Modern Slavery Statement for Somerstown Storage
Somerstown Storage is committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our own operations and across our supply chain. We recognise that risks can exist in many sectors, including warehousing, logistics, cleaning, maintenance, security, and procurement. Our approach is built on a zero-tolerance policy and a clear expectation that everyone connected with Somerstown Storage upholds lawful and ethical standards.
We do not accept any form of exploitation. This applies to employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. Our internal policies require fair recruitment practices, lawful working hours, age verification where relevant, and respect for workers’ freedom and dignity. Managers are trained to identify warning signs such as document retention, wage withholding, debt bondage, coercion, or restrictions on movement. By maintaining strong oversight, Somerstown Storage’s modern slavery commitment remains central to our culture and decision-making.
Our governance framework supports this commitment through regular risk assessment and accountability at senior level. Procurement decisions are reviewed with ethical considerations in mind, and higher-risk suppliers are subject to closer scrutiny. We expect all business partners to comply with applicable labour laws and to demonstrate that they share our principles. Where concerns arise, they are investigated promptly, and appropriate remedial action is taken, which may include supplier review, corrective measures, or termination of the relationship.
Supplier due diligence is a key part of our prevention strategy. Before engaging new providers, Somerstown Storage seeks information about ownership, labour practices, subcontracting arrangements, and worker protections. We assess the type of service, the location of work, and any dependency on migrant, temporary, or low-paid labour. These checks help us identify and reduce exposure to exploitation. Where risk is elevated, enhanced review procedures are applied to better understand how the supplier manages recruitment, wages, accommodation, and identity documents.
To strengthen oversight, we conduct supplier audits on a risk-based basis. Audits may include document reviews, site visits, interviews, and checks on working conditions. We look for evidence of lawful employment terms, voluntary work, age safeguards, and effective grievance systems. When gaps are found, we work with suppliers to implement corrective action plans and monitor progress. Repeated failure to improve may result in disengagement. This helps ensure that our storage business does not benefit from unethical labour practices at any level.
We also recognise that prevention depends on awareness across the organisation. Staff involved in procurement, operations, and supervision receive guidance on recognising indicators of exploitation and understanding the importance of ethical sourcing. Training covers topics such as recruitment fees, passport retention, excessive overtime, and intimidation. By embedding this knowledge into everyday practice, the Somerstown Storage modern slavery policy becomes a practical tool rather than a written formality. Our objective is to reduce risk before harm occurs and to respond quickly when issues are raised.
Clear and safe reporting channels are essential to our approach. Anyone who suspects unethical conduct may raise concerns through internal management routes or via our confidential whistleblowing process. Reports can be made without fear of retaliation, and we encourage early disclosure of any issue involving workers’ rights, supplier behaviour, or suspected exploitation. All concerns are treated seriously, assessed promptly, and handled with discretion. Where necessary, investigations are launched and external specialists may be consulted to support fact-finding and corrective action.
We are committed to improving our controls through measurement and review. Incidents, supplier findings, training completion, and policy updates are tracked to identify trends and strengthen accountability. This allows Somerstown Storage to refine risk controls and respond to changes in the market, legislation, or operating environment. Our leadership reviews the effectiveness of the statement and the actions taken under it to ensure our standards remain robust and relevant. Continuous improvement is part of our ethical responsibility and our commercial resilience.
Annual review is a formal requirement of this statement. At least once every year, Somerstown Storage reviews its modern slavery controls, supplier risk assessments, training records, and reporting outcomes. The review considers whether additional measures are needed and whether previous actions were effective. Any updates to policies or procedures are approved by management and communicated internally as appropriate. This annual process ensures the statement remains current, credible, and aligned with the realities of our operations and supply chain.
In summary, Somerstown Storage stands firmly against modern slavery in all forms. Through a zero-tolerance policy, proactive supplier audits, trusted reporting channels, and an annual review cycle, we aim to prevent abuse, detect risk early, and respond decisively. Our commitment is ongoing, and we expect every person and organisation working with us to share the same respect for human rights and lawful employment. This statement reflects the principles guiding Somerstown Storage’s modern slavery statement and our wider commitment to responsible business conduct.