Modern Slavery Statement
Man with Van Highgate Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps that Man with Van Highgate has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our business or in the wider network of suppliers who support our services.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Man with Van Highgate maintains a clear and unambiguous zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, and child labour. This applies to our own operations, to any individuals working directly for us, and to all third parties who provide goods or services on our behalf. We will not knowingly work with any organisation or individual that is involved in, supports, or turns a blind eye to modern slavery in any part of their business.
This zero-tolerance stance is communicated to all staff during induction and reinforced through ongoing training and internal communications. Our managers are responsible for promoting a culture where ethical conduct is the norm, where exploitation is never accepted, and where concerns can be raised openly and without fear of retaliation.
Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards
As a provider of transport and removal services, Man with Van Highgate works with a range of suppliers, including vehicle hire companies, equipment providers, fuel suppliers, and subcontracted labour. We recognise that the risk of modern slavery can arise at different points in our supply chain, particularly where temporary or low-skilled labour is involved or where goods are sourced through multiple tiers of intermediaries.
We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to uphold the same high standards of ethics and human rights that we follow. Our terms of engagement require suppliers to comply with all relevant legislation relating to employment, labour rights, and modern slavery. We reserve the right to terminate relationships with any supplier that is found to be in breach of these requirements or that fails to take adequate corrective action when concerns are raised.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
Man with Van Highgate is developing and implementing a risk-based approach to supplier due diligence and audits. New suppliers are assessed during onboarding to confirm that they have appropriate policies, procedures, and controls in place to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking. This assessment may include reviewing their modern slavery statements, labour policies, and evidence of workforce management practices.
For higher risk suppliers or categories of supply, we may conduct more detailed checks, including requests for additional documentation, structured questionnaires, or site visits where appropriate and proportionate. Ongoing supplier audits are carried out periodically to verify ongoing compliance. Where issues are identified, we will work with suppliers to support improvements, but we will not hesitate to suspend or end relationships where serious or repeated non-compliance is found.
Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns
Man with Van Highgate encourages all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns or suspicions relating to modern slavery or human trafficking. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to any part of our supply chain. Staff are encouraged to speak directly to their line manager or to a senior manager if they identify any behaviour or practice that appears to be exploitative or inconsistent with our values.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals who raise concerns in good faith are protected and supported. Retaliation against anyone who speaks up about suspected modern slavery is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter. All reports will be treated sensitively, investigated promptly, and, where necessary, escalated to the appropriate authorities.
Training and Awareness
To support the effective implementation of this statement, Man with Van Highgate provides training and guidance to relevant employees, particularly those involved in recruitment, supplier selection, and contract management. Training covers the nature of modern slavery, common indicators of exploitation, how to raise concerns, and the responsibilities of staff in preventing and detecting modern slavery.
We also work to build awareness among our subcontractors and suppliers, highlighting our expectations and signposting them to good practice resources where possible. Our aim is to promote a culture of vigilance and shared responsibility throughout our operations and wider supply chain.
Monitoring, Accountability, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Man with Van Highgate. They are accountable for ensuring that appropriate policies, procedures, and controls are in place and that these are effectively implemented and regularly reviewed. We monitor our performance through supplier assessments, internal audits, and feedback from staff and partners.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every year, and more frequently if there are significant changes in our business, our supply chain, or in relevant legislation and guidance. The annual review will consider the effectiveness of our actions, any incidents or concerns raised, the outcomes of supplier audits, and opportunities for improvement. We are committed to continuous improvement and to strengthening our approach over time so that the risk of modern slavery within Man with Van Highgate and our supply chains is actively and systematically reduced.
