Modern Slavery Statement for Osterley Storage

Osterley Storage is committed to operating responsibly, ethically, and in full compliance with applicable laws. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our business and supply chains. We recognise that these abuses can exist in many forms, including hidden exploitation, debt bondage, coercion, and unlawful withholding of identity documents. Our approach is grounded in a zero-tolerance policy, clear accountability, and continuous improvement.

Our Zero-Tolerance Commitment

We maintain an unequivocal zero-tolerance stance toward modern slavery and all forms of exploitation. This applies to our employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers. Osterley Storage expects all parties connected to our operations to uphold human rights and comply with the law. Any indication of abusive labour practices is treated seriously and may result in immediate investigation, corrective action, or termination of the business relationship. Our commitment is reinforced through internal policies, staff awareness, and procurement controls that help prevent labour exploitation from entering our operations.

Risk Assessment and Supplier Audits

We understand that the risk of modern slavery can increase across complex supply chains, particularly where labour is outsourced or services are delivered through multiple tiers. To address this, Osterley Storage conducts proportionate risk assessments on suppliers and service providers, focusing on geography, sector, labour practices, and the nature of goods or services supplied. Supplier audits are a key part of our due diligence programme. These audits may include document reviews, ethical compliance checks, site visits where appropriate, and requests for evidence relating to working hours, pay, recruitment practices, and worker freedom.

Supplier Expectations

We require suppliers to confirm that they do not use forced, bonded, or trafficked labour and that they apply lawful employment practices throughout their own supply chains. Where concerns are identified, we seek remediation first, provided there is a genuine commitment to improvement and no immediate risk to workers. If a supplier fails to address issues or is unwilling to cooperate, we will reconsider the relationship. This process supports a safer and more transparent Osterley Storage supply chain and reinforces our expectation of ethical conduct at every stage.

We also promote awareness among our team so that signs of exploitation can be identified and escalated quickly. Training and internal communications help staff understand indicators such as restricted movement, unusual dependence on employers, document retention, unsafe working conditions, or workers who appear unable to speak freely. By encouraging vigilance, we strengthen our ability to detect and respond to concerns across the storage business supply chain and associated services.

Reporting Channels and Response

Anyone who suspects modern slavery or related misconduct is encouraged to report it through our internal reporting channels. Concerns may be raised confidentially, and all reports are treated with care and seriousness. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Reported issues are reviewed promptly, escalated where necessary, and investigated in line with our internal procedures. Where appropriate, we will work with suppliers, advisors, or relevant authorities to secure an effective response and protect those at risk.

Osterley Storage also expects managers to act immediately if they receive information suggesting exploitation or coercion. Timely reporting is essential because delays can allow harm to continue. Our focus is on safeguarding people, preserving evidence, and ensuring that any response is proportionate, lawful, and centred on the welfare of potentially affected workers.

Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for implementing this statement sits with senior management, who oversee risk controls, policy updates, and supplier oversight. We review our purchasing practices to ensure they do not unintentionally increase vulnerability, such as through unrealistic delivery demands or inappropriate subcontracting pressures. This helps us maintain a responsible and practical framework for preventing modern slavery risks in day-to-day operations.

Our statement is reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and to identify areas for strengthening. The review considers any incidents raised, audit outcomes, supplier performance, training uptake, and changes in legal or industry expectations. Where improvements are needed, we update our procedures and priorities accordingly. This annual cycle ensures that our response remains active, relevant, and aligned with ethical best practice.

Continuous Improvement

Osterley Storage recognises that combating modern slavery requires sustained effort, informed judgement, and ongoing diligence. We are committed to working only with partners who share our standards and to making informed decisions when risks arise. Through robust oversight, careful procurement, and a clear expectation of ethical conduct, we aim to reduce vulnerability throughout our operations and wider supplier relationships.

This statement reflects our current approach and will continue to evolve as we strengthen our systems and refine our controls. Osterley Storage remains committed to protecting workers, supporting lawful and fair employment, and ensuring that our business does not contribute to exploitation in any form. Our promise is simple: respect for people, transparency in practice, and unwavering opposition to modern slavery.