Modern Slavery Statement for Storage Bowes Park
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Storage Bowes Park to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights, promote ethical conduct, and identify, mitigate, and prevent any risk of exploitation associated with our business activities.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Storage Bowes Park has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, and servitude. We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that respects the dignity, freedom, and rights of every individual.
We expect the same commitment from all parties with whom we engage. This includes contractors, suppliers, service providers, and any other third parties that form part of our supply chain. Any evidence of modern slavery linked to our business will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in the termination of relationships, alongside consideration of further appropriate action.
Governance and Responsibilities
The senior management team at Storage Bowes Park is responsible for overseeing our approach to modern slavery and ensuring that appropriate controls and processes are in place. Managers are required to promote awareness of our policies and to embed our ethical standards in day-to-day operations.
Employees at every level are expected to act with integrity, follow our policies, and raise any concerns immediately if they suspect that modern slavery may be occurring in connection with our business.
Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits
We recognise that the risk of modern slavery can be present within supply chains, particularly where there are multiple tiers of suppliers or where products and services originate from higher-risk sectors or regions. To address this, Storage Bowes Park requires suppliers to uphold high labour and human rights standards as a condition of doing business with us.
As part of our supplier due diligence, we assess new and existing suppliers against criteria that consider labour practices, health and safety, and ethical conduct. Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits to verify compliance with our expectations. These audits may include document reviews, site visits, and discussions with management and workers to understand working conditions.
Where issues are identified, we seek to work collaboratively with suppliers to address them through corrective action plans and follow-up reviews. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to meet our standards within an agreed timeframe, we reserve the right to review and potentially end the business relationship.
Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels
Storage Bowes Park provides relevant employees with information and guidance on modern slavery risks and the signs of exploitation. This helps our people to recognise potential issues and respond appropriately.
We encourage all employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to report any concerns regarding modern slavery or unethical behaviour in our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels or directly to management, without fear of retaliation or disadvantage. We will investigate all reports promptly, confidentially where possible, and take appropriate action based on our findings.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We understand that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process requiring regular review and improvement. Storage Bowes Park is committed to strengthening our procedures, increasing transparency, and enhancing our understanding of risks within our operations and supply chains.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by senior management to ensure that it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with applicable legislation and best practice. The review will consider any incidents reported, audit findings, supplier performance, and changes in our business activities or risk environment.
By maintaining a clear zero-tolerance stance, conducting meaningful supplier assessments and audits, providing training, and ensuring accessible reporting channels, Storage Bowes Park aims to play a responsible role in the wider effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.
