Modern Slavery Statement

Crystal Palace Man and Van Modern Slavery Statement 2024

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Crystal Palace Man and Van has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking occurring within our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard the rights and welfare of all people connected with our services.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Crystal Palace Man and Van provides local and regional removals, transportation, and related logistical services. Our activities rely on a combination of in-house staff, contracted drivers, vehicle hire providers, fuel and equipment suppliers, and providers of storage and ancillary services. We recognise that risks of modern slavery can arise in areas such as transport, agency labour, cleaning, waste management, and goods sourcing, particularly where subcontracting is used or where lower-cost labour markets are involved.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a clear and unambiguous zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and any form of exploitation. This policy applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of Crystal Palace Man and Van at all levels, including employees, agency workers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and business partners. Any evidence or reasonable suspicion of modern slavery will trigger immediate investigation, suspension or termination of the relationship where appropriate, and, where necessary, reporting to relevant authorities.

Responsibilities and Governance

Overall responsibility for our modern slavery approach sits with senior management, who oversee the implementation and review of policies, procedures, and training. Managers are responsible for communicating expectations to their teams and ensuring that operational practices reflect our zero-tolerance stance. All workers are required to act in line with our policies, remain vigilant to possible indicators of exploitation, and raise concerns without delay.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We are committed to working only with suppliers and partners who share our values and meet our standards on labour and human rights. Before entering into or renewing a commercial relationship, we seek to understand the supplier’s structure, employment practices, and approach to modern slavery.

Our due diligence measures include asking suppliers to confirm compliance with relevant labour laws and to demonstrate that they take steps to prevent exploitation within their operations. Where we identify areas of higher risk, we may conduct additional checks, request supporting documentation, or require corrective action plans. We reserve the right to carry out audits, either directly or through independent third parties, to verify compliance. Should a supplier fail to meet our expectations or refuse to cooperate with audits, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Training and Awareness

We aim to ensure that key staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management, understand the risks of modern slavery and the measures needed to mitigate them. Training and guidance are provided to help staff recognise signs of exploitation, respond appropriately to concerns, and embed ethical considerations into day-to-day decision-making.

Reporting Channels and Protection

Everyone working for or with Crystal Palace Man and Van is encouraged to speak up as soon as they suspect that someone may be at risk of modern slavery or exploitation. Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or by speaking to a designated senior manager. We will treat all concerns seriously and, where appropriate, investigate them promptly and sensitively.

No one will suffer any form of retaliation, victimisation, or disadvantage for raising a concern in good faith, even if it proves to be unfounded. We support a culture in which staff, contractors, and other stakeholders feel safe to report issues and contribute to continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility that requires vigilance, collaboration, and continual enhancement of our practices. Each year, we will review this statement and our associated procedures to assess their effectiveness, taking into account any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier checks and audits, and changes in legal or regulatory requirements.

As part of this annual review, we will evaluate opportunities to strengthen our due diligence processes, extend training, and deepen engagement with suppliers on ethical standards. This statement has been approved by the management of Crystal Palace Man and Van and will be updated at least annually to reflect our evolving commitments and improvements in our approach to eliminating modern slavery and human trafficking from our operations and supply chains.