Modern Slavery Statement for Eastbedfont Storage

Eastbedfont Storage is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and across our supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can take many forms, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any practice that undermines dignity, freedom, or lawful employment.

As a storage business, our activities depend on a range of third parties, including contractors, maintenance providers, logistics partners, and suppliers of goods and services. We expect every Eastbedfont Storage supplier to share our commitment to ethical conduct. Our procurement and management teams are trained to identify risks, raise concerns early, and act decisively where standards are not met.

We are committed to ensuring that our decisions are guided by responsibility and compliance. This statement applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers associated with Eastbedfont Storage. We aim to embed ethical practice into day-to-day operations so that the risk of exploitation is reduced at every level of the business.

Policies and Controls

Our modern slavery policy is supported by internal controls designed to prevent, detect, and address risks. These controls include due diligence checks during supplier onboarding, contractual clauses requiring compliance with labour laws, and periodic assessments of higher-risk relationships. Any suspected breach is investigated promptly, and where necessary, business relationships may be suspended or terminated.

We apply a zero-tolerance approach to slavery and exploitation in all forms. This means that any evidence of forced labour, coercion, debt bondage, child labour, or deceptive recruitment practices will be treated as a serious violation. The same standard applies to our own workplace and to the practices of organisations that support Eastbedfont Storage operations.

In addition to policy controls, we maintain clear expectations for ethical hiring, fair pay, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. Managers are encouraged to remain alert to indicators of vulnerability, such as restricted freedom of movement, withheld identity documents, or unexplained dependence on a third party. These warning signs are escalated immediately for review.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Supplier oversight is a central part of our approach. Eastbedfont Storage conducts supplier audits on a risk-based basis, with greater scrutiny applied to providers in sectors or locations where labour exploitation is more likely. Audits may include document reviews, site visits, worker interviews, and checks on subcontracting arrangements.

Where gaps are identified, suppliers are asked to implement corrective actions within a defined timeframe. We expect measurable progress and retain the right to re-audit suppliers to confirm improvement. If a supplier fails to cooperate or continues to present unacceptable risk, we will take appropriate action, including ending the relationship where necessary.

We also seek assurance that our supply chain remains transparent. This includes asking suppliers to confirm their own policies, training, and monitoring processes. Through this work, the Eastbedfont Storage modern slavery statement reflects not only our internal standards but also our wider responsibility to promote ethical conduct throughout our business network.

Reporting Channels and Employee Awareness

Everyone working with or for Eastbedfont Storage is expected to report concerns without delay. We provide internal reporting channels that allow workers to raise issues in confidence and without fear of retaliation. Concerns may relate to recruitment practices, labour conditions, supplier behaviour, or any situation that appears inconsistent with lawful and fair treatment.

We are committed to protecting individuals who speak up in good faith. Reports are reviewed by appropriate management personnel and, where needed, escalated for further investigation. We also encourage a culture in which staff understand the signs of exploitation and feel responsible for acting when something does not seem right.

Training and communication are used to reinforce awareness across the business. Employees involved in procurement, operations, and contract management receive guidance on modern slavery risks so that they can recognise issues early and respond effectively. This helps ensure the Eastbedfont Storage modern slavery policy is understood in practice, not just in principle.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

Eastbedfont Storage will review this statement annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and business changes. The review will consider audit findings, reported concerns, supplier performance, training activity, and any updates to relevant legislation or guidance.

Where improvements are identified, we will update our processes and strengthen controls accordingly. Our objective is continuous improvement: to deepen supply chain visibility, improve staff awareness, and reduce modern slavery risk over time. This annual cycle helps ensure accountability and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ethical business conduct.

By maintaining clear standards, monitoring suppliers, and supporting open reporting, Eastbedfont Storage reaffirms its determination to operate responsibly. We will continue to work with integrity, apply our zero-tolerance policy consistently, and review our actions each year to uphold the highest standards of human rights protection.