Modern Slavery Statement for Self Storage Merton
This Modern Slavery Statement is made on behalf of Self Storage Merton and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships.
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It can take various forms, including servitude, forced and compulsory labour, human trafficking, and child labour. Self Storage Merton is committed to ensuring that these abuses have no place in our business or in the organisations with which we work.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
Self Storage Merton operates a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with any individual, contractor, or organisation involved in such practices. Our policy applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors, suppliers, and other business partners.
All team members are expected to act with integrity and to uphold our commitment to human rights. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. For suppliers and contractors, violations may lead to the suspension or termination of contracts and business relationships.
Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits
Our supply chain includes providers of goods, services, construction, maintenance, security, cleaning, and other operational support. We are working to ensure that all suppliers and contractors understand and adhere to our standards on modern slavery.
We seek to include appropriate ethical and anti-slavery expectations in our supplier arrangements. Where proportionate and risk-based, we may request information from suppliers to demonstrate their compliance with relevant legislation and our own standards. This may include requiring details of their policies, staff training, and due diligence processes relating to modern slavery.
Self Storage Merton reserves the right to carry out audits or reviews of selected suppliers, particularly where there is a higher risk of labour exploitation. These audits may include site visits, document checks, and discussions with management and, where appropriate, workers. If an audit identifies concerns, we will work with the supplier to agree corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe or, where necessary, reconsider the relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Speak-Up Channels
We encourage employees, suppliers, contractors, and any other stakeholders to raise concerns about modern slavery or human rights abuses connected to our business or supply chain. Concerns may include suspected forced labour, inadequate working conditions, excessive working hours, withholding of wages or identity documents, or any other form of exploitation.
Reports can be made to management or through existing internal reporting channels. Individuals are encouraged to provide as much information as possible to enable us to investigate thoroughly. We will treat all concerns seriously and, where appropriate, investigate promptly and confidentially.
Self Storage Merton does not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. We are committed to protecting whistleblowers and to addressing issues fairly and transparently.
Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement
We aim to raise awareness of modern slavery among relevant employees so they can recognise potential indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond. Training and guidance are provided where appropriate, particularly for staff involved in procurement, supplier management, and site operations.
We constantly review our approach to managing modern slavery risks. This includes monitoring changes in legislation, evolving best practice, and emerging guidance from relevant authorities and industry bodies. Where we identify opportunities to strengthen our policies or procedures, we will seek to implement improvements.
Annual Review and Approval
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with our business operations and legal obligations. As part of the review, we will consider any incidents reported, audit findings, supplier feedback, and developments in best practice.
Following each review, we will update the statement where necessary and communicate any significant changes to our employees and, where relevant, to our suppliers and other stakeholders. This statement has been approved by the management of Self Storage Merton, who are responsible for its implementation and for overseeing our ongoing efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking.
