Storage Gunnersbury Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Storage Gunnersbury in respect of the financial year ending 31 December. It 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 uphold fundamental human rights and are committed to conducting business ethically and with integrity.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Storage Gunnersbury operates storage facilities and related services. Our supply chain includes providers of building maintenance, security, cleaning, equipment, technology, and professional services. While our sector is not typically high risk, we acknowledge that modern slavery can occur in any industry or country, and we remain vigilant to this risk in all our activities.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in any form. This applies to our own operations and to everyone we work with, including suppliers, contractors, and service providers. We are committed to acting honestly and transparently, ensuring that any potential or actual instance of modern slavery is addressed promptly and effectively.
All colleagues are expected to uphold this commitment as part of our wider ethical standards. Breaches of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action. Breaches by suppliers or contractors may result in termination of contracts and notification to relevant authorities where appropriate.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers to operate in accordance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. Our supplier standards require that workers are employed voluntarily, are paid lawfully, and work in safe conditions free from intimidation, abuse, or coercion.
As part of our due diligence, we review new key suppliers for modern slavery risks before entering into significant contracts. This may include requesting information about their employment practices, policies, and training. Where we identify higher risks, we may seek additional details and assurances before proceeding.
We reserve the right to conduct audits or request independent audits of suppliers where we identify potential concerns. These audits may review working conditions, recruitment practices, and evidence of compliance with labour standards. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our expectations, we will work with them to develop a corrective action plan or, where necessary, suspend or terminate the relationship.
Reporting Channels and Escalation
We encourage all employees, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions regarding modern slavery or human trafficking connected with Storage Gunnersbury. Concerns can be raised directly to line managers, senior management, or through established internal reporting routes.
We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All reports are treated seriously and, where appropriate, investigated promptly. If an issue is confirmed or there are reasonable grounds for concern, we will take immediate steps to protect any affected individuals and to prevent further harm, which may include reporting to relevant authorities.
Training and Awareness
We are working to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among colleagues, particularly those involved in procurement, facilities management, and supplier engagement. Training and guidance focus on recognising indicators of exploitation, understanding our policies, and knowing how to escalate concerns.
We also communicate our expectations to key suppliers so they understand our zero-tolerance stance and the importance of maintaining robust processes to prevent modern slavery in their own operations and supply chains.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management team, which reviews key risks, incidents, and actions taken. We monitor our supply chain and internal practices on an ongoing basis and seek opportunities for improvement.
This Statement is reviewed annually to reflect any changes in our business, legal requirements, and best practice guidance. As part of each annual review, we consider the effectiveness of our actions, feedback from stakeholders, audit outcomes, and any reported incidents, and we update our processes where needed.
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the management of Storage Gunnersbury and will be updated on an annual basis.
