Modern Slavery Statement for Rubbish Collection Richmond upon Thames

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Rubbish Collection Richmond upon Thames to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to ethical, responsible waste management services and to upholding the rights and dignity of every person involved in delivering our services.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Rubbish Collection Richmond upon Thames has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business dealings and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place within our organisation or any part of our supply chain.

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are required to comply with this policy. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation or individual involved in modern slavery practices. Where non-compliance is identified, we will take decisive action, which may include terminating contracts, reporting concerns to relevant authorities, and supporting affected individuals where appropriate.

Our Operations and Supply Chain

Our services include domestic and commercial rubbish collection, recycling, and associated waste management activities within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and surrounding areas. Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, fuel, personal protective equipment, cleaning services, maintenance, and labour agencies.

We recognise that certain parts of our supply chain may present a higher risk of modern slavery, particularly where low-skilled or temporary labour is used or where goods are sourced from sectors or regions with weaker labour protections. We therefore apply heightened scrutiny and monitoring in these areas.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We conduct due diligence on new and existing suppliers to assess the risk of modern slavery. This includes reviewing their labour practices, policies, and statements, as well as considering their geographic location and sector. Suppliers are expected to confirm that they comply with all applicable labour laws and that they maintain their own effective systems to combat modern slavery.

We reserve the right to audit suppliers, either directly or through independent third parties, to verify compliance with our anti-slavery requirements. These audits may include site visits, interviews with workers, and review of employment records. Where issues are identified, we will work with the supplier to agree a corrective action plan with clear timeframes. Failure to implement satisfactory corrective actions may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage a culture of openness and accountability and expect all employees, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery at the earliest opportunity. Concerns may be raised with a line manager, a senior manager, or directly with our designated compliance officer.

We maintain confidential reporting channels to enable individuals to raise issues without fear of retaliation. All reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and treated sensitively. Where appropriate, we will involve law enforcement or other relevant authorities. We prohibit any form of victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith.

Training and Awareness

We provide training for relevant employees to help them identify signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns. This includes managers, supervisors, and staff who engage directly with suppliers or oversee labour arrangements. We also communicate our expectations to suppliers and require them to cascade equivalent standards through their own supply chains.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery approach rests with the senior management team of Rubbish Collection Richmond upon Thames. They are accountable for ensuring that suitable policies, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms are in place and effective.

We review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to assess its effectiveness and to reflect any changes in legislation, our business operations, or best practice. As part of this review, we evaluate supplier performance, audit outcomes, training coverage, and any reported incidents. Actions arising from the review are documented and implemented to drive continuous improvement.

This statement has been approved by the management of Rubbish Collection Richmond upon Thames and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting human rights across our operations and supply chains.