bexleyheath is committed to ongoing vigilance and to working collaboratively with suppliers, colleagues, and other stakeholders to help eliminate modern slavery and promote fair and safe working conditions throughout our operations and supply chains.
