Modern Slavery Statement for Storage Woodside Park
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Storage Woodside Park to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and to respect and protect human rights in all areas of our business.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Storage Woodside Park maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking and servitude. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings and to implementing robust systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery does not occur within our own operations or those of our suppliers and business partners.
Every person working for or on behalf of Storage Woodside Park is expected to uphold this commitment, regardless of their role, seniority or location. We will not knowingly work with any organisation that is involved in, or fails to take adequate steps to prevent, modern slavery or human rights abuses.
Our Operations and Supply Chains
Storage Woodside Park provides storage and related services and works with a range of suppliers, including property services, maintenance contractors, utilities providers, equipment manufacturers and office supply companies. While our direct operations are relatively low risk, we recognise that risks may arise in extended supply chains, particularly where there are multiple tiers of subcontracting or sourcing from higher-risk regions.
We are committed to developing a clear understanding of our supply chains and to identifying areas where there may be a greater risk of modern slavery, so that we can focus our due diligence and monitoring efforts appropriately.
Supplier Standards and Due Diligence
We expect all suppliers and contractors to operate in line with our values and to comply with all applicable laws relating to labour, employment and human rights. As part of our onboarding and contract renewal processes, we assess suppliers against ethical, social and governance expectations, including their approach to preventing modern slavery.
Supplier contracts and purchase terms increasingly include clauses requiring compliance with modern slavery and human rights standards. Where we identify concerns, we will seek clarification, request corrective action, or, where necessary, terminate the relationship. We are committed to continuous improvement in our procurement processes to strengthen checks on new and existing suppliers.
Supplier Audits and Monitoring
Storage Woodside Park undertakes proportionate supplier audits and monitoring to verify compliance with our standards. This may include requesting supporting documentation, reviewing policies and procedures, and seeking information on workforce practices. For higher-risk categories or where concerns are raised, we may conduct more detailed reviews and require evidence of remedial actions.
We will keep our approach to supplier audits under review and enhance it over time, including considering independent assessments or certifications where appropriate. Our aim is not only to identify non-compliance, but also to encourage and support improvements in labour and human rights practices throughout our supply chains.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
Storage Woodside Park encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders to report any concerns about modern slavery or unethical conduct, without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be raised through line managers, senior management, or other established internal reporting channels. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will handle all concerns sensitively and, where possible, discreetly.
All reports of potential modern slavery are taken seriously and will be investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we will cooperate with relevant authorities and take steps to protect individuals who may be at risk. We are committed to learning from any issues identified and to strengthening our controls to prevent recurrence.
Training and Awareness
We are working to build awareness of modern slavery risks within our organisation, particularly among employees involved in procurement, facilities management and supplier engagement. Training and guidance are provided so that staff can recognise warning signs, understand our policies and know how to escalate any concerns.
By promoting a culture of openness and responsibility, we aim to ensure that modern slavery risks are identified and addressed promptly and effectively.
Governance, Accountability and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management. They are accountable for ensuring that appropriate policies, procedures and controls are in place and that these are effectively implemented in practice.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to assess its effectiveness, reflect changes in our operations or supply chains, and incorporate evolving best practice and legal requirements. We are committed to continuous improvement and to enhancing our efforts year on year to reduce the risk of modern slavery in every aspect of our business.
This statement has been approved by the management of Storage Woodside Park and represents our current position on modern slavery and human trafficking.
