Modern Slavery Statement for Storage Spitalfields
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Storage Spitalfields to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to identifying, preventing, and addressing any associated risks within our business.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Storage Spitalfields operates a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking, including forced labour, servitude, child labour, debt bondage, and exploitation. We expect the same high standards from everyone we work with, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers.
No form of modern slavery will be tolerated in our business or supply chains. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts, reporting to relevant authorities, and implementation of corrective actions as appropriate.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Storage Spitalfields provides storage and related services. Our supply chains include providers of property and facility management services, cleaning and security services, equipment and materials, and various professional and support services. We recognise that some sectors and geographies present a higher risk of modern slavery and we are committed to assessing and managing these risks responsibly.
Policies and Governance
Our approach to modern slavery is supported by internal policies and procedures that promote ethical conduct and respect for human rights. These include policies on recruitment, equal opportunities, workplace conduct, and health and safety. Management is responsible for ensuring these policies are implemented consistently and that employees understand their responsibilities.
We aim to embed respect for human rights into our culture by communicating expectations clearly and encouraging all staff to raise concerns about potential abuses without fear of retaliation.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
We are committed to working only with suppliers and contractors who share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our supplier due diligence process, we assess the ethical standards of prospective suppliers and review the nature of their operations, workforce practices, and supply chains where relevant.
We reserve the right to conduct audits of suppliers, either directly or through qualified third parties, to verify compliance with our standards on modern slavery and human trafficking. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and discussions with management and workers. Where we identify concerns, we will work with the supplier to implement corrective actions within an agreed timeframe. If issues are not adequately addressed, we may suspend or terminate the business relationship.
Training and Awareness
We recognise that effective prevention of modern slavery depends on awareness and vigilance. We provide appropriate training and guidance to relevant employees so they can identify signs of modern slavery, understand our policies, and know how to respond to potential issues.
We also communicate our expectations on modern slavery and human rights to key suppliers and contractors, encouraging them to cascade these expectations through their own operations and supply chains.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing
Storage Spitalfields encourages employees, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through our internal reporting channels or directly to management.
Reports will be treated seriously and handled sensitively. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All reports will be investigated as appropriate, and where issues are identified, we will take prompt corrective action and involve external authorities where required.
Measuring Effectiveness
To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to combat modern slavery, we review indicators such as supplier audit results, reported concerns, investigation outcomes, and improvements in supplier performance. These insights help us to strengthen our controls and target areas of higher risk.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. As part of this review, we will consider changes in our business operations, emerging risks in our supply chains, and feedback from stakeholders.
We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking. By maintaining robust policies, due diligence, audits, training, and accessible reporting channels, Storage Spitalfields aims to play an active role in supporting fair, safe, and ethical working conditions across our business and supply chains.
