Modern Slavery Statement for Man and Van Barnes

Man and Van Barnes is committed to conducting all aspects of its operations in a manner that respects human rights and protects individuals from exploitation. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our own activities and throughout our supply chains. It applies to all staff, contractors, and suppliers engaged in providing goods or services to Man and Van Barnes.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded or involuntary labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls designed to ensure that modern slavery does not take place in our business or in any part of our supply chains.

All colleagues, from management to front-line team members, are expected to uphold this commitment as a fundamental condition of working with or for Man and Van Barnes. Any breach of this policy is considered a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Man and Van Barnes provides transport, moving, and related services to domestic and commercial customers. Our supply chains include vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, equipment and packaging providers, facilities and cleaning services, and various professional and administrative support services.

We recognise that certain parts of our supply chain may carry a higher risk of modern slavery, particularly where lower-skilled or temporary labour is used, or where goods or services originate from regions with weaker labour protections. We are focused on identifying and addressing these risks proactively.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We expect all suppliers, contractors, and business partners to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our due diligence processes, we seek to work only with organisations that can demonstrate compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. New suppliers are assessed on their ethical standards and their approach to managing modern slavery risk as part of our onboarding process.

Our standard contractual expectations include adherence to all laws relating to employment, health and safety, and human rights, along with a requirement to avoid the use of forced, bonded, or trafficked labour. Where appropriate, we reserve the right to terminate relationships with suppliers that fail to meet these standards or refuse to engage constructively on modern slavery issues.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

Man and Van Barnes conducts risk-based checks and audits of key suppliers and higher-risk categories. These audits may include requests for information on working conditions, recruitment practices, wages and working hours, and the use of subcontractors or labour agencies. We may also request supporting documentation that evidences compliance with labour standards.

Where issues are identified, we work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans and timelines. Failure to implement agreed improvements may lead to suspension or termination of the business relationship. Our aim is to drive continuous improvement while upholding our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We provide guidance to relevant staff so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to any concerns. Managers responsible for procurement or supplier relationships receive particular support to ensure they consider modern slavery risks in their decision-making.

Man and Van Barnes encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery connected to our operations or supply chains. Concerns may be raised through internal reporting channels or directly to management. Individuals raising concerns in good faith will not suffer any form of retaliation or disadvantage, even if a concern is not ultimately substantiated.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We understand that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and requires regular evaluation of our practices. Man and Van Barnes is committed to reviewing this Modern Slavery Statement annually and updating it as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements, and best practice.

As part of the annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our actions, including the robustness of our supplier due diligence, the outcomes of any audits conducted, any reported concerns, and feedback from colleagues and partners. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will refine our policies, processes, and training.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the leadership of Man and Van Barnes and represents our ongoing commitment to acting ethically, promoting fair treatment, and preventing modern slavery in all areas of our business and supply chains.