Modern Slavery Statement for Man with Van Barking

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Man with Van Barking in respect of our financial year and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that slavery, servitude, forced labour and human trafficking are serious crimes and gross violations of fundamental human rights. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Man with Van Barking provides local and regional transport, removals and related logistics services. Our operations are primarily based in the United Kingdom, and our supply chains include vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging suppliers, recruitment and labour agencies, and outsourced service providers such as cleaning, waste management and some administrative support.

We acknowledge that elements of these supply chains may be at higher risk of labour exploitation, especially where lower-skilled or temporary labour is used, where subcontracting is common, or where products or services originate from outside the United Kingdom. We therefore apply proportionate controls and due diligence to identify and address such risks.

Zero-Tolerance Approach

Man with Van Barking has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards any form of modern slavery or human trafficking. We do not tolerate, condone or accept forced, bonded or compulsory labour, child labour that is not in line with international standards, human trafficking, or any form of abuse, coercion or exploitation within our operations or supply chains.

All managers, employees, contractors and suppliers are expected to comply with this policy. Any confirmed breach may result in disciplinary action, termination of employment or contract, and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.

Policies and Governance

Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is supported by internal policies that cover ethical conduct, recruitment, health and safety, equality and diversity, and whistleblowing. These policies apply to all staff, regardless of role or length of service. Management is responsible for promoting awareness of these policies and ensuring they are implemented consistently.

We aim to integrate modern slavery considerations into our wider risk management processes, including supplier selection, contract management and ongoing performance monitoring.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We seek to work only with suppliers and contractors who share our commitment to human rights and fair labour practices. As part of our supplier due diligence, we may request information regarding labour practices, recruitment processes, use of subcontractors and compliance with relevant legislation.

Where we identify higher-risk suppliers or categories of supply, we may conduct more detailed assessments. This can include desk-based reviews, requesting documented evidence of labour and welfare standards, and, where proportionate, conducting on-site audits. Where issues are identified, we will engage with suppliers to develop corrective action plans with clear timescales, and we may suspend or end relationships where serious or persistent non-compliance occurs.

Training and Awareness

We are working to increase awareness among managers, supervisors and frontline staff of the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking and the correct response where concerns arise. Training and guidance are tailored to roles that are more likely to encounter potential risks, such as procurement, recruitment and line management of drivers and loaders.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Man with Van Barking encourages all employees, workers, contractors and other stakeholders to report any suspicion or concern about modern slavery or human trafficking as soon as possible. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to any party in our supply chains.

Reports can be made internally to management or through our whistleblowing arrangements. People raising concerns are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible so that we can investigate effectively. We are committed to treating all reports seriously, investigating them sensitively and, where appropriate, confidentially. We will not tolerate retaliation or detrimental treatment against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Monitoring, Measurement and Annual Review

We recognise that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. We therefore monitor the effectiveness of our approach through indicators such as supplier risk assessments completed, audits undertaken, training delivered and any incidents raised or remedial actions taken.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every year by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, relevant and effective. The review will consider changes in our business activities, emerging risks, feedback from staff and stakeholders, and developments in law and good practice. Where necessary, we will update our policies, procedures and training to strengthen our prevention measures and to enhance transparency across our operations and supply chains.

This Statement has been approved by the management of Man with Van Barking, who accept overall responsibility for its implementation and for ensuring that the organisation meets its obligations in combating modern slavery and human trafficking.