Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Collection Richmond

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Waste Collection Richmond takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to acting ethically, transparently and with integrity in all our business relationships.

This statement applies to Waste Collection Richmond, its employees, contractors and all suppliers and forms part of our broader approach to responsible business conduct and social responsibility.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

Waste Collection Richmond has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking and any form of servitude or exploitation. No commercial objective, cost saving, or deadline can justify practices that compromise human dignity or breach labour and human rights standards.

We expect everyone who works for or with Waste Collection Richmond to share this commitment. We will not knowingly work with any organisation or individual involved in modern slavery practices and we reserve the right to terminate relationships where genuine concerns are identified and not promptly addressed.

Supply Chain Standards and Due Diligence

Our operations rely on a range of suppliers providing vehicles, equipment, uniforms, maintenance services and other goods and services. We recognise that the risk of modern slavery can arise at any stage of the supply chain, particularly where there are complex subcontracting arrangements or the use of temporary or migrant labour.

To address these risks, we communicate our expectations clearly to all suppliers. Our standard terms and conditions require compliance with all applicable labour, employment and human rights laws and prohibit the use of forced, bonded or involuntary labour. We expect suppliers to adopt similar standards with their own suppliers and subcontractors.

Supplier Audits and Risk Assessment

Waste Collection Richmond carries out risk-based supplier audits and assessments to understand and address modern slavery risks in our supply chains. Higher-risk suppliers are subject to enhanced due diligence, which may include review of labour practices, recruitment methods, worker documentation, accommodation conditions and grievance mechanisms.

Where potential issues are identified, we work collaboratively with suppliers to agree corrective actions and timeframes. Failure to take appropriate remedial steps, or evidence of serious non-compliance, may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship. We keep records of audit findings and improvement plans to monitor progress over time.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone with concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to Waste Collection Richmond, including employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers and members of the public, to report their concerns without delay.

Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including line managers and designated members of the management team responsible for compliance and ethics. Reports can also be made confidentially via our whistleblowing processes, which allow individuals to raise issues without fear of retaliation.

All reports are treated seriously and are investigated promptly, fairly and sensitively. Where necessary, we will engage with authorities or specialist organisations. We are committed to protecting anyone who raises a concern in good faith from any form of victimisation or detrimental treatment.

Training, Awareness and Responsibilities

We provide appropriate training and guidance to relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, human resources and frontline operations. Training covers the nature of modern slavery, indicators of potential exploitation and the steps to take if concerns arise.

Responsibility for implementing this statement rests with senior management, supported by managers across all departments. Everyone at Waste Collection Richmond is responsible for upholding our values and reporting any suspected wrongdoing.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Waste Collection Richmond is committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. We review this statement and our supporting processes at least once every year to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, risk assessments and our operational experience.

The annual review considers the effectiveness of our supplier audits, training, reporting mechanisms and corrective actions. Where improvements are identified, they are incorporated into updated policies, procedures and awareness initiatives.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the leadership of Waste Collection Richmond and will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis to ensure it remains relevant, robust and effective.