Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Collection Richmond upon Thames

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the approach of Waste Collection Richmond upon Thames to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the waste and recycling sector can be vulnerable to exploitation, and we are committed to identifying, preventing and addressing any such risks in a proactive and transparent manner.

Our zero-tolerance approach

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour and all forms of exploitation. This policy applies to all staff, agency workers, contractors, suppliers and any other parties acting on our behalf. No commercial objective overrides our commitment to ethical conduct and respect for human rights.

All employees are required to comply with our modern slavery policy as a condition of employment. Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, and may also lead to termination of contracts and notification to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our organisation and supply chains

Waste Collection Richmond upon Thames provides waste, recycling and related environmental services to households, businesses and community organisations across the local area. We rely on a network of suppliers for vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, subcontracted services, facilities management and other goods and services necessary to deliver our operations.

We recognise that modern slavery risks may be present at multiple tiers of our supply chain, including in manufacturing, logistics, agency labour provision and ancillary services. We therefore seek to work only with suppliers who share our values and who can demonstrate robust labour and human rights standards.

Supplier due diligence and audits

We are strengthening our supplier onboarding and review processes to assess the risk of modern slavery. Before entering into or renewing contracts, we expect suppliers to confirm that they comply with relevant modern slavery and human rights legislation and that they maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls.

Where we identify higher-risk activities, such as provision of temporary labour, cleaning services or certain categories of manufactured goods, we may conduct additional checks. These can include requesting evidence of workforce verification processes, training records, codes of conduct and any recent audit findings or corrective action plans.

We reserve the right to carry out, or to commission, audits of suppliers where we consider it appropriate. These audits may review recruitment practices, working conditions, payment arrangements and grievance mechanisms. If non-compliance is identified, we will work with the supplier to develop a corrective action plan with clear timescales. In serious or persistent cases, we may suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Training, awareness and reporting channels

We are committed to building awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management and frontline operations. Relevant employees receive guidance on identifying potential indicators of exploitation, such as signs of control by third parties, unusual living arrangements, withholding of identity documents or reluctance to engage independently.

We encourage anyone connected with our services, including employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers and members of the public, to raise concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Reports can be made through our internal reporting procedures, via line managers, the human resources team or our confidential whistleblowing channels.

All reports will be taken seriously, treated sensitively and investigated promptly. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith. Where appropriate, we will liaise with law enforcement bodies and other relevant agencies.

Continuous improvement and annual review

We recognise that addressing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility, requiring continuous improvement and collaboration. Each year we will review this Statement, our policies and our due diligence measures to reflect any changes in legislation, guidance, operational practices or identified risks.

As part of the annual review, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our actions by considering any reported incidents, outcomes of supplier audits, staff training coverage and feedback from stakeholders. We will use this learning to update our risk assessments, strengthen controls and set priorities for the following year.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the leadership of Waste Collection Richmond upon Thames and is issued as our public commitment to upholding human rights, promoting fair and safe working conditions and working with others to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.