Modern Slavery Statement for Hatchend Storage
Hatchend Storage is committed to operating with integrity, dignity, and respect for every person involved in our business. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the principles and controls we use to help prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can take many forms, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any practice that exploits vulnerability or restricts freedom of choice.
As a storage business, our activities involve employees, contractors, suppliers, and third-party service providers. We expect ethical conduct from all parties and require them to comply with applicable labour laws and fair employment standards. Our commitment applies across recruitment, procurement, warehousing, maintenance, security, and the wider provision of goods and services connected to Hatchend Storage.
We take a risk-based approach to due diligence, beginning with supplier assessment and continuing throughout the relationship. Before engaging new suppliers, Hatchend Storage reviews their ownership, labour practices, country of operation, and the nature of the services provided. Where concerns arise, we may request supporting evidence, additional declarations, or corrective action plans before proceeding.
Supply Chain Controls and Supplier Audits
To strengthen oversight, we conduct supplier audits and periodic checks proportionate to the level of risk identified. These reviews may include documentation requests, policy checks, site visits where appropriate, and verification of labour standards. We expect suppliers to cascade similar expectations through their own supply chains and to cooperate fully with any audit or investigation.
Our purchasing decisions are informed by modern slavery risk indicators, including use of temporary labour, outsourced services, and jurisdictions where enforcement may be weaker. If a supplier is unable to meet our standards, Hatchend Storage will seek remediation where possible. However, if serious concerns remain unresolved, we will not hesitate to suspend or end the relationship. This approach reinforces our no-tolerance stance against exploitation.
Employee awareness is also central to prevention. We provide internal training so that relevant staff can recognise warning signs such as restricted movement, withheld identity documents, unusual payment practices, intimidation, or inconsistent employment records. By improving understanding, we increase the likelihood that concerns are noticed early and addressed responsibly.
Reporting Concerns and Continuous Improvement
Hatchend Storage encourages anyone connected with our business to report concerns in good faith. Reports may be made through internal management channels or via designated safeguarding and compliance routes within the organisation. All concerns are treated seriously, handled with discretion, and investigated promptly. We do not permit retaliation against anyone who raises a concern honestly.
Where a concern is identified, we will assess the risk, gather evidence, and determine the appropriate response. This may involve enhanced monitoring, corrective engagement with a supplier, referral to relevant authorities, or termination of a contract if the issue is severe. Our goal is not only to respond effectively, but also to improve our controls and prevent recurrence.
Our approach to modern slavery prevention is supported by governance and accountability at senior level. Leadership reviews key risks, monitors remediation activity, and ensures that responsibilities are understood across the business. Policies are aligned with our operational practices so that ethical standards are not simply stated, but actively applied in day-to-day decision-making.
Hatchend Storage will review this statement annually to ensure it remains current, meaningful, and consistent with the evolving nature of our business and supply chains. The annual review will consider audit findings, reported concerns, training outcomes, and changes in legislation or industry expectations. Where improvements are needed, we will update our controls and strengthen our processes accordingly.
We also use the annual review to measure progress against our objectives and to identify any gaps in supplier oversight or internal awareness. This ongoing process reflects our belief that preventing modern slavery requires vigilance, transparency, and continuous improvement. Our commitment is firm: Hatchend Storage will continue to act responsibly, ethically, and decisively in safeguarding people from exploitation.
Through this statement, Hatchend Storage reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery in all forms. We expect the same commitment from our workforce, partners, and suppliers, and we will continue to reinforce standards that protect human rights throughout our business activities.