Docklands Man and Van Modern Slavery Statement
Introduction and Purpose
Docklands Man and Van is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations relating to modern slavery and human trafficking. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent, identify, and address modern slavery risks within our own operations and throughout our supply chains. It reflects our ongoing commitment to respect human rights and to ensure that the people who work for and with us are treated with dignity and fairness.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Docklands Man and Van provides local and regional moving, transport, and associated services. Our operations rely on a combination of directly engaged staff, self-employed contractors, vehicle providers, fuel suppliers, logistics partners, and providers of equipment, tools, and premises-related services. Because of the nature of our work, we recognise the potential risk of labour exploitation in areas such as temporary labour, subcontracted services, and third-party logistics support. We are committed to working only with suppliers and partners who share our values and standards in relation to labour and human rights.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and any third parties acting on our behalf. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation that is involved in, or fails to take adequate steps to prevent, modern slavery in its business or supply chains.
All new and existing business relationships are expected to comply with our zero-tolerance approach. Where concerns are identified, we will take appropriate and proportionate action, which may include suspending or terminating the relationship and reporting the matter to the relevant authorities where appropriate.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect our suppliers and service providers to adopt ethical practices that are consistent with our own standards. As part of our due diligence process, we assess the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain, focusing on higher-risk categories such as labour provision, subcontracted manual services, and cross-border logistics arrangements.
We reserve the right to carry out supplier audits and assessments to verify compliance with our modern slavery expectations. These reviews may include requesting documentation about labour practices, conducting site visits where proportionate and feasible, and seeking written confirmations from suppliers that they do not use forced, trafficked, or child labour. Where non-compliance or material risk is identified, we expect suppliers to implement corrective actions within reasonable timeframes, failing which our commercial relationship may be reviewed or brought to an end.
Training, Awareness, and Responsibility
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with senior management, who ensure that this statement and related procedures are effectively implemented. Managers involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management receive guidance on recognising potential indicators of labour exploitation and responding appropriately.
We communicate our zero-tolerance stance to employees and key contractors to promote awareness of modern slavery risks. We emphasise that everyone in our organisation shares responsibility for upholding our standards and raising concerns about any suspected unethical or illegal practices.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Docklands Man and Van encourages anyone working for us or with us to report, in confidence, any suspected case of modern slavery, human trafficking, or other serious misconduct connected to our activities or supply chains. Concerns may be raised with a line manager, a senior manager, or through any established internal reporting mechanism. Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly.
We do not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Where appropriate, we will work with relevant authorities and expert organisations to address reported issues and protect affected individuals.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process requiring continual assessment and improvement. Docklands Man and Van is committed to reviewing this Modern Slavery Statement and our supporting procedures at least once every year, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, business operations, or identified risk areas.
As part of our annual review, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our due diligence, supplier audits, training, and reporting mechanisms. We will use the outcomes of these reviews to strengthen our controls, update our risk assessments, and enhance our collaboration with suppliers and partners. By doing so, we aim to maintain a robust and proactive approach that helps prevent modern slavery in all aspects of our operations and supply chains.
