Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery Statement for Highbury Carpet Cleaners
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Highbury Carpet Cleaners has taken, and is continuing to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting all aspects of our activities with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Highbury Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our operations are supported by a supply chain that includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, uniforms, facilities services, and business support services. We recognise that every stage of a supply chain can pose risks relating to modern slavery and human trafficking, and we are committed to identifying, assessing, and reducing those risks.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
We operate a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and all forms of exploitation. This applies to our direct operations, our employees, contractors, and all organisations that supply goods or services to us. We expect all individuals and entities working with or for Highbury Carpet Cleaners to share this commitment and to act in a way that upholds human dignity, fair treatment, and lawful employment practices at all times.
Any confirmed involvement in modern slavery or related abuses by a supplier, contractor, or partner will result in appropriate and proportionate action, which may include termination of contracts, removal from our approved supplier list, and reporting to relevant authorities where necessary.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We are enhancing our supplier due diligence processes to ensure our standards on modern slavery are clearly communicated and upheld. All key suppliers are expected to confirm compliance with applicable labour and human rights legislation and to maintain transparent employment practices. We assess the risk profile of suppliers based on the nature of the goods or services, country of origin, and known sector risks.
Where we identify higher-risk relationships, we may conduct more detailed checks, request additional documentation, or seek written assurances regarding recruitment, pay, working hours, and freedom of movement for workers. We reserve the right to audit suppliers, either directly or through third parties, to verify adherence to our expectations. Any concerns raised by audits or checks will lead to corrective action plans and follow-up reviews to confirm improvements.
Training and Awareness
We seek to build awareness of modern slavery risks among our management teams, supervisors, and relevant staff who are involved in procurement and supplier management. This includes information on how to recognise potential signs of exploitation, how to raise concerns, and how to apply our zero-tolerance policy in day-to-day decisions. We are committed to strengthening training over time as guidance and best practice evolve.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing
Highbury Carpet Cleaners encourages all employees, workers, and business partners to report any concerns, suspicions, or knowledge relating to potential modern slavery or human trafficking in our operations or supply chain. Concerns may relate to recruitment practices, working conditions, withholding of documents, or any indication of coercion or exploitation.
Individuals who raise concerns in good faith will be supported and will not suffer any form of retaliation. Reports can be made through internal reporting channels to management or designated senior personnel. All reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we will involve external advisors or relevant authorities.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management of Highbury Carpet Cleaners. They are accountable for reviewing identified risks, monitoring the effectiveness of our measures, and ensuring appropriate resources are allocated to tackle modern slavery issues.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every year and updated as required to reflect changes in legislation, improvements in our procedures, and evolving expectations from our stakeholders. As part of the annual review, we will consider feedback from employees, suppliers, and customers, audit outcomes, any reported incidents, and developments in best practice, with the objective of continually strengthening our controls and safeguards.
By maintaining a strong zero-tolerance stance, engaging proactively with our suppliers, and promoting open reporting, Highbury Carpet Cleaners seeks to contribute actively to the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking in our sphere of influence.
