Anti Slavery Policy

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

1. Policy Statement

Marett's Chariots is committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains or in any part of our business. We operate a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.

We expect the same high standards from all of our contractors, suppliers, and other business partners.

2. Scope & Responsibility

This policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf in any capacity, including:

Full-time, part-time, and temporary employees

Directors and officers

Agency workers and seconded workers

Agents, contractors, external consultants, and third-party representatives

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy complies with our legal and ethical obligations. Management at all levels is responsible for ensuring those reporting to them understand and comply with this policy.

3. Key Risk Areas in Coach Operations

As a transport provider, our risk assessment identifies two primary areas of exposure:

A. Supply Chain & Recruitment

Subcontracting: Using third-party coach operators or drivers during peak seasons.

Cleaning & Maintenance: Utilizing outsourced cleaning crews for vehicle depots and depots maintenance staff, which are historically higher-risk sectors for labor exploitation.

Recruitment Agencies: Sourcing temporary or agency drivers.

B. Frontline Transport Operations

Passenger Transport: The risk of our vehicles being used by traffickers to transport victims of modern slavery or human trafficking domestically or internationally.

4. Due Diligence and Compliance Protocols

For Our Supply Chain:

Supplier Vetting: We will not knowingly support or deal with any business involved in slavery or human trafficking. All major suppliers and subcontracted operators must confirm their compliance with anti-slavery legislation.

Recruitment Standards: We only use reputable, vetted recruitment agencies. We perform thorough "Right to Work" and license checks on all directly hired and agency drivers to ensure they are not being exploited.

Audits: We reserve the right to audit suppliers, particularly in high-risk areas like outsourced cleaning and vehicle maintenance.

For Our Operations (The "Look Closer" Protocol):

Our frontline staff, particularly drivers, act as our eyes and ears. Staff are trained to spot signs of potential trafficking among passengers, which may include:

Individuals who appear frightened, confused, or under the intense control of another passenger.

Passengers who do not hold their own passport, ticket, or money.

Individuals who are dressed inappropriately for the weather or travel conditions.

Groups of workers being moved together with minimal personal belongings.

5. Reporting Concerns (Whistleblowing)

Employees are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery in any parts of our business or supply chain at the earliest possible stage.

Internal Reporting: Suspicions should be reported immediately to your Line Manager or the Compliance Officer.

Immediate Danger: If a driver suspects a passenger is in immediate danger of trafficking while on a route, they must safely pull over or stop at a secure location and contact emergency services (e.g., 999 in the UK / 112 in Europe) immediately, notifying dispatch as soon as safe to do so.

Anonymity: We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith a suspicion that modern slavery is taking place.

6. Training and Awareness

To ensure a high level of understanding of the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in our business, we provide training to all relevant staff.

Anti-slavery awareness is integrated into our induction process for all new drivers, depot staff, and management, with refresher updates provided periodically.