Modern Slavery Statement

Man With a Van Barnet Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is published by Man With a Van Barnet in accordance with applicable legislation and good practice guidance on modern slavery and human trafficking. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Approach

Man With a Van Barnet is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and with respect for the rights and dignity of all people. We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking in any form, whether forced labour, servitude, child labour, debt bondage, or any other practice that deprives individuals of their freedom.

We expect all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers to share this commitment. Any breach or suspected breach of our anti-slavery standards is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts, disciplinary action, or reporting to relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Man With a Van Barnet provides removals, transport, and related services to residential and commercial customers. Our operations rely on a combination of in-house staff, sub-contracted drivers, vehicle hire providers, fuel suppliers, equipment providers, and other support services.

We recognise that risks of modern slavery can exist at various levels within logistics, transport, and outsourced labour. We are committed to identifying, assessing, and reducing these risks through proportionate due diligence and ongoing oversight of our supply chain.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We aim to work only with suppliers and partners who uphold lawful, ethical, and fair employment practices. As part of our approach to modern slavery prevention, we:

Conduct initial due diligence on new suppliers where there is a higher risk of labour exploitation, considering their location, activities, and labour practices.

Request confirmation from key suppliers that they comply with all relevant labour, employment, and human rights laws and that they do not tolerate any form of modern slavery in their own operations or supply chains.

Include contractual expectations, where appropriate, requiring suppliers to act consistently with our zero-tolerance approach and to cooperate with any reasonable checks or information requests.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

To strengthen our oversight, Man With a Van Barnet undertakes supplier audits and monitoring activities proportionate to the level of risk. These may include:

Reviewing supplier policies and statements on modern slavery, human rights, and ethical conduct.

Assessing recruitment practices, working conditions, and wage arrangements where information is available.

Requesting clarification and remedial action where concerns are identified, and, where necessary, suspending or ending relationships with suppliers that fail to address serious issues.

We continuously improve our approach to audits by learning from industry guidance and feedback from staff, suppliers, and clients.

Awareness, Training, and Responsibilities

Responsibility for overseeing this Modern Slavery Statement and its implementation rests with the management of Man With a Van Barnet. Managers are expected to lead by example and ensure that teams understand and follow our standards.

We provide appropriate guidance and awareness-raising for employees whose roles involve procurement, contractor management, or supervision of workers. Training covers recognising indicators of modern slavery, the importance of due diligence, and how to respond to concerns.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Man With a Van Barnet encourages anyone connected with our business to report concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices without fear of retaliation. Concerns may be raised through an internal manager or senior member of staff, or via existing whistleblowing and grievance routes used within the business.

All reports will be treated seriously and handled sensitively. Where appropriate, we will investigate concerns promptly, take corrective action, and, if necessary, notify relevant authorities. We will not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process. Man With a Van Barnet is committed to continually improving our policies, procedures, and supplier engagement to reduce the risk of exploitation in our operations and supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to reflect changes in our business, legal requirements, and best practice. As part of each review, we consider the effectiveness of our actions, the outcome of any audits, and feedback from staff and stakeholders, and we update our approach where necessary.

This statement has been approved by the management of Man With a Van Barnet and represents our current position on modern slavery and human trafficking.