Modern Slavery Statement for Ruxley Storage

Ruxley Storage is committed to conducting business responsibly, ethically, and with respect for human dignity. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that even businesses with a local focus must remain vigilant, because risks can exist at any stage of procurement, transport, maintenance, or service delivery. Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all forms of exploitation and is embedded in our internal standards and decision-making.

At Ruxley Storage, we expect everyone working with us to uphold the same principles. This includes employees, contractors, consultants, and suppliers. We aim to ensure that every relationship reflects fairness, transparency, and lawful working conditions. Our approach to modern slavery prevention is proactive, not reactive, and we regularly remind teams that ethical conduct is an essential part of our business culture. We do not accept the use of coerced, trafficked, or underage labour in any part of our operations.

We assess risk by considering the nature of the service, the country of origin, the labour profile, and the type of goods or work involved. Where higher-risk areas are identified, we apply stronger controls, including additional due diligence and closer oversight. A key part of our Ruxley Storage modern slavery policy is that suppliers must demonstrate compliance with all relevant employment, immigration, and health and safety laws. We reserve the right to suspend or end relationships if standards are not met.

Supplier management is central to our prevention strategy. Before engaging with a supplier, we review available information on ownership, workforce practices, subcontracting arrangements, and any prior concerns. We also carry out supplier audits where appropriate, particularly for higher-risk suppliers or where goods and services are sourced through complex channels. These audits may include document checks, site visits, and discussions with management about recruitment practices, wages, working hours, and the freedom of workers to leave employment.

Our audits are designed to verify that suppliers are not relying on unsafe, exploitative, or unlawful labour arrangements. If any sign of modern slavery is detected, we will investigate promptly and expect immediate remedial action. Where necessary, we work with suppliers to improve controls, but we will not compromise on our zero-tolerance position. In serious cases, Ruxley Storage will terminate the business relationship and escalate concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Training is another important safeguard. Relevant staff receive awareness on the indicators of exploitation, including unusual restrictions on movement, withheld documents, debt bondage, excessive recruitment fees, and signs that workers cannot speak freely. By improving awareness across the organisation, we strengthen our ability to identify and address risk early. This helps ensure that the Ruxley Storage statement on modern slavery remains practical, credible, and effective.

We encourage safe and confidential reporting channels so concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees and other stakeholders may report suspected issues through internal management routes or any designated whistleblowing process established for that purpose. All reports are treated seriously, handled discreetly, and investigated in line with our procedures. We do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

When a concern is raised, we assess the facts, preserve evidence where needed, and determine the appropriate response. This may involve interviews, supplier engagement, contract review, or escalation to external bodies. Our aim is to protect potentially affected individuals and prevent further harm. The effectiveness of our modern slavery controls depends on a culture where people feel able to speak up and where action follows promptly.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, proportionate, and aligned with our business activities. During each review, we consider any incidents, audit findings, supplier developments, and changes in legal or regulatory expectations. We also evaluate whether our policies, training, and monitoring processes need improvement. Through this ongoing review cycle, Ruxley Storage reinforces its commitment to ethical operations and continuous improvement in the prevention of modern slavery.