Tolworth Carpet Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Tolworth Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships.
Our Commitment to Preventing Modern Slavery
Tolworth Carpet Cleaners operates with a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, and child labour. This commitment applies to every part of our business and to all individuals working for or on behalf of our company, whether as employees, contractors, agency staff, or suppliers.
We strive to create a working environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect, paid fairly for their work, and able to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. We expect the same standards from our supply chain partners and any third parties we work with.
Our Supply Chains and Risk Management
Our core activities include professional carpet cleaning and related services for residential and commercial customers. Our supply chains primarily consist of providers of cleaning products, equipment, vehicles, personal protective equipment, and business support services.
We recognise that certain sectors and geographic regions have a higher risk of labour exploitation. While our operations are relatively local and our supplier base is limited, we remain vigilant and take a risk-based approach to supplier assessment and ongoing monitoring.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Supplier Standards
Our zero-tolerance policy is embedded in our internal processes and communicated to all staff and suppliers. We require suppliers to comply with all applicable employment, labour, and human rights laws, and to prohibit any form of forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking in their own operations and supply chains.
Before engaging new suppliers, we assess their commitment to ethical conduct and labour standards. We reserve the right to terminate relationships with suppliers that fail to meet our standards or that are unwilling to take corrective action when concerns are identified.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
We undertake proportionate due diligence on our key suppliers to identify and manage modern slavery risks. This may include requesting information on labour practices, working conditions, recruitment methods, and subcontracting arrangements.
Where appropriate, we may carry out supplier audits, either directly or through third parties, to verify compliance with our expectations. These audits can involve reviewing documentation, speaking with management, and, when relevant, gathering information about workforce conditions. If any non-compliance or red flags are identified, we work with the supplier on an improvement plan, and we may suspend or end the relationship if issues are not adequately addressed.
Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns
Tolworth Carpet Cleaners encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to speak up if they suspect modern slavery or unethical labour practices linked to our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised directly to management or through our established internal reporting routes.
Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, regardless of whether it is ultimately substantiated.
Training and Awareness
We aim to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. This includes providing guidance on recognising signs of exploitation, understanding our zero-tolerance approach, and knowing how to report concerns.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by our management team to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with best practice and legal requirements. As part of this review, we consider any incidents reported, audit findings, changes to our supply chains, and feedback from employees and suppliers.
We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. Over time, we will seek to strengthen our due diligence processes, enhance staff training, and deepen engagement with suppliers to promote higher labour standards across our supply chain.
This statement has been approved by the management of Tolworth Carpet Cleaners and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in every aspect of our business.
