Modern Slavery Statement for Rubbish Collection Kingston upon Thames

Rubbish Collection Kingston upon Thames is committed to conducting its business ethically, responsibly, and in full compliance with all applicable laws relating to modern slavery and human trafficking. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent, detect, and address any risk of modern slavery within our own operations and throughout our supply chains.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, and all forms of servitude. This policy applies to every aspect of our business, including direct employment, subcontracted services, and all levels of our supplier relationships. We expect everyone who works with or for us to share this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect for human rights.

Our senior management team is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, communicated clearly to employees and suppliers, and reviewed on a regular basis to reflect evolving legislation, best practice, and operational changes.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Rubbish Collection Kingston upon Thames provides waste and recycling collection services to residential, commercial, and public sector customers in the Kingston upon Thames area. Our operations rely on a network of suppliers that may provide vehicles, equipment, uniforms, maintenance services, technology solutions, and temporary labour.

We recognise that some sectors and geographic regions present higher risks of modern slavery. As part of our responsible business approach, we focus particular attention on suppliers involved in labour provision, manufacturing of equipment, uniforms and protective clothing, and waste processing and recycling activities.

Risk Assessment and Supplier Audits

We assess the risk of modern slavery across our supply chains by considering the type of goods or services supplied, the nature of the workforce involved, and the country or region of origin. Where our assessment identifies medium to high risk, we implement enhanced due diligence and monitoring.

Our supplier onboarding process includes verification of identity, business legitimacy, and compliance with labour and human rights standards. We reserve the right to conduct audits of new and existing suppliers, either directly or through independent auditors. These audits may include site visits, worker interviews, and document checks relating to working hours, wages, recruitment practices, and freedom of movement.

Where non-compliance is identified, we work with suppliers to agree corrective action plans and timeframes. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to meet our standards, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Policies, Training, and Reporting Channels

Our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery is supported by internal policies on ethical conduct, recruitment, whistleblowing, and health and safety. All employees involved in recruitment, procurement, contract management, or supervision of frontline operations are briefed on the risks of modern slavery and the warning signs to look out for.

We maintain confidential reporting channels for employees, contractors, and third parties to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery, unethical behaviour, or labour abuses. Concerns can be reported to line managers, designated safeguarding leads, or the senior management team. Reports can be made anonymously, and every concern is treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively, with protection against victimisation for those who report in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and that continuous improvement is essential. Each year we review the effectiveness of our measures by considering any reported incidents, audit findings, supplier feedback, and changes in legislation or guidance.

As part of our annual review, we evaluate whether our training programmes need strengthening, whether our risk assessment criteria remain appropriate, and whether our supplier due diligence processes need to be enhanced. The outcomes of this review inform updates to our policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the senior management of Rubbish Collection Kingston upon Thames and will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect our continuing commitment to preventing modern slavery in all its forms.