Modern Day Slavery Statement

CBL Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2022 to 2023

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps we have taken to minimise the risk of modern slavery in our business and supply chains.

CBL is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking occurring in any of its corporate activities.

This commitment is evident through our company policies, which aim to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards. We ensure the adherence to policy commitments and compliance of current Government legislation and regulations.

About CBL

CBL (Clive Barford Ltd) was established by Clive Barford in 1986 and continues to be controlled and managed by the Barford family, alongside long-term investors. The management team has a proven track record of providing employment, training and support for all staff, taking into account the needs of all stakeholders. We aim to be South Britain’s largest quality plant hire and equipment sales specialist. In a diverse market, CBL competes on quality and service, combined with excellent customer service.

Our commitment to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015

CBL is committed to the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the abolition of modern slavery and human trafficking.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating and ensuring a non-discriminatory and respectful working environment for our staff. We want all our staff to feel confident that they can expose wrongdoing without any risk to themselves.

Our recruitment and people management processes are designed to ensure that all prospective employees are legally entitled to work in the UK and to safeguard employees from any abuse or coercion.

We do not enter into business with any organisation, in the UK or abroad, which knowingly supports or is found to be involved in slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.

It reflects our commitment implementing and enforcing effective procedures and controls to minimise the risks of human trafficking and other modern slavery practices infiltrating our business operations and acting ethically and with integrity in all our business activities and relationships.

Our supply chain

Due to the nature of our business, we assess ourselves to have a low risk of modern slavery in our business and supply chains.

Our supply chains are limited through our sales agencies and supplier base, and we procure goods and services from a restricted range of UK and overseas suppliers. The vast majority of our suppliers and contractors are based in the UK.

Our policies in relation to the Modern Slavery Act 2015

The following policies are included in the CBL Employee Handbook, a copy of which is held at each CBL location for use by staff:
• Anti-slavery and human trafficking policy
• Whistleblowing policy
• Bullying and harassment policy
• Equality policy
• Anti-bribery policy

Embedding the principles

We will also continue to embed the principles through:
• ensuring all staff are aware of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and informing them of the appropriate action to take if they suspect a case of slavery or human trafficking;
• ensuring staff with responsibility for buying or procurement are aware of and follow modern slavery procurement guidance on GOV.UK;
• ensuring that staff with responsibility for buying or procurement receive training on modern slavery;
• ensuring that consideration of modern slavery risks and prevention form part of CBL’s policy review process as an employer and procurer of goods and services;
• continuing to take action to embed a zero tolerance policy towards modern slavery.

This statement has been approved by Charlotte Barford, Managing Director, for 2024.

This statement will be reviewed and updated annually.