Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps Man with Van Balham has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in our own operations or within our supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to combat modern slavery.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Man with Van Balham provides local and regional transport, removals, and related logistics services. Our operations are primarily based in the United Kingdom and involve a combination of directly engaged staff, self-employed drivers, vehicle hire providers, fuel suppliers, and providers of equipment and ancillary services. Although we operate in a sector where modern slavery risk is generally considered moderate, we recognise that the use of temporary labour, subcontractors, and international supply chains can present heightened risks if not properly managed.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. This applies to our own activities and to everyone with whom we have a business relationship. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation that is involved in, or complicit with, modern slavery. Where concerns are identified, we will investigate promptly and, where appropriate, suspend or terminate the relationship.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting a culture in which exploitation is never accepted. We expect all workers associated with Man with Van Balham, regardless of contractual status, to be treated with dignity, paid lawfully, and provided with safe working conditions.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We assess the risk of modern slavery across our supply chain, with particular focus on areas where low-skilled, casual, or migrant labour is used. Our due diligence processes include verification of supplier identity, review of employment practices where relevant, and confirmation that suppliers comply with applicable labour laws.

Where we consider the risk to be higher, we reserve the right to conduct more detailed supplier audits. These audits may include requests for documentation about recruitment practices, wage payments, working hours, right-to-work checks, and the use of further subcontractors. If a supplier is unwilling to cooperate with reasonable audit requests or fails to implement agreed corrective actions, we may end our commercial relationship with that supplier.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers to raise any concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices as soon as they arise. Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management, or through existing internal reporting procedures. Reports may be made confidentially, and all concerns will be treated seriously and investigated appropriately.

No one will suffer any detriment or retaliation for raising a genuine concern about suspected modern slavery, even if it is later found to be unsubstantiated. We will take appropriate action where wrongdoing is identified, which may include reporting matters to the relevant authorities and supporting any subsequent investigation.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our workforce and key suppliers. Training and guidance are provided to relevant staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. This helps our team recognise potential indicators of exploitation, such as signs of coercion, debt bondage, or restricted freedom of movement.

We also communicate our expectations to new suppliers and contractors so they understand our standards from the outset and are aware of their own responsibilities to prevent modern slavery in their operations.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We monitor the effectiveness of our controls through regular management review, feedback from workers and suppliers, and the outcome of any investigations or audits. Where we identify gaps or opportunities to strengthen our approach, we will update our processes accordingly.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and appropriate to the scale and nature of our operations. The statement may also be updated sooner if there are significant changes in our business model, supply chain, or in relevant legal or regulatory requirements. By maintaining this ongoing review, Man with Van Balham aims to continuously improve its efforts to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of its business.