Storage Surrey Quays Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Storage Surrey Quays has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard people from exploitation.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Storage Surrey Quays operates a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation. This applies to every aspect of our activities, including the operation of our storage facilities, the management of our properties, and the procurement of goods and services.
All colleagues, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this commitment. We do not knowingly engage with any party involved in modern slavery and will take immediate steps to investigate and address any concerns that arise.
Governance and Responsibility
Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery commitments rests with senior management, who ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, and training are in place. Line managers are responsible for communicating expectations within their teams and for escalating any concerns in line with our reporting channels.
We are committed to maintaining transparent records of our due diligence processes, including supplier assessments, training activity, and any incidents raised and investigated.
Our Supply Chain and Supplier Audits
Our supply chain includes providers of property maintenance, cleaning, security, utilities, equipment, and professional services. We recognise that risks can arise at any stage of the supply chain and that vigilance is required to identify, prevent, and address them.
To support our zero-tolerance policy, Storage Surrey Quays is implementing a structured supplier due diligence and audit programme. This includes:
Requiring suppliers to confirm their own compliance with modern slavery and human trafficking legislation and to maintain appropriate policies and procedures.
Assessing suppliers based on the nature of the goods and services they provide, their geographical location, and any sector-specific risk indicators.
Conducting audits or requesting evidence of compliance where we consider the risk to be higher, which may include questionnaires, documentary checks, and where appropriate, on-site visits.
Reserving the right to terminate relationships with any supplier found to be involved in, or knowingly supporting, modern slavery or human trafficking, or failing to take adequate remedial action when risks are identified.
Training, Awareness, and Culture
We aim to build a culture in which all colleagues understand the signs of modern slavery and feel confident to speak up about any concerns. Training on modern slavery, human trafficking, and ethical sourcing is incorporated into relevant staff inductions and refresher sessions.
Guidance materials are made available to help colleagues recognise potential warning signs such as evidence of coercion, restricted movement, retention of identity documents, or unusually poor working or living conditions for individuals connected to our operations or suppliers.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Storage Surrey Quays encourages anyone who becomes aware of, or suspects, modern slavery in our operations or supply chains to report their concerns as soon as possible. Concerns can be raised internally through line management or through our whistleblowing arrangements, which allow for confidential reporting.
We will treat all concerns seriously and investigate them promptly and sensitively. No one will suffer any detrimental treatment for raising a concern in good faith, even if it is not subsequently substantiated.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that the risks associated with modern slavery can change over time and that our approach must be regularly reviewed and strengthened. Storage Surrey Quays is committed to continuous improvement in our policies, procedures, and practices to better identify and manage these risks.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as with best practice. Where necessary, we will update our due diligence processes, supplier requirements, and training to reflect any changes.
This Statement represents the position of Storage Surrey Quays as at the date of publication and covers the actions taken and planned to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains.
