Modern Slavery Statement for Man with Van Downe

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Man with Van Downe takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Man with Van Downe provides transport, removal, and associated services to a wide range of customers. Our activities rely on a combination of directly engaged personnel and third-party suppliers, including vehicle hire providers, fuel suppliers, equipment providers, and other service partners. We acknowledge that certain areas of the transport and logistics sector can be vulnerable to labour exploitation, and we therefore maintain robust controls to identify and mitigate these risks.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation. This applies to everyone working for or on behalf of Man with Van Downe, including employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers. Any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in the termination of contracts and, where appropriate, referral to relevant authorities.

Policies and Governance

Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is reflected in our internal policies on ethical conduct, recruitment, health and safety, and supplier management. Senior management is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this statement, supported by managers who ensure that day-to-day practices align with our values and legal obligations. We aim to embed awareness of modern slavery risks into our decision-making processes and operational procedures.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We conduct proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers to assess the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain. This includes evaluating suppliers operational practices, workforce arrangements, and approach to labour standards. Where appropriate, we require confirmation that suppliers comply with applicable labour laws and do not engage in any form of modern slavery.

We reserve the right to carry out audits of suppliers and business partners. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and discussions with management and, where possible, workers. If we identify concerns or non-compliance, we will work with the supplier to develop an improvement plan with clear timescales. Persistent failure to address issues or any evidence of modern slavery may result in the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery among our management and staff. Training and guidance are provided on how to recognise indicators of exploitation, how to address concerns appropriately, and how to engage with suppliers in line with our ethical expectations. We encourage a culture where questions about working conditions and labour practices can be raised openly and responsibly.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Man with Van Downe encourages anyone who has concerns about modern slavery, whether in our own operations or in our supply chain, to report them without delay. Concerns may relate to recruitment practices, working conditions, wages, accommodation, or treatment of workers. We provide internal reporting routes so that employees, contractors, and other stakeholders can raise issues in confidence, without fear of retaliation.

All reports will be handled sensitively and investigated where appropriate. If necessary, we will cooperate with law enforcement or regulatory bodies. We are committed to protecting individuals who report concerns in good faith and to taking corrective action where problems are identified.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and that risks can change over time. Man with Van Downe is committed to continuously improving our approach by reviewing our policies, supplier requirements, and training materials. We will assess the effectiveness of our actions, learn from any incidents or near-misses, and refine our processes to strengthen prevention and detection.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and aligned with current legislation and best practice. Updated versions of the statement will reflect any significant changes to our business operations, supply chain structure, or risk profile. By maintaining this regular review cycle, Man with Van Downe aims to uphold the highest standards of integrity and contribute to the wider effort to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.