Storage Merton Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Storage Merton in accordance with applicable legislation and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our own operations and throughout our supply chains.
Storage Merton recognises that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to help ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our business or in any of our supply chains.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Storage Merton operates a strict zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf, including employees at all levels, agency workers, contractors, consultants, business partners, and suppliers.
We expect everyone who has, or seeks to have, a business relationship with Storage Merton to familiarise themselves with our zero-tolerance stance and to act consistently with it. Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Any supplier or business partner found to be engaging in, supporting, or turning a blind eye to modern slavery practices may have their contract reviewed or terminated.
Supply Chain Management and Supplier Audits
We recognise that our greatest exposure to modern slavery is through our supply chains. We therefore seek to work only with suppliers that uphold standards of ethical conduct consistent with our own values.
As part of our supplier due diligence process, Storage Merton assesses new and existing suppliers based on risk factors such as sector, geography, and nature of services provided. We require suppliers, where appropriate, to confirm that they operate in compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and that they have appropriate policies and procedures in place to prevent modern slavery.
We carry out periodic audits and reviews of our higher-risk suppliers. These may include requests for documentation regarding labour practices, on-site inspections conducted by our representatives or trusted third parties where appropriate, and the right to request corrective action plans where concerns are identified. If suppliers fail to demonstrate adequate safeguards or are unwilling to cooperate with our audit activities, we may reconsider or end our business relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Storage Merton encourages a culture of openness and accountability. We are committed to ensuring that all employees, contractors, and suppliers feel able to report concerns about suspected modern slavery without fear of retaliation.
Concerns can be raised through internal reporting lines, including line managers or senior management. Individuals raising concerns will be treated with respect and sensitivity, and all reports will be taken seriously, investigated fairly, and addressed promptly. Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible, and Storage Merton will not tolerate any form of victimisation or detrimental treatment of anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
Where appropriate, Storage Merton may notify relevant authorities or cooperate with law enforcement bodies in relation to any suspected cases of modern slavery or human trafficking identified within our operations or supply chains.
Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to increasing awareness across our business about modern slavery risks. Relevant employees receive training so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery, understand our zero-tolerance policy, and know how to escalate concerns responsibly.
We regularly review our procedures, supplier engagement methods, and risk assessments to identify opportunities for improvement. Our aim is to strengthen resilience against modern slavery in all parts of our operations and supply networks.
Annual Review and Approval
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with regulatory requirements and best practice. As part of the annual review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our actions, including supplier audits, training, and incident reporting, and we update our approach where necessary.
This statement has been approved by the leadership of Storage Merton, who have overall responsibility for ensuring that modern slavery risks are identified, managed, and mitigated within our business and supply chains.
