Modern Slavery Statement for Downham Storage

Downham Storage is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions we take to help prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, and other forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that even businesses with low direct labour risk must remain vigilant, and we apply a zero-tolerance policy toward any practice that undermines dignity, freedom, or lawful employment.

Our approach is based on prevention, detection, and continuous improvement. We expect everyone working with or for Downham Storage to act ethically and to uphold the principles set out in this statement. This includes staff, contractors, agents, and suppliers. By maintaining clear standards and reviewing our controls regularly, we aim to reduce the risk of modern slavery in storage services, logistics, procurement, maintenance, and associated activities.

We assess risk in a practical way, focusing on areas where labour abuse may be more likely, such as third-party service providers, temporary labour arrangements, and goods sourced through complex supply chains. Where heightened risk is identified, we apply additional scrutiny, including document checks, supplier questionnaires, and site-based verification. These measures help strengthen our response to modern slavery risks and support informed decision-making across the business.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Downham Storage expects suppliers to comply with all applicable labour, immigration, health and safety, and employment laws. Supplier contracts may include clauses requiring ethical conduct, lawful recruitment, accurate wage practices, and prohibition of exploitative work. We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits and request evidence of compliance where necessary. These audits may include reviewing policies, worker records, payroll information, and subcontracting arrangements to ensure that our partners meet our standards.

If a supplier is found to fall short of our expectations, we will seek prompt remedial action. Where serious concerns are identified, we may suspend or terminate the relationship. This decisive approach reflects our belief that commercial success must never come at the expense of human rights. We also encourage suppliers to maintain their own safeguards so that the entire chain of responsibility remains robust and accountable.

Training and internal awareness are important parts of our framework. Relevant employees receive guidance on identifying warning signs, including restricted movement, unusual dependence on employers, withheld documents, or signs of coercion. By building awareness across the organisation, we improve our ability to recognise potential abuse early and respond appropriately.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

Downham Storage encourages anyone who suspects wrongdoing to raise concerns without delay. Reports may be made through internal management routes, designated safeguarding or compliance leads, and other approved reporting channels. We aim to create an environment where concerns can be raised in good faith and handled confidentially. Retaliation, intimidation, or victimisation against any person who reports a concern will not be tolerated.

All concerns are assessed promptly and treated seriously. Depending on the nature of the issue, we may investigate internally, request further information from a supplier, or involve relevant external authorities. Our response is guided by the severity of the risk and the need to protect any potentially affected individual. We believe that effective reporting channels are essential to preventing exploitation and maintaining trust in our operations.

We also monitor procurement and operational decisions to ensure that commercial pressure does not lead to unsafe labour practices. Where appropriate, we use due diligence checks during onboarding and renewal processes to reduce exposure to modern slavery risks. This helps us maintain a consistent standard across the business and its supply chain.

Governance, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Responsibility for this statement and its implementation sits with senior management, who oversee the organisation’s commitment to ethical conduct and compliance. They review issues raised, monitor progress, and ensure that actions are taken where improvements are needed. This governance structure supports accountability at the highest level and reinforces our zero-tolerance stance.

This statement will be reviewed annually to confirm that it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal and operational developments. The review will consider any incidents, audit findings, supplier performance, training outcomes, and changes in risk profile. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we will update our controls where necessary and strengthen our response to emerging risks in the modern slavery statement framework.

Downham Storage remains committed to building responsible business relationships and safeguarding the rights of workers throughout our activities. Through clear standards, supplier audits, confidential reporting channels, and an annual review process, we aim to maintain a resilient and ethical approach. Our objective is to ensure that Downham Storage continues to operate in a way that respects people, supports lawful labour practices, and actively resists every form of modern slavery.