Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Waste Collection Brentford is firmly committed to conducting its business in an ethical and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement outlines the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address risks of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers engaged by Waste Collection Brentford.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We maintain a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and all forms of exploitation. Modern slavery is fundamentally incompatible with our values of respect, integrity, and accountability. We expect the same high standards from everyone we work with and will not knowingly engage with any organisation that fails to uphold these principles.

All business decisions at Waste Collection Brentford must align with this zero-tolerance policy. Any suspected breach will be taken seriously, fully investigated, and may result in termination of contracts or employment, as well as reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Collection Brentford provides waste collection and related environmental services to commercial and residential customers. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, equipment, fuel, personal protective equipment, facilities management, and outsourced services such as maintenance, cleaning, and temporary labour.

We recognise that elements of the waste management sector and related supply chains can be vulnerable to labour exploitation. We therefore work proactively to reduce risk and to ensure that our operations do not cause or contribute to modern slavery.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers, contractors, and service providers to operate in accordance with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. Our standard procurement and contract documents include clauses that prohibit modern slavery and require cooperation with any monitoring or investigation.

To promote compliance, we conduct proportionate supplier due diligence and audits. This may include reviewing labour practices, checking right-to-work documentation procedures, assessing recruitment methods, and confirming that wages, working hours, and conditions meet or exceed legal requirements. Higher-risk suppliers may be subject to enhanced checks and more frequent audits.

Where issues are identified, we aim to work collaboratively with suppliers to achieve corrective action within clear timeframes. If satisfactory improvement is not achieved, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage anyone connected with our business, including employees, agency workers, suppliers, and members of the public, to report any concerns relating to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised confidentially through internal management channels, our designated whistleblowing contact, or via our general company contact details.

Reports will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity. We will investigate all credible concerns and, where necessary, liaise with enforcement bodies or specialist organisations. We will not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is not ultimately substantiated.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibility

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management. Managers involved in procurement, recruitment, and contract management receive guidance on identifying risks and implementing controls. Relevant staff are made aware of the signs of modern slavery and the procedures for escalating concerns.

We aim to build awareness throughout our workforce so that everyone understands their role in preventing exploitation and supporting those who may be at risk.

Monitoring, Annual Review, and Continuous Improvement

We review this Modern Slavery Statement and our associated policies and procedures at least once every year, and more frequently if required by changes in legislation or our operating context. The annual review considers the effectiveness of existing controls, the findings of audits, and any incidents or concerns that have arisen.

As part of this review, we identify opportunities for improvement, such as enhanced supplier due diligence, targeted training, or strengthened contractual provisions. Our goal is to continually refine our approach so that Waste Collection Brentford remains a responsible and vigilant organisation in the fight against modern slavery.

This statement has been approved by the management of Waste Collection Brentford and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery in our business and supply chains.