Modern Slavery Statement for Man And A Van Islington
At Man And A Van Islington, we are committed to conducting our business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Man and a Van Islington 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 across many sectors, and we maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any practice that exploits vulnerable people. Our commitment applies to every part of the company, including recruitment, procurement, operations, and subcontracted services.
We expect all employees, contractors, and partners to support this position. The statement is reviewed alongside our wider policies on ethical conduct, equality, and workplace standards. By maintaining clear expectations, Man And A Van Islington reinforces its responsibility to act lawfully and to promote fair working conditions. We also seek to ensure that our business decisions do not indirectly contribute to exploitation through poor oversight or weak supplier management.
Our approach starts with prevention. The management team provides oversight of labour practices and monitors risks associated with hiring, subcontracting, and purchasing. Any form of forced work, withheld identification, debt bondage, intimidation, or restriction of movement is strictly prohibited. We make it clear that Man and a Van Islington will not knowingly work with any individual or organisation involved in modern slavery. This position is embedded into our internal standards and communicated during onboarding and supplier engagement.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
A key part of our strategy is supplier assessment. Before engaging suppliers, we seek assurance that they operate ethically and comply with labour law. Where appropriate, we request information on recruitment practices, worker pay, working hours, identity document handling, and subcontracting arrangements. High-risk or unfamiliar suppliers may be subject to more detailed checks. Supplier audits are carried out periodically and may include document reviews, interviews, and verification of compliance evidence.
Audit Focus Areas
- Lawful employment and right-to-work checks
- Fair wages and transparent pay practices
- Safe working hours and rest periods
- No retention of passports or personal documents
- Clear subcontractor accountability
Where concerns are identified, we require corrective action and increased monitoring. If a supplier cannot demonstrate acceptable standards, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship. This measured but firm approach helps Man And A Van Islington reduce exposure to modern slavery risks while encouraging continuous improvement across the supply chain.
Reporting Channels and Response
We encourage everyone connected to the business to raise concerns in good faith. Reporting channels include line management, senior management review, and internal escalation processes. Concerns may relate to suspicious recruitment practices, signs of coercion, unsafe living conditions, or unusual restrictions placed on workers. All reports are handled confidentially and with sensitivity. Man And A Van Islington does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern.
When a concern is reported, it is investigated promptly and proportionately. Depending on the severity, this may involve reviewing records, speaking with relevant parties, and taking immediate safeguarding action. If modern slavery indicators are confirmed or strongly suspected, we will take decisive steps to protect individuals and cooperate with appropriate authorities where necessary. Our aim is to ensure that potential harm is addressed quickly and that the issue does not persist unnoticed within the business or supply chain.
Our policies are supported by staff awareness measures so that employees understand the warning signs of exploitation and the importance of responsible conduct. Training and communication help reinforce the expectation that everyone plays a role in maintaining ethical standards. This is particularly important in sectors where labour may be supplied through intermediaries or where subcontracting can make oversight more difficult. By keeping these standards visible, Man and a Van Islington strengthens its ability to detect and prevent abuse.
We also recognise the importance of record keeping and governance. Key decisions, risk assessments, and audit outcomes are documented to support transparency and accountability. This allows us to track progress over time and identify where additional safeguards may be needed. The purpose of this statement is not only compliance, but the active promotion of decent working conditions and responsible business practices.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be annually reviewed to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and operational realities. Each review will consider changes in supplier risk, audit findings, incident reports, and improvements to internal controls. Where needed, we will update our procedures to strengthen prevention and response measures. Man And A Van Islington is committed to continuous improvement and to doing business in a way that respects human dignity at every stage.