Highbury Carpet Cleaners Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps Highbury Carpet Cleaners has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all of our business relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to safeguard individuals from any form of exploitation.

Modern slavery is a crime and a grave violation of fundamental human rights. It can take various forms, including slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Highbury Carpet Cleaners recognises the responsibility we share with our suppliers and partners to uphold the highest standards of human dignity and to ensure that modern slavery has no place in our business activities.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Highbury Carpet Cleaners operates a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any form of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, nor the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, within our own operations or in the activities of those who supply goods and services to us. All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to share this commitment and to adhere to the standards outlined in this statement.

Any confirmed instance of modern slavery connected to our business will result in decisive action, which may include termination of contracts, suspension of trading relationships, and reporting to appropriate authorities, where applicable. We believe that ethical conduct is a foundation of long-term commercial success and community trust.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, workwear, and various professional services that support our carpet cleaning operations. We seek to work only with suppliers who uphold legal and ethical labour practices and who can demonstrate that modern slavery is not present in their operations.

Highbury Carpet Cleaners is developing and implementing a risk-based approach to supplier due diligence. This includes assessing suppliers according to the nature of their operations, geographical location, and the inherent risks related to labour practices. Where higher risk is identified, we may conduct more detailed inquiries, request supporting documentation, or seek assurances regarding working conditions, recruitment practices, and the treatment of workers.

We reserve the right to conduct or commission audits of selected suppliers. These audits may involve reviewing policies, documentation, and where appropriate and proportionate, on-site checks. Suppliers are expected to cooperate fully with such audits and to take prompt remedial action if any concerns are identified.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Highbury Carpet Cleaners encourages a culture of openness, where concerns about wrongdoing, including modern slavery or human trafficking, can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees, contractors, and any individual working within our supply chain are urged to report any suspicions or evidence of modern slavery in a timely manner.

Concerns may be raised internally to line managers or senior management. We will treat all reports sensitively, and where appropriate, confidentially. All allegations will be reviewed and, where necessary, investigated. If an issue of modern slavery is identified, we will take appropriate steps, which may include supporting affected individuals, engaging with the relevant supplier, and involving external authorities as required.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery across our workforce so that staff can recognise indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond. Training and guidance may be provided to relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and frontline operational roles.

We review our internal processes and controls to identify opportunities for strengthening our approach to preventing modern slavery. This includes considering industry best practices and emerging guidance, and refining our policies, contracts, and due diligence procedures accordingly.

Annual Review and Governance

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is approved by the leadership of Highbury Carpet Cleaners and is reviewed at least annually. The review process considers any incidents reported, the effectiveness of our controls, outcomes of supplier assessments, and changes in legislation or best practice.

Where areas for improvement are identified, we will set objectives and take reasonable steps to enhance our safeguards, both within our direct operations and our wider supply chain. By maintaining a continuous improvement mindset, Highbury Carpet Cleaners aims to ensure that our business remains vigilant, responsible, and aligned with our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery and human trafficking.

This statement applies to Highbury Carpet Cleaners for the current financial year and will be updated as part of our annual governance and compliance cycle.