Modern Slavery Statement for Storage Barkingside
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Storage Barkingside has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in our operations or supply chains. Storage Barkingside recognises its responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and to respect the rights and dignity of every person who contributes to our business.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Storage Barkingside maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, and child labour. We are committed to conducting our business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This commitment applies to all aspects of our operations, from the way we manage our facilities and workforce to how we engage with suppliers and contractors.
All colleagues, managers, and business partners are expected to act in accordance with this policy. We do not tolerate any practice that is inconsistent with the protection of fundamental human rights, and we reserve the right to terminate relationships with any party that is found to be involved in, or complicit with, modern slavery.
Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards
Our supply chains include providers of goods and services that support our storage operations, such as facility maintenance, security, utilities, equipment, and professional services. We seek to work only with suppliers that share our values and demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical conduct and legal compliance.
We are progressively integrating modern slavery considerations into our procurement processes. This includes incorporating clauses on labour standards and human rights into supplier terms and expecting suppliers to have their own policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery. We require that suppliers comply with all applicable laws on employment, health and safety, and human rights in the countries where they operate.
Supplier Audits and Risk Assessment
Storage Barkingside adopts a risk-based approach to identifying and assessing areas of potential vulnerability to modern slavery in our supply chains. We evaluate risk factors such as sector, geography, and the nature of the goods or services supplied.
Where higher risk is identified, we may undertake more detailed due diligence. This can include supplier questionnaires, requests for evidence of policies and procedures, and on-site assessments where appropriate. We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits focused specifically on labour practices, recruitment, and working conditions. If a supplier fails to meet our standards or is unable to demonstrate sufficient controls, we will work with them to address the issues or consider ending the business relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Storage Barkingside encourages an open culture where concerns about unethical or unlawful conduct can be raised without fear of retaliation. All colleagues, contractors, and suppliers are expected to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery connected to our business or supply chains.
Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or via the company’s designated reporting procedures. Reports may be made confidentially and will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. We are committed to protecting anyone who raises a concern in good faith from detrimental treatment.
Training and Awareness
To support our zero-tolerance stance, we seek to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among colleagues involved in procurement, supplier management, and site operations. Training and guidance are provided so that relevant staff can recognise warning signs, understand their responsibilities, and know how to escalate concerns.
We also encourage suppliers to raise awareness within their own organisations and supply networks, reinforcing a shared responsibility for safeguarding human rights.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management of Storage Barkingside. They are accountable for ensuring that our policies are implemented effectively, that risks are appropriately managed, and that improvements are identified and delivered.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to reflect changes in our business, legislation, and best practice. As part of this review, we assess the effectiveness of our actions, including supplier due diligence, audits, training, and reporting mechanisms. Where necessary, we update our policies and procedures to strengthen our safeguards against modern slavery.
By publishing this statement, Storage Barkingside reaffirms its commitment to doing business ethically, supporting safe and fair working conditions, and contributing to the elimination of modern slavery in all its forms.
