Docklands Man and Van Modern Slavery Statement

Docklands Man and Van is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in a manner that respects human rights, promotes fair working practices, and actively opposes modern slavery and human trafficking. This statement explains the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risk of modern slavery within our operations and supply chains.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation. This commitment applies to every part of our business, including direct employees, agency workers, contractors, and all suppliers who support our removals, logistics, and associated services.

No form of coercion, bonded labour, child labour, or degrading working conditions is acceptable within our business or supply chain. We expect everyone we work with to uphold these same standards and to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws.

Scope of This Statement

This statement covers the activities of Docklands Man and Van, including our direct operations and the goods and services we procure from third parties. It applies to all locations in which we operate, and to all colleagues regardless of role or seniority. It also extends to our relationships with subcontracted drivers, storage partners, and other service providers.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

We recognise that the logistics and transport sector can be exposed to modern slavery risks, particularly where subcontracting or temporary labour is involved. To address these risks, we conduct proportionate due diligence on new suppliers and review existing suppliers periodically. This may include reviewing ownership structures, geographical risk factors, labour practices, and the use of third-party labour providers.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All suppliers are expected to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. We require suppliers to operate in accordance with ethical labour standards and to be able to demonstrate that they do not engage in or tolerate any form of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour.

We carry out supplier checks and audits, which may be desk-based or on-site, to verify compliance with our standards. Where concerns are identified, we will seek corrective action within a reasonable timeframe. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our requirements, we may suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We promote awareness of modern slavery risks among our team members, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided so that staff can recognise indicators of exploitation, understand our policies, and know how to escalate any concerns they may encounter during the course of their work.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Docklands Man and Van encourages everyone connected to our business, including employees, contractors, and suppliers, to report any suspicion of modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised with a line manager, a senior manager, or through our internal reporting channels without fear of retaliation or disadvantage.

All reports are taken seriously and will be investigated promptly and sensitively. Where appropriate, we will work with relevant authorities and expert organisations to support investigations and to protect any individuals who may be at risk.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We are committed to continually improving our approach to preventing modern slavery. We review our policies, risk assessments, and supplier monitoring processes on an ongoing basis to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks faced by our business.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year by the leadership of Docklands Man and Van. As part of this annual review, we consider changes in our operations, shifts in our supply chain, feedback from staff and suppliers, and any incidents or concerns raised. Where necessary, we update our procedures and communicate these changes to relevant stakeholders.

Approval and Responsibility

Responsibility for implementing this statement and our wider human rights commitments rests with the management team of Docklands Man and Van. They are accountable for ensuring that appropriate resources, training, and oversight are in place to uphold our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery and to foster an ethical, transparent, and responsible business.