Richmond upon Thames Carpet Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Richmond upon Thames Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chain. We are committed to conducting our business ethically and responsibly, and to ensuring that exploitation of any kind has no place in our organisation or the companies we work with.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Richmond upon Thames Carpet Cleaners maintains a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and all forms of exploitation. This commitment applies to every aspect of our business, including our own workforce, subcontractors, and all suppliers involved in providing goods, services, or labour connected to our carpet cleaning operations.

We expect all individuals working for or with us to share this commitment. Any suspected breach of our zero-tolerance policy will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and may result in termination of contracts or other appropriate actions.

Our Business and Supply Chain

We provide professional carpet, upholstery, and related cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, machinery, uniforms, transportation, and certain outsourced or specialist services.

We recognise that risks of modern slavery can exist at multiple tiers within supply chains, especially where goods or services originate from regions with weaker labour protections. Our approach focuses on identifying such risks early and working only with partners who demonstrate clear compliance with ethical labour standards.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers and subcontractors to operate in accordance with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. We expect them to prohibit forced, bonded, or involuntary labour; ensure workers are employed of their own free will; provide fair pay and working hours; and maintain safe and respectful working conditions.

As part of our due diligence, we assess new suppliers for their commitment to preventing modern slavery. This may include requests for policies, statements, or certifications relating to modern slavery and ethical sourcing. For higher-risk suppliers or categories, we may conduct more detailed checks, request additional documentation, or require contractual commitments to uphold our standards.

We reserve the right to audit suppliers where we believe there is a material risk of non-compliance, and we seek to work collaboratively to address any issues identified. Where a supplier is unwilling or unable to meet our requirements, we will consider suspending or ending the relationship.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We aim to build awareness among our management and staff about the signs of modern slavery and the steps to take if they have concerns. Key personnel involved in procurement and supplier management receive guidance on ethical sourcing and risk identification.

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business. Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or anonymously where local arrangements allow. We treat all reports seriously and, where appropriate, will investigate and take remedial action.

No individual will suffer detrimental treatment for raising a concern in good faith, even if it is not substantiated upon investigation.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that addressing modern slavery risks is an ongoing responsibility and that our approach must evolve as our business and the wider risk landscape change. We are committed to continually improving our policies, procedures, and due diligence practices.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by the leadership of Richmond upon Thames Carpet Cleaners to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with best practice. As part of this review, we consider any incidents reported, changes in our operations or supply chain, and developments in legislation and guidance.

By approving and implementing this Modern Slavery Statement, Richmond upon Thames Carpet Cleaners confirms its ongoing commitment to acting with integrity, respecting human rights, and working to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery in all areas of our business.