Man And A Van Acton is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, and any form of exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that while our activities are primarily local and service-based, risks can still arise through subcontractors, labour providers, equipment suppliers, and other third parties. For that reason, we maintain a clear expectation that every person working with or for Man And A Van Acton must uphold lawful, ethical, and responsible practices.

Our approach begins with prevention. We require managers and procurement personnel to apply due diligence when selecting suppliers and service partners. This includes assessing labour practices, reviewing business registrations, and evaluating whether the supplier has appropriate policies in place to prevent exploitation. If concerns arise, we investigate promptly and take proportionate action. Where serious breaches are identified, we may suspend or end the relationship. Modern slavery has no place in our business model, and compliance is expected as a condition of working with us.

We also provide internal awareness so that staff can recognise warning signs such as withheld documents, restricted movement, unusual payment arrangements, or workers appearing fearful or controlled. These indicators are not always obvious, so we encourage vigilance and responsible escalation. By combining prevention, monitoring, and action, Man And A Van Acton aims to reduce risk and promote ethical conduct across all service arrangements.

Supplier Oversight and Ethical Standards

Supplier oversight is a key part of our modern slavery controls. We apply risk-based supplier audits to both existing and prospective partners, with increased scrutiny for services that involve manual labour, temporary labour, or cross-border sourcing. Audits may include document checks, confirmation of worker eligibility, review of wage and hour practices, and verification that workers are free to leave employment without penalty. Where appropriate, we request evidence of training, grievance mechanisms, and sub-supplier controls.

We expect suppliers to share our values and to adopt their own zero-tolerance approach. Any supplier found to be using forced, trafficked, or underage labour, or to be concealing substandard labour conditions, will be subject to immediate review. Corrective action may be required, including remediation plans, enhanced monitoring, or termination of the relationship if compliance cannot be demonstrated. We also encourage suppliers to maintain records that allow transparent tracing of labour used in service delivery.

Our contracts and purchasing practices are designed to support ethical behaviour. We seek fair commercial terms, avoid unreasonable deadlines that can create pressure for exploitative labour, and do not knowingly engage parties that fail to meet legal obligations. This helps create an environment in which compliance is practical, sustainable, and measurable.

Reporting, Investigation, and Remediation

Man And A Van Acton has clear reporting channels so that any concern about modern slavery can be raised quickly and safely. Reports may be made internally to a manager, director, or designated responsible person, and concerns can also be raised confidentially through our internal reporting process. We encourage immediate reporting of any suspicion, even if the evidence is incomplete. No individual will suffer retaliation for raising a concern in good faith, and all allegations are handled sensitively and confidentially where possible.

Once a report is received, it is reviewed without delay. We assess the nature of the allegation, preserve relevant evidence, and decide whether to involve external authorities or specialist support where necessary. If any person is found to be at risk, our priority is their safety and access to appropriate assistance. We aim to remedy harm responsibly, while also taking steps to prevent repeat incidents. This may involve revising procedures, strengthening oversight, or re-training relevant staff.

Managers are responsible for ensuring that concerns are documented and followed through. We view transparency as essential to maintaining trust, protecting workers, and sustaining lawful operations. Our commitment is not limited to compliance alone; it is a practical duty to act on information and continuously improve controls.

Review, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement

This Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with relevant legislation and business changes. The annual review considers emerging risks, supplier performance, audit findings, reporting trends, and any incidents or investigations that have occurred during the year. Where gaps are identified, we update procedures, strengthen due diligence, and improve training or monitoring methods.

Accountability for modern slavery prevention sits with senior management, who oversee policy implementation and monitor progress. We also expect all workers and business partners to support the aims of this Statement. Ethical conduct is reinforced through induction, ongoing communication, and proportionate controls that reflect the size and nature of our business. Our objective is to keep improving our safeguards so that modern slavery risks are identified early and addressed decisively.

Man And A Van Acton remains steadfast in its commitment to lawful, fair, and responsible operations. Through zero tolerance, supplier audits, trusted reporting channels, and annual review, we work to ensure that modern slavery is neither tolerated nor overlooked in any part of our business or supply chain.