Modern Slavery Statement for Westhendon Storage
Westhendon Storage is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, and other forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can appear in many forms, including debt bondage, coercion, and the abuse of vulnerable workers. Our position is clear: zero tolerance for any practice that undermines a person’s freedom, dignity, or safety.
As a storage provider, our activities rely on relationships with contractors, suppliers, maintenance providers, logistics partners, and service companies. We therefore apply a risk-based approach to assessing where exposure may arise. Westhendon Storage expects every person and organisation acting on our behalf to uphold ethical labour standards, comply with applicable laws, and demonstrate a commitment to preventing exploitation. Our modern slavery policy is embedded in procurement decisions, onboarding checks, and ongoing supplier management.
To support this commitment, we require relevant suppliers to confirm that they operate lawful employment practices and maintain appropriate safeguards in their own businesses. We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits, request documentation, and review labour controls where risk indicators are present. These reviews may include examinations of worker age verification, wage records, right-to-work evidence, subcontracting arrangements, and working-hour practices. If concerns are identified, corrective action may be required immediately, and failure to improve may result in suspension or termination of the relationship.
Policy and Governance
Westhendon Storage’s zero-tolerance policy applies across all areas of the business. We do not permit any form of forced, bonded, or involuntary work, nor do we accept the use of deceptive recruitment fees or passport retention. Managers are responsible for ensuring that ethical standards are understood and applied in daily operations, while procurement teams must consider modern slavery risk when selecting and reviewing suppliers. This approach helps us strengthen oversight and reduce the likelihood of exploitation entering our supply chain.
Training and awareness are important parts of our response. Staff involved in purchasing, contractor management, and site operations receive guidance on recognising warning signs such as restricted movement, unexplained anxiety, poor living conditions, inconsistent pay information, or signs that a worker may not be acting freely. By improving awareness, Westhendon Storage aims to create an environment where risks are identified early and handled appropriately.
Reporting Channels and Escalation
We encourage anyone connected with Westhendon Storage, including employees, contractors, and suppliers, to raise concerns about possible modern slavery without delay. Reports can be made through internal management routes, HR procedures, or other approved reporting channels established for safeguarding and ethical conduct. All disclosures are treated seriously and, where appropriate, confidentially. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith. Allegations are reviewed promptly, escalated to the appropriate decision-makers, and investigated with care.
Where a concern involves a supplier or subcontractor, we may carry out enhanced due diligence, seek independent evidence, or commission a targeted review of the relevant working practices. Our response is intended not only to identify wrongdoing but also to address root causes and prevent recurrence. We expect suppliers to cooperate fully with investigations and to implement improvements where weaknesses are found. When a relationship cannot meet our standards, we will act decisively to protect workers and uphold our values.
Westhendon Storage also recognises the importance of measuring progress. We monitor key indicators such as the number of supplier reviews completed, issues raised, remedial actions taken, and the extent to which modern slavery controls are embedded in procurement activity. These indicators help us assess whether our approach remains effective and proportionate to the risks we face. Continuous improvement is central to our commitment, and we seek to strengthen our controls as our business and supply chain evolve.
This statement will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and aligned with legal obligations and best practice. The annual review considers operational changes, emerging risks, supplier performance, and lessons learned from audits or investigations. Any updates will reflect our ongoing responsibility to protect people from exploitation and to maintain a supply chain built on respect, transparency, and accountability. Westhendon Storage is dedicated to upholding these principles at every level of our business.