Modern Slavery Statement

Elephant and Castle Man and Van Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Elephant and Castle Man and Van to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold and promote human rights and to ensure that the services we provide are free from exploitation of any kind.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Elephant and Castle Man and Van has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We do not accept any form of exploitation within our own business or within the businesses that supply goods and services to us. This commitment applies to all directors, employees, agency workers, subcontractors, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of Elephant and Castle Man and Van.

We expect everyone connected with our organisation to act in accordance with this policy and to behave ethically, transparently, and with integrity at all times. Any breach or suspected breach of our zero-tolerance stance is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts or working relationships, as well as reporting to appropriate authorities where required.

Our Operations and Supply Chain

Elephant and Castle Man and Van provides transport, removal, and related logistical services. Our supply chain primarily includes vehicle leasing and maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, packaging material providers, uniform and equipment suppliers, and a range of subcontracted and agency personnel supporting our services.

We acknowledge that certain parts of the logistics and transport sector can be vulnerable to labour exploitation, particularly where subcontracting and temporary labour are used. We therefore apply targeted measures to identify and mitigate these risks and to ensure that all individuals working in our operations and supply chain are treated fairly, are legally employed, and work in safe and respectful conditions.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers and subcontractors to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, and to align with our zero-tolerance position on modern slavery. As part of our onboarding and ongoing management of suppliers, we assess the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking and expect clear evidence of robust employment practices.

Elephant and Castle Man and Van carries out proportionate audits and checks on higher-risk suppliers and subcontractors. These may include reviewing policies on labour standards, checking identification and right-to-work documentation processes, examining the use of recruitment agencies, and verifying that wages, working hours, and conditions meet or exceed legal requirements. Where risk is identified, we work with the supplier to implement corrective actions. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to meet our expectations, we will consider suspending or ending the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, subcontractors, and others working in our supply chain to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking. Concerns may relate to working conditions, recruitment practices, retention of identity documents, unexplained wage deductions, or any behaviour that suggests coercion or exploitation.

Reports can be made through internal management channels or through recognised external reporting bodies where appropriate. Elephant and Castle Man and Van does not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All reports are taken seriously, handled sensitively, and, where necessary, investigated promptly. Where we identify actual or suspected modern slavery, we will take immediate steps to safeguard affected individuals and cooperate with relevant authorities.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks across our business. Relevant staff are provided with guidance and information to help them recognise the signs of exploitation and to understand how to respond to concerns. Managers involved in procurement, recruitment, or supplier management receive additional support to ensure that modern slavery considerations are embedded in their decision making.

We regularly review our policies, procedures, and risk assessments to strengthen our approach. Lessons learned from audits, supplier engagement, and reported concerns are used to improve our controls and to reinforce a culture of respect for human rights throughout our operations.

Annual Review and Governance

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year by the management of Elephant and Castle Man and Van. The review considers changes in our operations, developments in law and best practice, emerging risk areas, and the effectiveness of the measures we have in place.

Following each review, we update our procedures where required and communicate any significant changes to employees and relevant suppliers. By maintaining strong governance and a process of continuous improvement, Elephant and Castle Man and Van aims to ensure that our services and supply chains remain free from modern slavery and that we continue to uphold the highest ethical standards.