Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery Statement for Man and a Van Swiss Cottage
Man and a Van Swiss Cottage is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and in full compliance with all applicable laws relating to modern slavery and human trafficking. This statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery in our operations and supply chains.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
We operate a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. This means we do not accept, condone, or ignore any form of forced labour, servitude, debt bondage, exploitation, or trafficking within our own business or in any organisation with which we work.
All directors, managers, employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this commitment and to act with integrity in all business dealings. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of employment or business relationships, as well as, where appropriate, reporting to the relevant authorities.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Man and a Van Swiss Cottage provides removals, transport, and related services. While our direct operations are relatively small and local, we rely on a range of suppliers and partners, including vehicle hire providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging suppliers, facilities providers, and occasional subcontracted labour and logistics partners.
We recognise that, although the risk within our direct workforce is low, there may be higher risks deeper within supply chains, particularly where temporary labour or international goods and services are involved. We are committed to assessing and managing these risks in a structured and proportionate way.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers and business partners to share our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery. As part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing management, we require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all relevant modern slavery and human rights legislation and that they have appropriate policies and controls in place.
We reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence of compliance from our suppliers. These may include supplier questionnaires, reviews of policies and procedures, and, where appropriate, site visits or meetings. If we identify concerns or non-compliance, we will work with the supplier to address them through corrective action plans or enhanced monitoring. Where satisfactory improvement is not made, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage anyone who works for or with Man and a Van Swiss Cottage to raise concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical practices in our operations or supply chain. Concerns can be reported to management through internal reporting lines or through any trusted point of contact within the business.
Reports will be treated seriously and, as far as reasonably possible, confidentially. We are committed to ensuring that no one who raises a concern in good faith suffers any form of retaliation or disadvantage. All concerns will be reviewed promptly, and appropriate steps will be taken to investigate, address, and, where necessary, report issues to the relevant authorities.
Training and Awareness
We aim to ensure that key staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment, understand the risks of modern slavery and how to identify and respond to potential issues. Guidance is provided on recognising warning signs, such as signs of coercion, restriction of movement, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
We continue to review our training needs and update our materials so that our team remains aware of emerging risks, best practice, and legal developments related to modern slavery and human trafficking.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Man and a Van Swiss Cottage. They are responsible for ensuring that policies are implemented, reviewed, and improved over time.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, our business activities, or identified risks in our supply chain. As part of this review, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our measures, including supplier checks, audits, reporting channels, and staff awareness, and will update our approach where necessary to strengthen our safeguards.
This statement reflects the position of Man and a Van Swiss Cottage at the date of publication and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our operations.
