Modern Slavery Statement
Cleaners Catford Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Cleaners Catford in respect of our financial year and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious crime and a grave violation of fundamental human rights. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
Cleaners Catford operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers who provide goods and services to our business. We expect everyone who works with us or on our behalf to share this commitment and uphold the same high standards.
Any suspicion, evidence or confirmed incident of modern slavery linked to our operations will be treated with utmost seriousness. We reserve the right to terminate relationships with any individual or organisation found to be involved in modern slavery or to be in serious breach of our ethical standards.
Our Operations and Supply Chains
Cleaners Catford provides cleaning services across a range of domestic and commercial sites. Our supply chains include providers of cleaning products, equipment, uniforms and staffing support. We recognise that some parts of the cleaning industry and its supply chains can be at higher risk of labour exploitation, particularly in relation to low-paid and temporary work.
We are committed to working only with reputable suppliers and partners who can demonstrate that they uphold fair employment practices and comply with all applicable labour and human rights legislation.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
To minimise the risk of modern slavery within our supply chains, we carry out proportionate due diligence and, where appropriate, supplier audits. This includes assessing new and existing suppliers on their labour practices, working conditions and respect for human rights.
Our approach to supplier audits and due diligence includes the following steps. We require confirmation that suppliers comply with relevant employment, wage and working time laws. We seek information on how suppliers manage their own supply chains and their policies on modern slavery and human trafficking. We reserve the right to request additional documentation and to conduct site visits where we consider the risk to be higher. We monitor ongoing performance and will not hesitate to end relationships with suppliers who fail to address concerns or who do not meet our ethical expectations.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Cleaners Catford encourages a culture of openness and accountability. We provide clear internal reporting channels so that employees, contractors and other stakeholders can raise concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices in a safe and confidential manner.
Concerns can be raised to line managers or to senior management. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and treated sensitively. We will support anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith and will ensure that they do not suffer any form of retaliation or detriment as a result.
We also encourage suppliers and business partners to speak up if they become aware of any practices in our operations or in their own supply chains that could amount to modern slavery or human trafficking.
Training and Awareness
We recognise that effective prevention of modern slavery requires awareness and vigilance. Cleaners Catford provides guidance and training appropriate to roles and responsibilities so that our management team, supervisors and key staff can identify indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns.
We reinforce our zero-tolerance stance in our internal communications and onboarding processes, ensuring that new starters are aware of our expectations and the reporting routes available to them.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to regularly reviewing the effectiveness of our approach to tackling modern slavery. This statement and our supporting policies and procedures will be reviewed at least annually by senior management.
The annual review will consider any reported concerns, audit findings, changes in legislation and industry best practice. Where improvement opportunities are identified, we will update our controls, training and supplier requirements to strengthen our safeguards against modern slavery.
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the management of Cleaners Catford and reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical conduct, respect for human rights and the prevention of modern slavery in all aspects of our business.