Waste Collection Lambeth Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement explains the steps Waste Collection Lambeth takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that waste and recycling services can involve complex labour arrangements, and we are committed to ensuring that the people who work for and with us are protected, respected and treated fairly.

Modern slavery is a crime and a fundamental violation of human rights. It includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, bonded labour and human trafficking. Waste Collection Lambeth is firmly opposed to all forms of modern slavery and works to identify, prevent and address any risk of exploitation associated with our services.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Waste Collection Lambeth operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any form of forced, bonded or involuntary labour in our business or in any part of our supply chain. This applies to all staff, temporary workers, subcontractors, agency workers and suppliers who support our waste and recycling activities.

All employees and managers are required to act with integrity and to uphold our commitment to human rights in every aspect of their work. We expect everyone representing Waste Collection Lambeth to challenge practices that may put individuals at risk and to report any concerns immediately through our reporting channels.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, cleaning services, facilities management and agency labour. We are committed to working only with suppliers that share our values and can demonstrate compliance with applicable labour, employment and human rights legislation.

We require suppliers and contractors to confirm that they do not use forced, bonded or trafficked labour, that their workers are employed voluntarily and that they are paid fairly in line with legal and industry standards. These expectations are embedded in our procurement processes and contract terms, which clearly state our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery.

We carry out proportionate due diligence and audits on selected suppliers, focusing on higher risk categories such as labour provision, cleaning and site-based services. Audits may include document checks, site visits and confidential discussions with workers. Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we require prompt corrective action and monitor progress. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to meet our standards, we will consider suspending or terminating the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Waste Collection Lambeth encourages openness and supports anyone who raises genuine concerns about modern slavery, exploitation or unsafe working practices. We provide clear reporting channels so that workers, suppliers and members of the public can report a concern.

Concerns can be raised with a line manager, a senior manager or through our whistleblowing arrangements. Reports may be made confidentially and will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and handled sensitively. We do not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, whether it is proven or not.

Managers are trained to recognise potential indicators of modern slavery, such as restricted movement, withholding of documents, signs of coercion or unusual dependency on third parties, and to escalate concerns immediately.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

To support our zero-tolerance approach, Waste Collection Lambeth provides targeted training for managers, supervisors, procurement staff and others whose roles involve engagement with workers or suppliers. Training covers the definition of modern slavery, common risk factors in the waste sector and how to identify and report suspected cases.

We review and improve our processes regularly, taking into account any issues raised through audits, reports and investigations. Learning from incidents, near misses or emerging risks will be used to strengthen our controls and guidance.

Governance and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement is approved by the senior leadership of Waste Collection Lambeth, who hold overall responsibility for its implementation and effectiveness. Accountability for day-to-day delivery rests with operational, human resources and procurement leads.

We will review and update this statement at least once every twelve months, or sooner if there are significant changes in our operations, supply chains or in relevant legislation. Each annual review will assess the adequacy of our controls, the outcomes of supplier audits, the number and nature of reported concerns and any remedial actions taken.

By publishing this Modern Slavery Statement, Waste Collection Lambeth reaffirms its commitment to conducting business ethically and to working tirelessly to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our work.