Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Collection Greenwich

Waste Collection Greenwich is committed to conducting all aspects of our operations in an ethical, responsible, and transparent manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Waste Collection Greenwich.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We have a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking, and child labour. Any form of exploitation is fundamentally incompatible with our values and with the expectations we place on those who work with or for us.

All personnel, irrespective of role or seniority, are required to act in a way that supports this policy. We expect our partners and suppliers to uphold the same standards within their own organisations and supply chains. Where concerns arise that a supplier or contractor may be involved in modern slavery practices, we will investigate promptly and take decisive action, which may include suspension or termination of the relationship.

Governance and Responsibilities

The senior management team at Waste Collection Greenwich is responsible for overseeing our approach to preventing modern slavery. Managers are expected to promote awareness of the policy, ensure that staff understand their obligations, and respond appropriately to any reported concerns.

Human Resources and Procurement teams have specific responsibilities for embedding anti-slavery measures into recruitment processes, contract management, and supplier due diligence. All employees are required to follow company procedures and to report any suspected breaches without delay.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our services rely on a range of suppliers and contractors, including providers of vehicles, personal protective equipment, technology, agency labour, and waste processing facilities. We recognise that modern slavery risks can occur at multiple tiers in these supply chains.

We address these risks by requiring suppliers to adhere to our ethical sourcing and labour standards as a condition of doing business with us. Contractual terms make clear our zero-tolerance approach and our expectation that suppliers will, in turn, apply similar standards to their own suppliers and subcontractors.

We conduct risk-based supplier audits to assess compliance with our modern slavery requirements. These audits may include document reviews, onsite inspections where appropriate, and discussions with workers to understand their employment conditions. Where non-compliance is identified, we work with the supplier on corrective action plans and monitor progress. Persistent or serious breaches may result in the end of the commercial relationship.

Safe Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Waste Collection Greenwich encourages a culture of openness in which concerns about modern slavery can be raised in confidence and without fear of retaliation. All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to report any suspicion or knowledge of exploitation, however minor it may appear.

Reports can be made through existing internal channels, including line managers, Human Resources, or the senior management team. Individuals may raise concerns anonymously if they wish. Every report will be taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and handled as sensitively as possible. We will not tolerate any victimisation of those who speak up in good faith.

Training and Awareness

We provide training and guidance to relevant staff so they can identify the signs of modern slavery and understand the correct reporting routes. Particular focus is given to managers, supervisors, procurement staff, and those who work closely with agency labour or sub-contractors. We aim to ensure people know how to recognise exploitation and feel equipped to raise concerns promptly.

Monitoring, Annual Review, and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with evolving legal requirements and best practice. As part of the review, we consider audit findings, incident reports, supplier feedback, and the effectiveness of our training and communication efforts.

Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we update our policies, procedures, and contractual requirements accordingly. We are committed to continual enhancement of our approach, recognising that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility that requires vigilance, collaboration, and continuous learning.

This statement has been approved by the senior management of Waste Collection Greenwich and represents our ongoing public commitment to identifying, preventing, and addressing modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains.