Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Collection Kentish Town

Waste Collection Kentish Town is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical, transparent and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to act with integrity in everything we do.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We have a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Waste Collection Kentish Town. Any form of coercion, abuse of vulnerability, withholding of wages or documents, or restriction of freedom of movement is strictly prohibited.

All senior managers are responsible for promoting this zero-tolerance approach within their teams and ensuring it is embedded into everyday working practices. Breaches of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Breaches by suppliers or contractors may result in suspension or termination of contracts.

Our Operations and Supply Chain

Waste Collection Kentish Town provides waste and recycling services to residential, commercial and public sector customers. Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, bins and containers, maintenance services, fuel, personal protective equipment, cleaning services and other support functions. We recognise that certain sectors and geographic regions may present higher risks of labour exploitation, and we take steps to identify and address these risks.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We expect all suppliers to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our supplier onboarding process, we assess new suppliers for their approach to labour rights, health and safety, and ethical conduct. Where appropriate, we request evidence of their own modern slavery policies, codes of conduct, and training programmes.

Our standard purchasing terms require compliance with all applicable labour laws and a prohibition on forced or compulsory labour, child labour, and human trafficking. Suppliers are expected to ensure that these standards are cascaded through their own supply chains.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

To support our zero-tolerance stance, we carry out proportionate supplier audits and monitoring. These audits may include reviewing relevant policies and documentation, requesting information on workforce practices, and conducting site visits where risk levels are assessed as medium or high.

Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we work with suppliers to agree corrective action plans with clear timescales. Failure to make adequate improvements, or evidence of serious exploitation, may result in contract termination and notification to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage all employees, contractors, agency workers and suppliers to report any concerns related to modern slavery or human trafficking. Reports may be made to line managers, the Human Resources team or senior management. Concerns can be raised confidentially, and we will handle all reports sensitively and, where possible, anonymously.

Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited. We thoroughly investigate all reported issues and take appropriate action, which may include notifying law enforcement, safeguarding potential victims, and reviewing our internal controls to prevent recurrence.

Training and Awareness

We provide training and guidance to relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management and frontline operations, to help them recognise the signs of modern slavery and understand how to report concerns. Awareness of our zero-tolerance policy and reporting channels is reinforced through internal communications and induction processes.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management to ensure that it remains effective, relevant and aligned with best practice and legal requirements. As part of this review, we consider changes in our operations, emerging risks, feedback from stakeholders, and the outcomes of audits and investigations.

We are committed to continuous improvement and will update our policies, training and due diligence processes as necessary to strengthen our response to modern slavery. By maintaining a clear zero-tolerance policy, actively monitoring our supply chain, providing accessible reporting channels and reviewing our approach each year, Waste Collection Kentish Town strives to play its part in eradicating modern slavery in all forms.