Waste Removal Richmond Modern Slavery Statement

Waste Removal Richmond is committed to conducting all aspects of our business ethically, responsibly, and in accordance with applicable laws. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we are taking to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery and human trafficking risks within our operations and supply chains.

Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, child labour, debt bondage, and human trafficking. We recognise that these abuses can occur in any country and in any industry, including waste management and associated services. We are determined that our business and supply chains are not used in any way that supports or benefits from such practices.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Waste Removal Richmond has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to every aspect of our operations, including our permanent and temporary workforce, contractors, and suppliers. We will not knowingly work with any party that engages in, or fails to act to prevent, modern slavery within its operations or supply chains.

All employees are required to act with integrity and to uphold our standards. Managers are responsible for promoting awareness of modern slavery risks and ensuring that relevant procedures are followed. Breaches of our zero-tolerance policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contracts where appropriate.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Audits

Our supply chains include providers of waste collection and disposal services, vehicle and equipment suppliers, maintenance and cleaning contractors, staffing agencies, and providers of uniforms and consumables. We recognise that some of these sectors may be more exposed to modern slavery risks than others.

We are working to embed responsible sourcing principles throughout our procurement process. When selecting and reviewing suppliers, we consider their ethical standards and approach to labour practices alongside cost, quality, and reliability. We expect suppliers to comply with all relevant labour laws and to maintain working conditions that respect the dignity and rights of workers.

To support this, we are progressively introducing supplier audits and assessments, focusing on higher-risk categories such as labour-intensive services and subcontracted work. These audits may include requesting evidence of right-to-work checks, wage records, working hours, health and safety practices, and any existing modern slavery policies or training. Where concerns are identified, we will work with suppliers to implement corrective actions. If issues are not resolved within a reasonable timeframe, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Waste Removal Richmond encourages all employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery at the earliest opportunity. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to any of our suppliers and business partners.

Reports can be made directly to line managers, senior management, or through our internal reporting routes, which allow individuals to raise issues confidentially. We are committed to ensuring that no one who raises a concern in good faith suffers any form of retaliation, victimisation, or detrimental treatment as a result.

All reports will be taken seriously, reviewed promptly, and investigated where appropriate. Where modern slavery is suspected or identified, we will take immediate steps to safeguard any affected individuals and will cooperate fully with law enforcement and relevant authorities.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are working to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and contract management. Training and guidance will help staff recognise indicators of exploitation and understand how to report concerns.

We also encourage our suppliers and partners to provide appropriate training to their own staff and subcontractors, and to implement clear policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery.

Monitoring and Annual Review

Waste Removal Richmond recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to regularly reviewing the effectiveness of our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes. This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, our operations, or identified risks.

As part of the annual review, we will assess our progress in implementing supplier audits, improving reporting channels, and delivering training. We will also consider feedback from employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to strengthen our approach and ensure continuous improvement.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Waste Removal Richmond and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains.