Storage Old Ford Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Storage Old Ford to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Storage Old Ford is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere within our sphere of influence.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Storage Old Ford maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking, child labour, and any form of servitude or exploitation. This commitment applies to every aspect of our business, from our direct operations to our wider supply chains and contracted service providers.
We expect everyone who works with or for Storage Old Ford to share this commitment. This includes employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers at all tiers. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts or engagement and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Storage Old Ford provides storage and related services to a wide range of customers. Our supply chains include, but are not limited to, facilities management, security services, cleaning services, construction and maintenance contractors, IT and technology providers, and providers of equipment and consumables.
We recognise that some sectors and geographies present higher risks of modern slavery. As part of our ongoing due diligence, we assess the nature of the goods and services we procure and the jurisdictions in which our suppliers operate, so that we can focus our efforts on areas of greatest potential risk.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Storage Old Ford is committed to working only with suppliers and contractors who uphold standards consistent with our zero-tolerance approach. We seek to incorporate modern slavery and human rights expectations into our procurement processes and contract terms, requiring suppliers to confirm that they do not tolerate or engage in modern slavery in their own operations or supply chains.
We undertake risk-based supplier reviews and audits to assess compliance with our ethical standards. These may include requests for information, questionnaires, and, where appropriate, site visits or independent assessments. Where concerns are identified, we seek to work with suppliers to implement corrective actions and improvements. If a supplier fails to address serious concerns, Storage Old Ford reserves the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers, and any other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions about modern slavery connected to Storage Old Ford. Reports can be made through our internal reporting channels or in accordance with our whistleblowing procedures, which allow concerns to be raised confidentially and, if desired, anonymously.
All reports of potential modern slavery are taken seriously and investigated promptly and sensitively. We will not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Where allegations are substantiated, we will take appropriate action, which may include engaging with authorities, remediating impacts on affected individuals where possible, and strengthening our controls.
Training, Awareness, and Responsibility
Relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and facilities operations, are made aware of the risks of modern slavery and the role they play in identifying and preventing it. Training and guidance are periodically reviewed and enhanced to reflect emerging risks, best practice, and legal developments.
Overall responsibility for our modern slavery approach rests with the senior management of Storage Old Ford, who oversee policy implementation and review. Operational managers are responsible for applying these standards within their teams and supplier relationships.
Monitoring, Annual Review, and Continuous Improvement
Storage Old Ford is committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery. We monitor the effectiveness of our policies, procedures, and controls through our risk management and governance processes. Lessons learned from audits, reports, and industry developments are incorporated into our approach.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains appropriate, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and evolving best practice. Updates may include enhanced supplier due diligence, refined risk assessments, improved training materials, or strengthened reporting mechanisms. By maintaining this ongoing review and improvement cycle, Storage Old Ford aims to play a responsible role in tackling modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals connected to our business.
