Storage East Ham Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Storage East Ham in respect of the financial year ending 31 December and sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Storage East Ham is committed to operating ethically, transparently, and with integrity in all business relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls that ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our business or in any of our supply chains.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
Storage East Ham has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, and child labour. This applies to all aspects of our business activities, including our storage facilities, procurement practices, and any services carried out on our behalf by third parties.
All colleagues, managers, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this zero-tolerance approach. Breaches of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Breaches by suppliers or contractors may result in suspension or termination of contracts and removal from our approved supplier list.
Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards
Our supply chains primarily include providers of goods and services required to operate safe, secure, and well-maintained storage facilities. This includes building and maintenance contractors, security providers, cleaning services, equipment suppliers, and office service providers.
We are committed to working only with suppliers who share our values and who can demonstrate that they operate in compliance with all applicable labour and human rights laws. We expect suppliers to prohibit forced labour, debt bondage, inhumane working conditions, and the exploitation of vulnerable people, including migrants and young workers.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
Storage East Ham is enhancing its due diligence procedures to identify and mitigate the risk of modern slavery within our supply chains. As part of this process, we undertake risk-based assessments of new and existing suppliers, taking into account the nature of the goods and services supplied, the geographic location, and any sector-specific risk indicators.
Where appropriate, we carry out supplier audits and request information about labour practices, recruitment procedures, subcontracting arrangements, and compliance with modern slavery legislation. Our standard terms with higher-risk suppliers include contractual obligations requiring compliance with our modern slavery standards and cooperation with any audit or investigation we may conduct.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Storage East Ham encourages an open culture where concerns about modern slavery, human trafficking, or any related unethical conduct can be raised without fear of retaliation. All employees, contractors, and suppliers have a responsibility to speak up if they suspect that any form of modern slavery is occurring in our business or supply chains.
Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or via our whistleblowing process. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will investigate all concerns promptly, fairly, and sensitively. We will take appropriate remedial and corrective actions where any issue is identified, and we will cooperate with law enforcement and relevant authorities where necessary.
Training and Awareness
We are committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees, particularly those involved in procurement, facilities management, and supplier engagement. Training and guidance are being developed to help colleagues recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns in line with our policies and reporting procedures.
Monitoring, Accountability, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our response to modern slavery risks rests with the senior management of Storage East Ham. They are accountable for ensuring that appropriate policies, due diligence measures, and monitoring processes are in place and are kept under regular review.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually to assess its effectiveness and to reflect any changes in our operations, legal requirements, or best practice guidance. As part of the annual review, we will evaluate our risk assessments, the outcomes of any supplier audits, the number and nature of any concerns raised, and the adequacy of our training and communication efforts.
Storage East Ham remains firmly committed to continual improvement in identifying, preventing, and addressing modern slavery and human trafficking risks, and to working collaboratively with employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of human rights and ethical conduct.
