Modern Slavery Statement for Southgate Storage

Southgate Storage is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the principles and actions that guide our approach to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitative working practices within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that Southgate Storage has a responsibility to remain vigilant, act promptly on concerns, and maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of slavery or abuse.

As a storage business, we understand that risks may arise across procurement, facilities management, transportation, cleaning, maintenance, and other contracted services. Our approach to modern slavery prevention is built on due diligence, staff awareness, and strong supplier oversight. We expect all employees, contractors, and business partners to uphold the same ethical standards that we apply internally.

Our Commitment and Governance

Southgate Storage’s leadership is accountable for ensuring that anti-slavery controls are embedded across the organisation. Senior management reviews relevant policies, monitors risk indicators, and supports training that helps employees identify warning signs of exploitation. We aim to ensure that the Southgate Storage slavery statement is not simply a document, but an active framework for ethical conduct.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery in any form. This includes servitude, forced or compulsory labour, debt bondage, child labour, deceptive recruitment practices, and any situation where a person cannot freely leave work or is controlled through threats or coercion. Any credible concern will be treated seriously and investigated without delay.

Where evidence of exploitation is identified, we will take appropriate action, which may include suspending a supplier relationship, terminating a contract, reporting concerns to relevant authorities, and cooperating fully with lawful investigations. This policy applies equally to our direct operations and to the wider Southgate Storage supply chain.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We conduct supplier risk assessments as part of our onboarding and ongoing review processes. Suppliers are expected to demonstrate compliance with labour laws, safe recruitment practices, fair pay, and respectful working conditions. Higher-risk suppliers may be subject to enhanced scrutiny, including document checks, management interviews, and site-based or remote supplier audits.

Our audit process is designed to identify indicators such as excessive overtime, withheld identification documents, restricted movement, or inconsistent wage records. If concerns are found, suppliers must implement corrective actions within agreed timeframes. Repeated failure to meet our standards may lead to contract review or disengagement. This helps strengthen the integrity of the Southgate Storage modern slavery statement and the practices behind it.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

Employees receive guidance on recognising risks and responding appropriately. We encourage an open culture where concerns can be raised early and in good faith. Reporting channels are available for staff and relevant stakeholders to raise issues related to suspected exploitation, unethical recruitment, or unsafe working conditions. Reports are handled discreetly, assessed promptly, and escalated when needed.

Anyone who identifies a concern is encouraged to speak up without fear of retaliation. We make clear that victimisation of whistleblowers will not be tolerated. Our reporting approach supports timely intervention and reflects our commitment to responsible business conduct across all Southgate Storage operations.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Southgate Storage modern slavery statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal requirements and operational risks. Each review considers supplier performance, audit findings, employee awareness, reported concerns, and any changes in the business environment that could affect vulnerability to exploitation.

We are committed to continuous improvement and will strengthen our controls where needed. By maintaining rigorous oversight, clear reporting channels, and a decisive response to risk, Southgate Storage aims to contribute to the elimination of modern slavery and to promote ethical standards throughout its activities and partnerships.

Approved for publication as part of Southgate Storage’s ongoing commitment to human rights, ethical sourcing, and responsible governance.