Waste Collection Balham Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Waste Collection Balham has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in our operations or supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to prevent exploitation.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Waste Collection Balham maintains a clear zero-tolerance stance towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, debt bondage, child labour, and human trafficking. This applies equally to our own operations and to every organisation with which we conduct business.

We expect all employees, contractors, suppliers, and business partners to share this commitment. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may lead to termination of contracts, reporting to authorities, or other appropriate actions.

Our Business and Supply Chains

We provide commercial and residential waste collection and related environmental services in and around Balham. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, equipment, safety wear, maintenance services, fuel, technology systems, and temporary labour support.

Given the mix of products and services we procure, we recognise that certain sectors and geographies can carry a higher risk of labour exploitation. We are therefore focused on strengthening our due diligence and oversight of suppliers and subcontractors that operate in higher-risk categories.

Supplier Standards and Contracts

All new suppliers are assessed against our ethical standards, including explicit expectations about labour practices, working conditions, and respect for human rights. Our procurement processes aim to work only with organisations that uphold lawful employment practices and can demonstrate appropriate safeguards against modern slavery.

Our standard supplier terms require compliance with all applicable labour and human rights legislation and require suppliers to address modern slavery risks in their own operations and supply chains. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in contract review, suspension, or termination.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Waste Collection Balham conducts proportionate due diligence on suppliers based on their risk profile. This may include pre-qualification questionnaires, review of policies and procedures, and requests for evidence of compliance with labour and human rights standards.

We undertake supplier audits on a targeted basis, prioritising higher-risk categories such as labour provision, subcontracted services, and products sourced from sectors or regions with known modern slavery concerns. These audits may be desk-based reviews or on-site visits, and they assess working conditions, employment documentation, and the presence of grievance mechanisms.

Where issues are identified, we work with suppliers to agree corrective action plans with clear timeframes. If serious or repeated non-compliance is found, we may cease to work with the supplier.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone connected with Waste Collection Balham, including employees, agency workers, suppliers, and members of the public, to report any concerns about modern slavery, exploitation, or unethical behaviour.

Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including line management, senior management, or a designated compliance contact. Reports may be made confidentially, and we do not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we will involve external authorities and cooperate fully with any official investigations.

Training and Awareness

We provide relevant training and guidance to managers and employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and recruitment. This training covers the signs of modern slavery, how to raise concerns, and our responsibilities under this statement.

We seek to build a culture where respect for human rights is embedded in everyday decisions and where colleagues are confident in challenging suspicious or unethical practices.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with senior management, who review key risks, incidents, and improvement actions. We monitor the effectiveness of our controls through supplier assessments, audit findings, and feedback from staff and stakeholders.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with legal and best practice requirements. As our business and supply chains evolve, we will continue to strengthen our policies, procedures, and engagement with suppliers to reduce the risk of modern slavery.

This statement reflects the position of Waste Collection Balham for the most recent financial year and will be updated each year following management review and approval.