Modern Slavery Statement for Rubbish Collection Notting Hill

Rubbish Collection Notting Hill is committed to conducting all aspects of our business in an ethical, responsible, and transparent manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of Rubbish Collection Notting Hill.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any form of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, and we reject any use of child labour that is exploitative or in breach of applicable labour laws. All work must be voluntary, and workers must be free to leave employment after reasonable notice.

We expect all individuals and organisations associated with Rubbish Collection Notting Hill to share these values. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any breach by suppliers or contractors may result in the review, suspension, or termination of our relationship.

Assessing and Managing Risk in Our Supply Chain

Our business relies on a range of suppliers for vehicles, equipment, uniforms, maintenance, and waste-processing services. We recognise that parts of the waste and recycling sector, as well as associated logistics and cleaning services, may be at higher risk of labour exploitation. We therefore assess our supply chain to identify where the risks of modern slavery may be greater and take proportionate steps to address those risks.

New suppliers are evaluated through a due diligence process that includes questions on labour practices, recruitment procedures, and compliance with relevant employment and human rights legislation. We seek to work with suppliers who can demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical employment and fair treatment of workers.

Supplier Audits and Ongoing Monitoring

Rubbish Collection Notting Hill conducts periodic audits and reviews of selected suppliers, especially those operating in higher-risk categories. These audits may include requests for documentation on recruitment and pay practices, confirmation of workers' legal right to work, and checks on the use of labour agencies or subcontractors.

Where appropriate, we may visit supplier sites to observe working conditions and speak with management about how they prevent exploitation. If concerns arise during an audit, we will engage with the supplier to develop an improvement plan with clear timescales. Failure to address identified issues may lead to the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone working for or with Rubbish Collection Notting Hill to report concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices, whether in our own operations or in our supply chain. Reports can be made to a line manager, a senior manager, or directly to our designated compliance contact.

All concerns will be treated seriously and, where possible, confidentially. We will investigate reports promptly and take appropriate action if modern slavery or related abuses are identified. No worker will suffer retaliation, dismissal, or any other disadvantage for making a report in good faith, even if the concern is ultimately not substantiated.

Training and Awareness

Key staff involved in procurement, contract management, and human resources are provided with guidance on recognising the signs of modern slavery and on the correct steps to take if they have concerns. We keep relevant guidance under review to ensure it reflects current legislation and best practice. We also communicate our expectations on modern slavery to suppliers so they understand the standards we require.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Rubbish Collection Notting Hill. As part of the review, we consider any incidents or concerns raised, changes in our supply chain, developments in legislation, and feedback from staff and stakeholders.

Where necessary, we will enhance our procedures, strengthen our supplier due diligence, and update training materials to improve the effectiveness of our approach. Our goal is to maintain a robust and evolving framework that continually reduces the risk of modern slavery in connection with our business activities.

This statement reflects the position of Rubbish Collection Notting Hill for the current financial year and will be updated and reissued each year following our annual review.