Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Disposal Wimbledon

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Waste Disposal Wimbledon in respect of our financial year and outlines the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our organisation or in any of our supply chains.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Disposal Wimbledon provides waste collection, recycling, and disposal services to commercial and domestic customers. Our activities rely on a range of suppliers, including vehicle and equipment providers, recycling facilities, subcontracted labour, cleaning and maintenance services, and office and IT suppliers. We recognise that some parts of the waste management and logistics sectors, as well as certain categories of temporary labour and outsourced services, may present an elevated risk of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Zero-Tolerance Approach

We have a clear, zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, child labour, and human trafficking. This applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and business partners. Any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery connected with our business will be treated with utmost seriousness, investigated promptly, and may result in termination of contracts and reporting to the relevant authorities. All business decisions must be consistent with this zero-tolerance stance, even where this may lead to higher costs or operational changes.

Policies and Governance

Our approach to preventing modern slavery is embedded in our broader ethical, human resources, and health and safety policies. Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that adequate resources, processes, and training are in place to uphold this Statement. Managers at all levels are responsible for promoting a culture that supports respect for human rights and for ensuring that their teams understand and comply with our expectations.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to uphold the same high standards that we set for ourselves. As part of our procurement and supplier management processes, we carry out due diligence on new and existing suppliers, proportionate to the level of risk. This may include requesting information about labour practices, working conditions, recruitment methods, and right-to-work documentation.

Where appropriate, we reserve the right to conduct audits or inspections of suppliers to verify compliance with our standards on modern slavery. These audits may be conducted by our staff or by qualified third parties. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our requirements, we will work with them to establish a corrective action plan and monitor progress. In cases of serious or persistent non-compliance, we may suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We will provide proportionate training and guidance to employees whose roles involve managing suppliers, procuring services, or supervising workers, so that they can identify risks of modern slavery and respond appropriately. Awareness information is made available to all staff to help them understand the signs of exploitation and the steps to take if they have concerns.

Reporting Concerns and Protection

We encourage employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery connected with our business or supply chains. Concerns can be raised with line managers, senior management, or through any confidential reporting mechanisms we make available. Reports will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially.

We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. All reports will be reviewed and, where necessary, investigated. Where the investigation identifies a risk or incident of modern slavery, we will take appropriate remedial and preventative action, which may include working with relevant agencies and experts.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process and are committed to continual improvement. Each year, senior management will review this Statement and our associated procedures to assess their effectiveness and to identify areas for enhancement. This review will take into account any incidents reported, audit findings, changes in our operations or supply chains, and evolving best practice and legal requirements.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the management of Waste Disposal Wimbledon and will be reviewed, updated, and reissued on an annual basis or more frequently if required.