West Hampstead Carpet Cleaning Modern Slavery Statement

West Hampstead Carpet Cleaning is firmly committed to conducting all aspects of our business in an ethical, responsible, and transparent manner. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and our supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, and suppliers associated with our business.

Modern slavery, which includes forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, and child labour, is a serious violation of fundamental human rights. We recognise our responsibility to identify, prevent, and address any potential risks of modern slavery within our sphere of influence.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms. This means that we do not knowingly engage with, support, or transact with any individual or organisation involved in such practices. Any evidence or reasonable suspicion of modern slavery connected to our business will be addressed promptly and decisively.

All employees and managers are required to act with integrity and to uphold this policy in their day-to-day work. We expect the same commitment from our suppliers, subcontractors, and any other parties with whom we do business. Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, and, where appropriate, reporting to the relevant authorities.

Supply Chain Management and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, transportation, and ancillary services that support our carpet cleaning operations. We recognise that risks of modern slavery can exist at different levels of the supply chain, particularly where raw materials and manufacturing processes are involved.

To address these risks, we are implementing a structured supplier management approach that includes the following measures. We conduct due diligence on new suppliers, assessing their labour practices, ethical standards, and compliance with applicable laws. Suppliers are required to confirm that they do not use forced, trafficked, or child labour and that they uphold safe and fair working conditions.

We reserve the right to carry out audits or request evidence from suppliers to verify compliance with our modern slavery expectations. These audits may include reviews of policies, employment records, and working conditions, as well as discussions with management where appropriate. Where non-compliance is identified, we will work with suppliers to implement corrective actions within a defined timeframe. Persistent or serious non-compliance may result in the termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns

We encourage an open culture in which concerns about modern slavery or unethical behaviour can be raised without fear of retaliation. Any employee, contractor, or supplier who becomes aware of or suspects modern slavery related to our operations or supply chain is expected to report it as soon as possible.

Concerns can be raised through direct communication with managers, senior leadership, or designated points of contact within the business. Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we will cooperate with law enforcement or relevant authorities to address suspected instances of modern slavery.

We are committed to protecting individuals who report concerns in good faith. Retaliation, victimisation, or any adverse treatment of a person for raising a concern will not be tolerated and will be treated as a disciplinary matter.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that preventing modern slavery requires ongoing awareness and vigilance. We aim to provide relevant training and guidance to our employees, especially those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment. This training will help staff identify signs of exploitation and understand how to respond appropriately.

We also encourage our team members to stay informed about ethical labour practices and to challenge behaviours or conditions that appear inconsistent with our values and policies. Feedback from staff and suppliers is welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

Annual Review and Governance

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. As part of the review, we consider any incidents, supplier audit findings, feedback from stakeholders, and changes in our operations or supply chains.

Where necessary, we will update our policies, procedures, and training materials to strengthen our approach. The outcomes of the annual review inform our future actions and priorities in addressing modern slavery risks.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of West Hampstead Carpet Cleaning and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery in all aspects of our business.