Modern Slavery Statement for Man With a Van Barnes

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Man With a Van Barnes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships, and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery does not take place within our business or among our suppliers.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Man With a Van Barnes operates on a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, servitude, and any form of exploitation. This policy applies to all employees, workers, contractors, agency staff, and any other individuals or organisations acting on our behalf.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone who works for or with us does so voluntarily, is treated with dignity and respect, and receives fair remuneration in line with applicable laws. Any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery connected to our business will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in termination of relationships and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Man With a Van Barnes provides transport, removals, and related services to domestic and commercial customers. Our operations rely on vehicles, fuel, equipment, packaging materials, and occasional use of subcontracted labour and associated services.

We recognise that modern slavery risks can arise at various points in our supply chain, including in the sourcing of goods, the provision of temporary labour, and third-party logistics or warehousing. We are committed to continuously reviewing these risks and working to minimise them.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to adhere to our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery and to comply with all relevant legislation. As part of our due diligence process, we assess new and existing suppliers for potential risks related to modern slavery.

Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits and checks, which may include requesting information on labour practices, policies on modern slavery and human rights, and evidence of compliance with employment laws. Suppliers that present higher risk due to geography, sector, or type of work may be subject to enhanced scrutiny and more frequent review.

Contracts with key suppliers include requirements to comply with anti-slavery laws and to cooperate with any reasonable requests for information or audit access. Failure to meet our standards may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We promote awareness of modern slavery across our workforce to support early identification and prevention. Employees with responsibility for procurement, supplier management, and recruitment are made aware of the indicators of exploitation and the steps to take if concerns arise.

We aim to embed respect for human rights and fair working practices into our culture, so that everyone understands their role in helping to eliminate modern slavery from our business and supply chains.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Man With a Van Barnes encourages employees, contractors, suppliers, and any other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions relating to modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our operations.

Reports can be made to management or designated senior personnel. Concerns will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled as sensitively as possible. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith, regardless of whether those concerns are ultimately substantiated.

Where appropriate, and in line with legal obligations, we may also notify relevant authorities of suspected cases of modern slavery or human trafficking.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. Man With a Van Barnes is committed to regularly reviewing the effectiveness of our policies, procedures, and controls to address emerging risks and best practice developments.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains current, relevant, and effective. As part of the review, we will consider feedback from staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders, as well as any incidents or concerns raised during the year.

Following each annual review, we will update our approach where necessary and communicate any significant changes to our employees and, where relevant, to our suppliers and partners.

This Statement has been approved by the leadership of Man With a Van Barnes and reflects our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business.