Modern Slavery Statement for Stepney Storage

Stepney Storage is committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Stepney Storage to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitative practices in any part of our business or supply chain. We recognise that warehouse operations, storage services, transport support, and procurement can create risks if they are not managed carefully. For that reason, our approach is built on a clear zero-tolerance policy and active oversight.

We expect all employees, contractors, and suppliers to uphold lawful and ethical employment practices. Our commitment applies across recruitment, onboarding, purchasing, and subcontracting. Any indication of coercion, debt bondage, withheld documents, unsafe working conditions, or unlawful wage practices is treated as a serious breach. The Stepney Storage modern slavery policy is embedded in our values and informs decisions at every level of the organisation.

Governance and Responsibilities

Responsibility for anti-slavery controls sits with management, who review risks and monitor compliance throughout the year. We use proportionate checks based on supplier type, geography, and the nature of services provided. When engaging new partners, Stepney Storage assesses their employment standards, contractual terms, and labour practices. Existing suppliers are expected to maintain the same standards and provide evidence where requested. This is part of our wider commitment to the Stepney Storage modern slavery framework.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence are a core control. Where appropriate, we carry out supplier audits, document reviews, and risk-based questionnaires to identify concerns early. Audits may cover recruitment processes, identity verification, wages, working hours, subcontracting, and worker welfare. If issues are identified, we require corrective action plans and follow-up checks. Persistent non-compliance may lead to suspension or termination of the relationship. This measured approach supports both accountability and continual improvement.

We also expect suppliers to cascade ethical standards to their own labour providers and subcontractors. In higher-risk situations, we may request additional assurance, including evidence of worker training, right-to-work controls, and records showing that workers are free to leave employment without penalty. The purpose of these checks is not only compliance, but prevention.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

Stepney Storage encourages staff and external parties to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Reporting channels include internal management escalation, confidential incident reporting, and direct notification to responsible leaders when a potential issue is observed. All reports are handled discreetly and investigated promptly. Where necessary, we will involve specialist support, preserve evidence, and take immediate steps to protect affected individuals. The Stepney Storage modern slavery statement makes clear that reprisal against whistleblowers will not be tolerated.

Training and awareness are also important. Relevant employees receive guidance on recognising warning signs such as unusual control over workers, restricted movement, inconsistent pay information, or unexplained subcontracting arrangements. Awareness is prevention, and we want our people to understand how to identify and escalate concerns quickly. We review learning from incidents and supplier checks to strengthen our controls over time.

Our response to any allegation is based on urgency, fairness, and respect for individuals. If a concern suggests immediate harm, we prioritise safeguarding actions first, followed by fact-finding and corrective measures. Where required, we will work with business partners to improve conditions, and we will disengage where remediation is not possible.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement This statement and our associated controls are reviewed annually to ensure they remain effective and relevant. The review considers changes in legislation, operational risk, procurement activity, and audit outcomes. Stepney Storage uses the findings to update policies, improve supplier oversight, and refine reporting routes. The annual review is also an opportunity to confirm whether additional training or stronger due diligence is needed.

Stepney Storage remains committed to a responsible supply chain and to conducting business in a way that respects human dignity. By maintaining a zero-tolerance policy, strengthening supplier audits, offering clear reporting channels, and carrying out an annual review, we aim to reduce the risk of modern slavery and uphold ethical standards throughout the Stepney Storage modern slavery approach.