Waste Collection Hounslow Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Waste Collection Hounslow takes to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically and in compliance with all applicable laws relating to modern slavery and human rights.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Waste Collection Hounslow maintains a clear zero-tolerance stance towards modern slavery in all its forms. We do not accept any practice that involves forced, bonded, or compulsory labour, child labour that is exploitative or unlawful, human trafficking, or any abuse of vulnerable individuals. This commitment applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers who provide goods and services to our organisation.

We expect every person working with or for us to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to act in a way that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts, reporting to authorities, or legal action where appropriate.

Risk Assessment and Supply Chain Due Diligence

Our activities include the collection, handling, transfer, and processing of waste and recyclable materials. We recognise that certain sectors associated with waste management and logistics can be at higher risk of labour exploitation. As a result, we carry out proportionate risk assessments of our key suppliers, contractors, and sub-contractors.

Before entering into new or renewed commercial relationships, we assess the potential risk of modern slavery, taking into account geographic location, type of services provided, and the use of temporary or migrant labour. Where higher risks are identified, we apply enhanced due diligence, including additional questions, evidence checks, and, when necessary, on-site verification.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers to operate in alignment with our zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery. Our standard procurement and contract terms require suppliers to comply with relevant labour, employment, and human rights legislation, and to take reasonable steps to prevent modern slavery within their own operations and supply chains.

To support this, we conduct supplier audits, focusing particularly on higher risk categories and geographic regions. These audits may be carried out through self-assessment questionnaires, documentary evidence reviews, and, where justified by risk, physical site inspections. Non-compliance or inadequate responses may result in corrective action plans, follow-up audits, contract suspension, or termination of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We provide targeted training and guidance to managers and employees who are involved in procurement, contract management, and frontline operational roles. Training covers the nature of modern slavery, common warning signs, the responsibilities of individuals, and the procedures to follow if concerns arise.

We regularly reinforce awareness through internal communications, ensuring that staff understand the importance of speaking up and know how to use the reporting channels available to them.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Waste Collection Hounslow encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and members of the public to raise concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Reports can be made to line managers, the human resources team, or a designated senior manager responsible for compliance and ethics.

Concerns can be raised confidentially and without fear of retaliation. We will investigate all credible allegations thoroughly and, where necessary, involve law enforcement or relevant external bodies. We are committed to protecting those who speak up in good faith and to taking prompt, appropriate action when wrongdoing is identified.

Monitoring Effectiveness and Annual Review

We monitor the effectiveness of our approach to modern slavery through periodic reviews of supplier performance, audit outcomes, training completion rates, and the number and nature of any reported concerns. Lessons learned from investigations or audits are used to refine our controls and strengthen our preventative measures.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with legal and industry developments. Updated versions are communicated internally and made available externally so that our stakeholders can understand the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery within Waste Collection Hounslow and our supply chains.