Modern Slavery Statement for Barkingside Storage

Barkingside Storage is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and with full respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the measures taken to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can occur in many forms, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any practice that exploits vulnerability or denies individual freedom.

Our approach applies to all areas of the Barkingside Storage business, including recruitment, procurement, facilities management, and third-party relationships. We expect every employee, contractor, and supplier to uphold the same standards. Ethical conduct is not optional; it is a core requirement of doing business with us. Where concerns arise, we take prompt action to investigate, mitigate risk, and prevent recurrence.

We also recognise the importance of awareness and accountability. For this reason, staff involved in hiring, purchasing, and supplier management receive guidance on identifying warning signs of exploitation. By embedding vigilance into daily practice, Barkingside Storage strengthens its ability to respond to risk and support fair working conditions across its operations.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

A key part of our commitment is a robust supplier due diligence process. Before engaging new suppliers, Barkingside Storage reviews their business practices, ownership structure, labour standards, and compliance history. We expect suppliers to confirm that they do not use forced, bonded, or trafficked labour and that they share our values on human rights and workplace dignity.

We conduct supplier audits where appropriate, focusing on higher-risk categories, sectors, and geographies. These audits may include document checks, worker verification, and assessments of subcontracting arrangements. Any supplier found to be failing our standards may be required to implement corrective actions, submit to further review, or, where necessary, face suspension or termination of the relationship.

Our supplier management process is designed to be proportionate yet firm. We maintain records of due diligence findings, audit outcomes, and follow-up actions to ensure issues are tracked and resolved. This approach helps Barkingside Storage monitor risks systematically and reinforces our expectation that all commercial partners operate in an ethical and transparent manner.

Reporting Concerns and Speaking Up

We encourage everyone connected with the business to raise concerns if they suspect modern slavery or other unethical labour practices. Barkingside Storage provides clear reporting channels so that concerns can be raised through internal management routes or designated safeguarding processes. Reports are handled seriously, confidentially, and without victimisation.

Employees and partners are expected to act in good faith and report any signs of coercion, document retention, unusual restrictions on movement, withholding of wages, or unsafe living and working conditions. No one should feel pressured to ignore warning signs. We make clear that retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern will not be tolerated.

Where a concern is raised, we assess the information promptly and determine the appropriate response, which may include internal investigation, engagement with suppliers, or escalation to relevant authorities. This structured process supports Barkingside Storage in responding effectively and protecting potentially affected individuals.

Governance, Training, and Review

Responsibility for modern slavery prevention sits with senior management, who oversee policy implementation, risk monitoring, and remediation actions. Training is refreshed periodically to ensure those involved in procurement and operations can identify emerging risks and understand their responsibilities. Our objective is to keep the Barkingside Storage approach practical, current, and effective.

We also review our risk profile across suppliers, service providers, and operational activities to identify where vulnerabilities may exist. Changes in business model, labour market conditions, or supply chain structure are considered when assessing risk. This helps ensure the Barkingside Storage statement reflects real operational conditions rather than a static policy document.

This statement is reviewed annually to confirm its continued relevance and to measure progress against our commitments. During the review, we evaluate audit findings, reported concerns, training activity, and supplier performance. Any updates required to improve the Barkingside Storage framework are approved and implemented as part of our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery in all forms.