Modern Slavery Statement — Commercial Waste Kingston upon Thames

Commercial Waste Kingston upon Thames is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of forced labour, exploitation or human trafficking. Our approach to safeguarding workers and communities is guided by clear principles: respect for human rights, transparency, and continuous improvement. All employees, contractors and partners are expected to adhere to these principles and report any concerns without delay.

We recognise that commercial waste services in Kingston involve diverse suppliers, subcontractors and temporary labour. To manage these risks we have embedded due diligence checks into procurement, insisting on clear contractual commitments and labour standards. Our supplier standards require compliance with applicable laws, legitimate employment contracts, freedom of movement, and freedom from coercion. Any breach of these terms triggers immediate investigation and potential termination of the commercial relationship.

To ensure these expectations are met we carry out regular supplier audits and assessments. Our supplier audit programme includes:

• document reviews to confirm lawful employment practices;
• on-site inspections for medium and high-risk suppliers;
• interviews with workers to verify working conditions;
• remediation plans where deficiencies are identified.

Audits are risk-based and prioritise areas where Kingston upon Thames commercial waste activities are most likely to encounter modern slavery risks. Findings are recorded and escalated to senior management for action.

We maintain multiple reporting channels to make it as easy and safe as possible for employees, contractors and members of the public to raise concerns. Reports can be made confidentially and are treated seriously. We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises concerns in good faith. Our reporting policy emphasises protection of whistleblowers and ensures prompt investigation of allegations related to commercial waste in Kingston and beyond.

Investigation and response procedures are clear: all reports are logged, triaged according to severity, and investigated by trained staff or an independent reviewer where appropriate. Remedial actions can include immediate suspension of a supplier, recovery of workers, restitution, changes to procurement, and referral to law enforcement if criminal activity is suspected. We work with local authorities, charities and partner organisations to support affected individuals and to improve systemic responses.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Our commitment includes ongoing monitoring and a formal annual review of our Modern Slavery Statement and related policies. Each year we evaluate the effectiveness of our measures, review the outcomes of supplier audits and whistleblowing reports, and update risk assessments for Kingston upon Thames commercial waste activities. The annual review informs training priorities, procurement changes and any enhancements to reporting channels.

Training is provided to staff, contractors and appropriate suppliers to raise awareness of modern slavery indicators and to explain reporting mechanisms. We require key suppliers to provide equivalent training to their workforce and to submit to periodic compliance checks. Prevention through education, vigilance and strong contractual terms underpins our efforts to eliminate exploitation from our sector.

We adopt a collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders across the Borough and the waste management sector to share best practice and to reduce risks associated with the handling, collection and disposal of commercial waste in Kingston. Where monitoring or audits identify systemic issues, we pursue corrective action plans and track remediation to completion. Our goal is to ensure no one engaged in providing services on our behalf suffers exploitation or abuse.

In summary, this Modern Slavery Statement for Commercial Waste Kingston upon Thames sets out our commitment to a zero-tolerance policy, robust supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and an annual review cycle that drives continuous improvement. We will continue to strengthen governance, engage partners and support affected individuals to uphold human rights across our operations and supply chains.