Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Colliers Wood Man and Van is committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly. We recognise that modern slavery and human trafficking are severe violations of fundamental human rights, and we are dedicated to ensuring that these abuses have no place within our own operations or our supply chains. This statement sets out the steps we take to mitigate the risk of modern slavery, promote transparency, and uphold high standards of integrity across our business relationships.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation. This commitment applies to every aspect of our activities, including our direct workforce, agency workers, contractors, and all suppliers who provide goods and services to Colliers Wood Man and Van. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious disciplinary and contractual matter that may result in termination of employment or business relationships.
All employees, regardless of their role, are expected to act in a way that supports this policy. Managers are responsible for promoting awareness of modern slavery risks, ensuring that ethical standards are maintained in day-to-day operations, and challenging any practices that appear inconsistent with our values.
Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards
Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, uniforms, storage facilities, maintenance services, and administrative support. We aim to work only with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting workers' rights. We communicate our expectations clearly and require that suppliers operate in full compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws.
Where appropriate, we incorporate clauses relating to modern slavery into our supplier and contractor terms. These clauses require suppliers to confirm that they do not engage in or tolerate any form of modern slavery and that they take reasonable steps to monitor and address such risks within their own supply chains.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
We conduct proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers to assess potential risks of modern slavery. This may include gathering information on their employment practices, working conditions, recruitment processes, and use of subcontractors. We prioritise scrutiny where the risk of labour exploitation is higher, for example in labour-intensive or low-skilled work.
Colliers Wood Man and Van reserves the right to conduct supplier audits, which may be carried out through requests for documentation, structured questionnaires, or on-site visits where reasonable and practical. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our modern slavery standards, we will seek prompt corrective actions and, where necessary, suspend or terminate the relationship.
Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities
We aim to build awareness across our workforce so that modern slavery risks are understood and identified early. Relevant staff receive guidance on recognising the signs of exploitation, such as restricted freedom of movement, withholding of wages or documents, and evidence of coercion or intimidation. This awareness enables our team to be vigilant in both our own operations and when working on client premises.
Ultimate responsibility for our modern slavery approach rests with senior management, who oversee policy implementation, review risk assessments, and ensure that appropriate resources are assigned to this area. Supervisors and managers are responsible for communicating expectations to their teams and escalating any concerns without delay.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees, workers, suppliers, and any other stakeholders to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery connected to Colliers Wood Man and Van or its supply chains. Reports may relate to our own operations, a supplier, a subcontractor, or any third party encountered in the course of our work.
Concerns can be raised confidentially with a manager or a senior member of the business. We will investigate all reports promptly, sensitively, and, where appropriate, in collaboration with relevant authorities. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, and we will take steps to protect reporters from adverse treatment.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process and that risks may evolve over time. Colliers Wood Man and Van is committed to continuous improvement in our processes, training, and oversight to ensure that our approach remains effective and proportionate to the risks we face.
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management. As part of the review, we consider changes in legislation, industry guidance, and any issues identified through audits, reports, or investigations. Where necessary, we update our policies, training programmes, and supplier requirements to strengthen our safeguards and promote better outcomes for workers.
By publishing this statement, Colliers Wood Man and Van affirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking and to operating as a responsible and accountable business.
