Modern Slavery Statement

Southwoodford Storage is committed to operating responsibly, ethically, and with respect for human rights across every part of our business. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, child labour, and other forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chains. Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all staff, contractors, and third parties working with or for Southwoodford Storage.

We recognise that modern slavery can exist in many sectors, including logistics, facilities management, construction, cleaning, security, and procurement. For that reason, Southwoodford Storage requires all relevant team members to follow clear ethical standards when selecting suppliers, managing contracts, and overseeing on-site activities. We expect our business partners to share our commitment to dignity, fairness, and lawful employment practices.

Our approach to prevention begins with risk awareness. Southwoodford Storage assesses potential modern slavery risks by reviewing supplier location, service type, workforce structure, and reliance on subcontracting. Where a higher risk is identified, we apply additional checks and request further evidence of compliance. This includes confirming labour practices, examining wage and working-hour records where appropriate, and ensuring that workers are free to leave employment without penalty.

The Southwoodford Storage modern slavery policy is supported by training and management oversight. Staff involved in procurement and contract management receive guidance on how to identify warning signs such as withheld documents, excessive recruitment fees, restricted movement, or unclear employment arrangements. We also encourage a culture of vigilance so that concerns can be raised early and handled appropriately.

Supplier assurance is a key control. Southwoodford Storage carries out supplier audits on a risk-based schedule, prioritising higher-risk categories and new vendors. These audits may include document reviews, worker interviews, site inspections, and checks on subcontracting chains. If a supplier fails to meet our standards, we require corrective action, increased monitoring, or termination of the relationship where necessary. No commercial advantage is considered more important than human rights compliance.

Our reporting channels are designed to make it safe to speak up. Employees, agency workers, and suppliers may report suspected modern slavery concerns through internal management routes, safeguarding processes, or confidential escalation mechanisms. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with discretion. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, and we will take action where misconduct is substantiated.

Southwoodford Storage also expects suppliers to cascade these standards through their own workforce and supply chain. Contracts may include requirements relating to lawful recruitment, fair pay, working conditions, document retention, and cooperation with audits. We seek long-term partnerships with organisations that demonstrate ethical labour practices and a willingness to improve where gaps are identified. This supports a safer and more transparent storage and services network.

Responsibility for implementation sits with senior leadership, who monitor compliance, review incidents, and oversee any remediation plans. Where risk indicators appear, the business will investigate further, engage suppliers in corrective measures, and escalate issues where required. Our commitment to the Southwoodford Storage modern slavery statement is embedded in our governance framework and is not treated as a one-time exercise.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, proportionate, and aligned with legal expectations and business risk. The annual review considers audit findings, incident trends, supplier performance, training outcomes, and changes in the operating environment. As Southwoodford Storage grows, we will continue strengthening controls and refining our approach so that prevention remains practical and measurable.