Waste Collection Highbury Modern Slavery Statement

Waste Collection Highbury is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing modern slavery and human trafficking risks in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Waste Collection Highbury.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

We have a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, debt bondage, and exploitation. We will not knowingly engage with or support any organisation or individual that benefits from such practices. Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and of any commercial relationship with Waste Collection Highbury.

All staff are expected to act with integrity and to uphold our ethical standards. Senior management takes overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained, and communicated throughout the business. Any breach of this policy by employees may lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal, and any breach by suppliers may result in termination of contracts.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

We review our operations and supply chains to assess the risk of modern slavery. Particular attention is paid to higher-risk activities, such as subcontracted labour, temporary and seasonal work, and services provided in sectors or geographic areas known to have elevated risks of exploitation.

We conduct due diligence on new suppliers and, where appropriate, on existing suppliers. This may include reviewing policies on labour practices, requesting information on workforce arrangements, and assessing the use of subcontractors or labour agencies. We seek to work with suppliers that share our commitment to fair and safe working conditions.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Suppliers are required to comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to labour, employment, and human rights. We expect them to provide safe working environments, fair wages, reasonable working hours, and freedom of movement and association for all workers.

Where risk is identified or where we consider closer scrutiny to be appropriate, we may conduct audits of suppliers. These audits can involve reviewing documentation, interviewing management or workers, and visiting sites to check working conditions. We may carry out these audits directly or appoint an independent auditor. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards, we will require corrective action within a defined timescale and will monitor progress. Persistent or severe non-compliance may lead to suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We provide training and guidance to relevant staff on recognising indicators of modern slavery and on the appropriate steps to take if concerns arise. Managers involved in procurement, contract management, and human resources receive additional support so they can identify and address potential risks in their areas of responsibility.

Our aim is to build awareness throughout the organisation, encouraging all colleagues to remain alert to signs of exploitation, both within our own operations and in the services we procure.

Reporting Concerns and Escalation Channels

We encourage anyone working for or with Waste Collection Highbury to report suspicions or concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns may be raised with a line manager, a member of the senior management team, or directly with our designated compliance contact.

Reports may be made confidentially, and we will treat all concerns seriously and sensitively. No one will suffer retaliation, victimisation, or disadvantage for raising a concern in good faith. We will investigate all credible reports and, where appropriate, take prompt action, which may include reporting the matter to relevant authorities or terminating relationships with individuals or organisations involved.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. This statement and the associated procedures are reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure they remain effective and aligned with legal requirements and best practice.

As part of the annual review, we consider any incidents reported, results of supplier audits, changes in our supply chains, and feedback from staff and stakeholders. Where necessary, we update our policies, training, and due diligence processes to strengthen our response and further reduce the risk of modern slavery within our operations and supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the leadership of Waste Collection Highbury and reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible and ethical business conduct.