Modern Slavery Statement - Dexter's Self Drive Minibus Hire

Modern Slavery Statement

Our commitment to ethical business practices and the prevention of modern slavery.

Dexter's Self Drive is committed to conducting its business responsibly, ethically and with respect for the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual. We recognise that modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking are serious violations of human rights and have no place in legitimate business operations or supply chains.

We acknowledge our responsibility to take reasonable and proportionate steps to identify, prevent and address the risk of modern slavery wherever it may arise in connection with our business activities. This statement outlines our approach, principles and commitments in relation to modern slavery and human trafficking.

We support the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and expect the businesses and individuals with whom we work to uphold appropriate standards of ethical conduct.

01. Our Business and Operations

Dexter's Self Drive operates within the UK vehicle hire and mobility sector, providing self-drive vehicle rental services to individuals and businesses.

Our activities involve the management and operation of a vehicle fleet, customer services, vehicle preparation, maintenance arrangements, administrative functions and relationships with various suppliers and service providers.

Our supply chain may include businesses involved in:

  • Vehicle manufacturing, acquisition, leasing and remarketing.
  • Vehicle servicing, maintenance, repair and mechanical parts.
  • Tyres, batteries, replacement components and automotive supplies.
  • Vehicle cleaning, valeting and preparation services.
  • Fuel, lubricants and other vehicle-related products.
  • Insurance, financial and professional services.
  • Technology, software, communications and office supplies.
  • Transport, logistics, facilities and other outsourced services.

02. Our Approach to Human Rights

We believe that every individual has the right to work freely, voluntarily and in conditions that respect their dignity, safety and personal freedom.

We do not tolerate, condone or knowingly engage in any form of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, servitude or exploitation.

Our approach is guided by the following principles:

  • Employment must be freely chosen and entered into voluntarily.
  • Workers must be free to leave employment in accordance with applicable contractual and legal requirements.
  • No individual should be subjected to threats, coercion, intimidation or abuse.
  • Workers must receive wages and benefits in accordance with applicable employment legislation.
  • Identity documents, passports and personal belongings must not be unlawfully withheld.
  • Discrimination, harassment and exploitation have no place in the workplace.
  • All individuals should have access to appropriate channels for raising concerns.

03. Understanding Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is an umbrella term covering situations in which individuals are exploited and deprived of their freedom through coercion, threats, deception or abuse of vulnerability.

It can take several forms, including:

  • Forced labour: Work or services obtained through threats, coercion or other forms of involuntary control.
  • Human trafficking: The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of individuals for the purpose of exploitation.
  • Servitude: A condition in which an individual is compelled to provide services and is unable to change their circumstances.
  • Debt bondage: Exploitation through debts or financial obligations that are used to control a person's labour or freedom.
  • Child exploitation: The unlawful exploitation of children through forced labour, trafficking or other forms of abuse.

04. Risk Assessment and Supply Chain Awareness

We recognise that modern slavery risks can exist at different levels of a supply chain, including through subcontractors, outsourced service providers and suppliers further removed from our direct business relationships.

Within the vehicle hire sector, potential areas of exposure may include labour-intensive activities such as vehicle cleaning, valeting, maintenance, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing and the sourcing of automotive components and raw materials.

We recognise that certain products and services may originate from complex international supply chains, where working conditions and labour practices can be more difficult to monitor.

We therefore aim to take a proportionate and risk-based approach when considering our suppliers and business relationships, paying particular attention to the nature of the services provided, the location of operations, the use of subcontractors and any indicators of unethical employment practices.

05. Employment and Recruitment Practices

We believe that fair and transparent recruitment and employment practices are essential safeguards against exploitation.

In relation to our own workforce and recruitment arrangements, our principles include:

  • Recruitment and employment must be voluntary and free from coercion.
  • Employment terms and conditions should be communicated clearly and transparently.
  • Individuals should receive appropriate remuneration for their work.
  • Recruitment arrangements should not involve unlawful fees, deductions or financial exploitation.
  • Workers should not be subjected to threats, intimidation or restrictions on their freedom of movement.
  • Working arrangements should comply with applicable UK employment legislation.
  • Any concerns regarding exploitation or inappropriate recruitment practices should be taken seriously.

06. Supplier and Business Partner Expectations

We expect our suppliers, contractors, business partners and service providers to operate in accordance with applicable laws and recognised principles of human rights and ethical employment.

In particular, we expect those working with us to:

  • Comply with applicable legislation relating to modern slavery, human trafficking and employment rights.
  • Prohibit forced, bonded and compulsory labour within their operations.
  • Ensure that workers are employed voluntarily and treated fairly.
  • Maintain appropriate recruitment and employment practices.
  • Take reasonable steps to identify and address exploitation within their own supply chains.
  • Ensure that subcontractors and labour providers operate to equivalent ethical standards.
  • Cooperate appropriately where concerns about labour exploitation are identified.

Where credible concerns arise regarding a supplier or business partner, we reserve the right to review the relationship and consider appropriate corrective measures, including suspension or termination where justified.

07. Due Diligence and Preventive Measures

We recognise the importance of identifying potential risks before they develop into actual instances of exploitation.

Our approach to due diligence is intended to be proportionate to the size, nature and complexity of our business and the level of risk associated with individual suppliers and service providers.

Relevant measures may include:

  • Considering ethical employment practices when establishing new supplier relationships.
  • Reviewing available information about suppliers and their business operations.
  • Seeking clarification where working arrangements or recruitment practices raise concerns.
  • Considering the use of subcontractors and labour agencies within supply chains.
  • Reviewing credible allegations, reports or other information indicating possible exploitation.
  • Taking appropriate action where risks or breaches are identified.

08. Awareness and Responsibility

Preventing modern slavery requires awareness and vigilance throughout an organisation and its wider business relationships.

We aim to ensure that relevant personnel understand the importance of recognising potential indicators of forced labour and human trafficking, particularly where their responsibilities involve recruitment, procurement, supplier management or outsourced services.

Potential warning signs may include:

  • Workers appearing to be under the control or influence of another person.
  • Individuals being unable to retain or access their identity documents.
  • Signs of intimidation, threats, restricted movement or coercion.
  • Unexplained deductions from wages or excessive recruitment-related debts.
  • Workers appearing fearful, isolated or unable to communicate freely.
  • Working or living conditions that suggest exploitation or abuse.

We recognise that individual indicators do not necessarily establish that modern slavery is taking place. However, they should be treated seriously and assessed appropriately.

09. Reporting Concerns and Taking Action

We encourage employees, suppliers, contractors, customers and other stakeholders to raise concerns where they suspect that modern slavery, human trafficking or labour exploitation may be occurring in connection with our business or supply chains.

Concerns should be reported to Dexter's Self Drive management through the appropriate business contact channels.

All concerns brought to our attention should be treated seriously and assessed appropriately. Where necessary, we will consider further enquiries, appropriate corrective action and referral to relevant authorities or specialist organisations.

We do not consider threats, intimidation or retaliation against individuals who raise genuine concerns in good faith to be acceptable.

Where there is an immediate risk to an individual's safety or evidence of criminal exploitation, the appropriate authorities should be contacted without delay.

10. Continuous Improvement

We recognise that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time exercise.

We aim to review our approach periodically and identify opportunities to strengthen our awareness, supplier engagement and risk management arrangements.

Our continuing priorities include:

  • Maintaining awareness of developments in modern slavery legislation and guidance.
  • Improving understanding of potential risks within the vehicle hire and automotive supply sectors.
  • Encouraging responsible conduct among suppliers and business partners.
  • Reviewing any reported concerns and lessons arising from them.
  • Considering improvements to our procurement and supplier assessment practices.
  • Strengthening internal awareness of the signs of modern slavery and exploitation.

11. Management Responsibility

Responsibility for promoting ethical business practices and addressing modern slavery risks rests with the management of Dexter's Self Drive.

Management is responsible for considering relevant risks arising from our operations and business relationships, responding appropriately to concerns and reviewing the effectiveness of our approach.

We recognise that meaningful prevention depends on the cooperation of employees, suppliers, contractors and other stakeholders. We therefore encourage a culture in which ethical conduct, transparency and respect for human rights are treated as important business principles.

12. Our Commitment

Dexter's Self Drive is committed to operating responsibly and to taking reasonable steps to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within its business activities and supply chains.

We recognise that no organisation can address these issues in isolation. We therefore support cooperation, transparency and responsible business practices as essential elements in tackling exploitation.

We will continue to review our approach in light of relevant legislation, emerging risks and the development of our business operations.

Modern slavery is incompatible with the values and standards we expect to uphold in conducting our business.

13. Legislative Framework

This statement is informed by the principles and requirements of relevant UK legislation and guidance, including:

  • Modern Slavery Act 2015: The principal UK legislation addressing slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking, including the transparency provisions in Section 54.
  • Employment Rights Act 1996: Establishes important protections relating to employment rights and working conditions.
  • National Minimum Wage Act 1998: Provides the statutory framework for minimum wage protection.
  • Equality Act 2010: Protects individuals against unlawful discrimination in employment and other areas.
  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Establishes duties relating to health, safety and welfare in the workplace.

We recognise that legal obligations vary according to the nature, size and circumstances of an organisation. We aim to comply with all applicable legal requirements relevant to our operations.

14. Statement Approval and Review

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the principles and commitments of Dexter's Self Drive in relation to the prevention of modern slavery and exploitation.

It is intended to be reviewed periodically and updated where appropriate to reflect changes in our business operations, supply chains, risk profile and applicable legislation.

Dexter's Self Drive

Statement: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Reporting period: 2026-2027

Approval: Directors

Date of approval: 19 April, 2026

Next review: 2028