Waste Collection Watford Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Waste Collection Watford to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery does not occur in any part of our business.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Approach

Waste Collection Watford maintains a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, child labour, and human trafficking. We expect the same high standards from all our employees, contractors, suppliers, and other business partners. Any breach of this policy is regarded as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts, disciplinary action, and, where appropriate, referral to the relevant authorities.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting this policy and ensuring that it is understood and applied within their teams. We communicate our expectations clearly to staff and place strong emphasis on treating all workers with dignity, fairness, and respect.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Collection Watford provides waste collection, recycling, and related environmental services in and around the Watford area. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, equipment, fuel, uniforms, technology systems, maintenance services, and subcontracted labour for certain operational activities. We recognise that some areas of the waste and recycling sector can be vulnerable to exploitation, and we therefore take particular care when engaging any third parties who supply labour or low-cost goods.

Before entering into new supplier relationships, we assess the nature of the goods or services provided, the location of operations, and the level of risk associated with the sector. Higher-risk arrangements are subject to increased scrutiny and ongoing monitoring.

Supplier Standards and Audit Measures

We require our suppliers and contractors to comply with all applicable laws relating to employment, human rights, and modern slavery. As part of our due diligence process, suppliers may be asked to confirm that they:

Do not use forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, do not engage in human trafficking or child labour, provide safe and fair working conditions, including fair pay, reasonable working hours, and appropriate protections, and maintain records that demonstrate compliance with these requirements.

Waste Collection Watford carries out proportionate audits of selected suppliers, focusing on those operating in higher-risk categories or locations. These audits may include site visits, worker interviews, review of employment records, and checks on recruitment practices. Where concerns are identified, we expect prompt corrective action and reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship if improvements are not made within agreed timescales.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage anyone connected to Waste Collection Watford, including employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers, and members of the public, to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking. Reports can be made to line managers, senior management, or through established internal reporting channels. Reports can be raised confidentially, and all concerns are taken seriously and investigated promptly.

No person who raises a concern in good faith will suffer detrimental treatment for doing so. We are committed to protecting whistleblowers and to ensuring that those who report suspected wrongdoing are supported throughout the process.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide appropriate training and guidance to relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and contract management, to ensure that they can recognise indicators of modern slavery and know how to respond. We also communicate our expectations on ethical conduct to suppliers and contractors during onboarding and contract renewal.

Waste Collection Watford is committed to continually reviewing and improving our processes to reduce the risk of modern slavery. This includes updating procedures, strengthening supplier requirements, and sharing lessons learned from investigations or industry developments.

Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management team at Waste Collection Watford. They ensure that this statement and the underlying policies and procedures are implemented effectively and remain appropriate for the nature and scale of our operations.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year. During each review, we assess the effectiveness of our controls, supplier audits, training, and reporting mechanisms, and we identify areas for improvement. The updated statement is then approved by senior management and made available to stakeholders. By maintaining robust governance and ongoing review, Waste Collection Watford aims to play its part in eradicating modern slavery from our sector and wider community.