Modern Slavery Statement for Storage Riddlesdown
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Storage Riddlesdown is taking to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
Storage Riddlesdown has a clear and uncompromising zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation. This commitment applies to every aspect of our activities, including the operation of our storage facilities, the management of our workforce, and the conduct of our suppliers and business partners.
We expect everyone who works with or for Storage Riddlesdown to share this commitment. Any breach of this policy by employees, contractors, or suppliers may result in disciplinary action, termination of contract, or the ending of a commercial relationship, as appropriate.
Governance and Responsibility
Overall responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management team of Storage Riddlesdown. They ensure that this statement is implemented effectively and that relevant policies and procedures remain appropriate, understood, and followed across the business.
Managers at all levels are responsible for promoting awareness of modern slavery risks, ensuring that staff understand our standards, and escalating any concerns raised. All employees are required to act with integrity and to report any suspicions of modern slavery at the earliest opportunity.
Risk Assessment and Supplier Audits
We recognise that risks related to modern slavery may exist within supply chains, particularly where goods or services are sourced indirectly or from sectors or regions with lower labour protections. Storage Riddlesdown undertakes ongoing risk assessments of its supply base, with a focus on higher risk categories such as property maintenance, cleaning, security, and selected equipment and materials.
Suppliers are required to operate in line with our zero-tolerance policy and to comply with all relevant labour and human rights legislation. We carry out proportionate due diligence when engaging new suppliers, which may include requesting evidence of their own modern slavery policies, seeking information about their supply chains, and obtaining assurances regarding working conditions.
Where appropriate, Storage Riddlesdown conducts supplier audits and reviews, either directly or through reputable third parties. These audits may cover employment practices, worker welfare, recruitment processes, and grievance mechanisms. Any significant issues identified are addressed through corrective action plans or, where necessary, the termination of the supplier relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Storage Riddlesdown encourages employees, contractors, customers, and other stakeholders to speak up if they have concerns about potential modern slavery or human rights abuses connected to our operations or supply chains.
Concerns can be raised internally through line managers or through our established reporting and whistleblowing procedures. Reports will be treated seriously and handled sensitively, with confidentiality respected as far as practicable. We will not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith, regardless of whether those concerns are ultimately substantiated.
All reported concerns will be investigated promptly and, where appropriate, corrective and remedial steps will be taken. This may include working with suppliers to resolve issues, notifying relevant authorities, or ending business relationships that do not meet our standards.
Training and Awareness
Storage Riddlesdown is committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery across the business. Relevant employees receive information and guidance on recognising the signs of modern slavery, understanding the risks in our sector, and using the appropriate reporting channels.
We aim to ensure that individuals involved in procurement, supplier management, and facility operations are equipped to identify potential risks and to apply our policies consistently and effectively.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and that our approach must evolve as risks, best practice standards, and regulatory expectations develop. Storage Riddlesdown is committed to continuous improvement in this area.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by our senior management team to assess the effectiveness of our measures, reflect on any incidents or risks identified, and incorporate lessons learned. Updates may be made more frequently where circumstances require it, such as material changes to our operations or supply chain structure.
By maintaining a zero-tolerance stance, carrying out proportionate supplier audits, providing clear reporting channels, and undertaking regular reviews, Storage Riddlesdown seeks to play its part in preventing modern slavery and promoting respect for human dignity throughout our business and supply chains.
