Modern Slavery Statement for Man With A Van Friern Barnet
Man With A Van Friern Barnet is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can affect businesses of every size and sector, including transport, removals, storage, and subcontracted services.
Our approach is based on a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of exploitation. We expect all employees, contractors, and suppliers associated with Man With A Van Friern Barnet to act ethically and to comply with applicable labour, safety, and human rights standards. This statement reflects our commitment to identifying risks early, acting decisively where concerns arise, and maintaining responsible business practices throughout the year.
We understand that modern slavery may occur in complex supply chains, particularly where temporary labour, third-party logistics, cleaning, maintenance, or vehicle support services are involved. For that reason, Man With A Van Friern Barnet assesses risk at both the appointment stage and during ongoing supplier relationships. We review the nature of the service, the location of work, the use of subcontractors, and any indicators that may suggest poor labour practices or hidden exploitation.
Policies and Governance
Our internal policies prohibit unlawful working conditions and require everyone acting on behalf of the business to uphold lawful and ethical employment practices. The modern slavery policy is supported by recruitment checks, right-to-work verification, and proportionate oversight of subcontracted work. Managers are expected to remain alert to signs such as restricted movement, debt bondage, withheld wages, or workers appearing fearful, controlled, or unable to speak freely.
At Man With A Van Friern Barnet, we provide training and guidance so that relevant staff can recognise red flags and escalate concerns promptly. This includes awareness of how modern slavery may present in courier networks, vehicle hire arrangements, storage facilities, or outsourced labour. Our governance model reinforces accountability by making responsible sourcing part of day-to-day decision-making rather than a one-time compliance task.
Where risks are identified, we apply a proportionate response. This may include requesting further documentation, increasing monitoring, pausing work, or ending the relationship if concerns cannot be resolved. We aim to protect vulnerable people first and foremost, while ensuring that our business relationships do not contribute to exploitation. Our commitment to ethical practice is embedded in contract terms and supplier expectations.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
Supplier due diligence is a core control in our modern slavery prevention framework. Before engaging suppliers, we assess labour practices, ownership structure, and the use of any third parties. For higher-risk suppliers, supplier audits may be carried out through document reviews, confirmation of employment standards, and checks on working conditions. These audits help us understand whether the supplier’s controls are effective and whether corrective action is needed.
Audit Focus Areas
- Employment status and right-to-work checks
- Wage payment and working hour records
- Use of subcontractors or agency labour
- Evidence of worker freedom and safe conditions
When a supplier falls short of our expectations, we seek remedial action and time-bound improvement plans. However, if there is evidence of serious abuse, deliberate concealment, or unwillingness to cooperate, we will not continue the relationship. Responsible sourcing is essential to the way Man With A Van Friern Barnet operates, and we expect the same standard from those who support our services.
Reporting Channels, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Anyone connected with our business who suspects modern slavery or unsafe labour practices is encouraged to raise the issue immediately. We maintain clear reporting channels through line management and internal escalation routes so concerns can be reviewed without delay. Reports may be made in good faith, and we expect all concerns to be handled seriously, confidentially, and without retaliation.
This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal obligations and operational risks. The review considers audit findings, reported concerns, supplier performance, training outcomes, and any changes in our business model or supply chain. The aim of each annual review is to strengthen our controls and improve prevention measures across Man With A Van Friern Barnet.
By maintaining a zero-tolerance policy, carrying out supplier audits, providing reporting channels, and completing an annual review, Man With A Van Friern Barnet demonstrates its ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery. We believe that ethical operations, careful oversight, and prompt action are essential to protecting workers and preserving trust in every part of our business.