Modern Slavery Commitment by Carpet Cleaning Richmond upon Thames
Carpet Cleaning Richmond upon Thames is committed to conducting all aspects of our business in a way that respects human rights and upholds the dignity and safety of every individual. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, temporary staff, contractors, and suppliers engaged with our business.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
We maintain a strict zero-tolerance stance towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with any individual, organisation, or supply partner involved in such practices. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious misconduct issue and may result in the termination of employment or commercial relationships.
All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting this policy and ensuring that it is communicated clearly to staff and relevant third parties. We expect the same rigorous standards from our suppliers and their own supply chains.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Carpet Cleaning Richmond upon Thames provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our primary supply chains include providers of cleaning equipment, cleaning solutions and chemicals, personal protective equipment, and general business services such as premises maintenance and transport.
We recognise that risks of modern slavery can exist at various points in these supply chains, especially where goods or components originate from higher-risk sectors or regions. We are committed to understanding and reducing these risks as far as reasonably possible.
Supplier Standards and Due Diligence
We seek to work only with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical conduct and respect for human rights. As part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing assessment, we require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights legislation.
We assess new key suppliers on their policies and practices relating to modern slavery, working conditions, and worker welfare. Where appropriate, we require contractual assurances that suppliers do not engage in, or tolerate, modern slavery in their own operations or those of their subcontractors.
Supplier Audits and Monitoring
To support our zero-tolerance approach, we undertake proportionate monitoring of our key suppliers. This may include desk-based reviews of policies, questionnaires on labour and human rights practices, and requests for supporting documentation. Where the level of risk or spend justifies it, we may carry out site visits or independent audits, either directly or through third parties.
If we identify concerns or potential non-compliance, we will engage with the supplier to seek clarification and improvement. Failure to adequately address issues or provide satisfactory assurances may lead to suspension of orders or termination of the business relationship.
Employee Awareness, Training, and Responsibility
We expect all employees to support our efforts to prevent modern slavery. Relevant staff, especially those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management, receive information on recognising indicators of modern slavery and the steps to take if they have concerns.
Managers are responsible for ensuring that recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and compliant with labour legislation. No worker should be charged recruitment fees, be required to surrender identity documents, or be subjected to threats, coercion, or intimidation.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage anyone with concerns relating to modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our business to speak up without fear of reprisal. Concerns may relate to our own operations, those of our suppliers, or any third party linked to our services.
Reports can be made to a line manager, a senior manager, or any designated company representative responsible for ethical and compliance matters. All reports will be taken seriously, assessed promptly, and handled confidentially as far as is reasonably possible. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that the risks of modern slavery can evolve over time, and we are committed to continually improving our approach. Each year, we review this Modern Slavery Statement and our associated procedures to ensure they remain effective, reflect current legal requirements, and incorporate learning from our ongoing due diligence and engagement with suppliers.
This statement is approved by the leadership of Carpet Cleaning Richmond upon Thames and is reviewed annually to confirm that our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery is upheld and embedded throughout our business and supply chains.