Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Storage Covent Garden in respect of our financial year ending 31 December and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains. Storage Covent Garden recognises that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings.
Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, human trafficking and forced or compulsory labour. Storage Covent Garden is dedicated to ensuring that such practices have no place in our organisation or in the organisations with which we work. We aim to foster a culture of transparency, fairness and respect, supported by clear standards and accountability.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Storage Covent Garden provides storage and related services to a range of customers. Our operations rely on a network of suppliers, including providers of property and facility management services, equipment, maintenance and professional services. We acknowledge that the risk of modern slavery can exist at various stages of these supply chains, particularly where there are multiple layers of subcontracting or where goods and services originate from higher risk sectors or regions.
We are committed to understanding these risks and focusing our efforts where we can have the greatest impact, working collaboratively with suppliers to promote responsible practices and continuous improvement.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
Storage Covent Garden has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, consultants, suppliers and any other third parties acting on our behalf. We expect everyone who works with us or for us to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery and to conduct business in a lawful and ethical manner.
Where we identify behaviour that is inconsistent with our zero-tolerance stance, we will take prompt and decisive action. This may include terminating relationships with individuals or organisations that fail to meet our standards or that are unwilling to address issues identified.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
We are enhancing our supplier due diligence processes to assess the risk of modern slavery within our supply chains. Storage Covent Garden is progressively implementing vetting measures for new and existing suppliers, with a focus on those operating in higher risk categories. These measures include requesting information about labour practices, recruitment processes, subcontracting arrangements and compliance with relevant legislation.
Where appropriate, we undertake supplier audits, which may be conducted directly by Storage Covent Garden or by competent third parties acting on our behalf. These audits are designed to review working conditions, verify documentation, and test the effectiveness of suppliers' own policies and controls. If non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we work with suppliers to agree remedial actions and timeframes. Failure to make satisfactory progress can result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Storage Covent Garden encourages anyone who has concerns about potential modern slavery within our operations or supply chains to raise these concerns without fear of retaliation. We support open communication and transparency, and we will treat all reports sensitively and, so far as possible, confidentially.
Employees are encouraged to speak to their line manager or a senior manager if they suspect any form of modern slavery. Concerns can also be raised through our internal reporting mechanisms or via external channels where appropriate. We will investigate all credible allegations promptly and thoroughly and will take appropriate action where issues are identified, including reporting matters to relevant authorities when required.
Training, Awareness and Responsibilities
Storage Covent Garden is working to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management and operations. Training and guidance aim to help staff recognise indicators of modern slavery, understand our zero-tolerance policy and know how to report concerns.
Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery approach sits with senior management, who ensure that appropriate resources and governance structures are in place. All employees and suppliers share responsibility for upholding our standards and for contributing to a culture where unethical practices are challenged.
Monitoring and Annual Review
We are committed to continual improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery. Storage Covent Garden will review and, where necessary, update this Statement on an annual basis to reflect developments in our business, changes in legislation and evolving best practice. As part of this review, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our policies, supplier due diligence, audits and training, and identify opportunities for strengthening our approach.
This Statement has been approved by the directors of Storage Covent Garden and will be reviewed each year. It reflects our ongoing commitment to operating as a responsible business that respects human rights and seeks to ensure that modern slavery has no place in our organisation or our supply chains.
