Rubbish Clearance Richmond upon Thames Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Rubbish Clearance Richmond upon Thames in respect of our financial year ending 31 December and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains.

We recognise that modern slavery, including forced labour, servitude, human trafficking and child labour, is a serious global issue. We are fully committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place within our own business or in any of our supply chains.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Rubbish Clearance Richmond upon Thames provides waste collection, rubbish removal and related environmental services in the Richmond upon Thames area and surrounding locations. Our day-to-day operations involve direct employment of staff, use of vehicles and equipment, and the engagement of external suppliers and contractors for services such as waste transfer, recycling, disposal, vehicle maintenance, and procurement of uniforms and consumables.

We understand that the greatest risk of modern slavery in our operations is likely to arise within extended supply chains, particularly where subcontracted labour or low-cost goods and services are involved. As such, we place particular focus on assessing and monitoring our suppliers and contractors.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to all persons working for us or on our behalf in any capacity, including employees at all levels, directors, agency workers, contractors, suppliers, and business partners.

We will not knowingly work with any organisation that is involved in, or connected to, modern slavery or human trafficking. Any breach of this policy by a supplier or contractor will be treated as a material breach of contract and may result in the termination of the business relationship and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We are committed to building partnerships with suppliers who share our values and respect for human rights. As part of our procurement and supplier management processes, we aim to:

Assess new suppliers for their approach to labour practices, working conditions, and compliance with modern slavery legislation.

Include contractual commitments requiring suppliers to comply with applicable modern slavery and human trafficking laws, and to ensure similar standards within their own supply chains.

Conduct periodic, risk-based audits or reviews of key suppliers, particularly those operating in higher-risk sectors or geographies, to verify that their labour practices are consistent with our expectations.

Require suppliers to cooperate with us in any investigation or audit relating to modern slavery concerns and to take prompt remedial action where issues are identified.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage a culture of openness and accountability, and we expect all individuals connected with our business to raise genuine concerns about potential wrongdoing, including suspected modern slavery or human trafficking.

Employees can report concerns to their line manager, a senior manager, or directly to the designated compliance contact within the business. Concerns can be raised in person, by phone, or in writing. We will treat all reports sensitively and, where possible, confidentially, and we will not tolerate any form of victimisation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Suppliers, contractors, and other third parties who suspect that modern slavery may be taking place in connection with our operations or supply chain are encouraged to contact our management team immediately. All concerns will be investigated promptly and thoroughly, and appropriate action will be taken.

Training and Awareness

We aim to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and frontline operations. This may include providing guidance on recognising signs of exploitation, understanding our zero-tolerance policy, and knowing how to report concerns.

By equipping our team with the knowledge to identify and respond to modern slavery risks, we strengthen our overall approach to ethical and responsible business practices.

Monitoring, Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management of Rubbish Clearance Richmond upon Thames. They are accountable for ensuring that appropriate policies, procedures, and due diligence measures are in place and that these are effectively implemented.

We are committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to combat modern slavery. This statement, along with our related policies and procedures, will be reviewed at least once each year. As part of the annual review, we will consider any changes in our business, supply chains, legal requirements, and best practice guidance, and we will update our approach where necessary.

By publishing this Modern Slavery Statement, Rubbish Clearance Richmond upon Thames reaffirms its commitment to respecting human rights, promoting fair working conditions, and actively working to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business.