Modern Slavery Statement for Storage Swiss Cottage
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Storage Swiss Cottage in recognition of our responsibilities under applicable modern slavery and human trafficking legislation. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains and reaffirms our commitment to act ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Storage Swiss Cottage has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, and child labour. We are committed to ensuring that such practices have no place in our business or in the businesses of those who supply us with goods and services. This commitment is integral to our values and informs the way we select, manage, and engage with employees, contractors, and suppliers.
All individuals working for or on behalf of Storage Swiss Cottage, irrespective of their role or location, are expected to uphold this zero-tolerance policy. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in the termination of contracts or working relationships.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Storage Swiss Cottage operates storage and related services and relies on a range of suppliers for property services, maintenance, equipment, utilities, professional advice, and other goods and services. While many of our suppliers operate in low-risk sectors, we recognise that risks of modern slavery can exist in any supply chain, particularly where there are complex subcontracting arrangements or where goods originate from countries with weaker labour protections.
We are committed to working only with suppliers who share our values and who can demonstrate that they operate in compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
Storage Swiss Cottage is developing and implementing proportionate due diligence procedures to identify, assess, and mitigate the risk of modern slavery in our supply chains. As part of this process, we consider the sector, geographic location, and nature of services or goods supplied.
Suppliers may be required to confirm that they have policies and procedures in place to prevent modern slavery and that they, in turn, require the same standards from their own suppliers. Where appropriate, we request information on their workforce practices, recruitment methods, and use of subcontractors.
We reserve the right to conduct audits or request further information from suppliers in order to verify compliance with our standards. Where non-compliance or material risk is identified, we will engage with the supplier to seek corrective action within a defined timeframe. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to address concerns, Storage Swiss Cottage may suspend or terminate the business relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Storage Swiss Cottage encourages a culture of openness and transparency. We want employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to feel confident in raising concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery in our own operations or in those of our business partners.
Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels or directly to senior management. Reports can be made confidentially, and we are committed to protecting those who raise concerns in good faith from victimisation or retaliation. All reports will be considered seriously, reviewed promptly, and, where appropriate, investigated thoroughly.
If an instance of modern slavery is identified or suspected, we will take immediate steps to safeguard those affected, work with relevant authorities as appropriate, and review our business relationship with the parties involved.
Training and Awareness
Storage Swiss Cottage recognises that raising awareness is essential in preventing modern slavery. We aim to provide suitable guidance to relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and facilities operations, so they are better able to recognise risk indicators and escalate concerns.
We seek to embed our zero-tolerance stance into our day-to-day operations through clear communication, inclusion of modern slavery expectations in policies and procedures, and regular reminders of our ethical standards.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Storage Swiss Cottage. They are responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of our policies, procedures, and controls and for ensuring that appropriate resources are available to support ongoing improvements.
We will review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to reflect any changes in legislation, best practice, our business operations, or our supply chains. As part of this review, we will consider feedback from stakeholders, results of supplier assessments or audits, and any incidents or concerns raised.
Storage Swiss Cottage is committed to continuous improvement in identifying, preventing, and addressing modern slavery and human trafficking risks. This statement has been approved by senior management and will be updated and published each year to demonstrate our ongoing commitment.
