Modern Slavery Statement

Cleaner Watford Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Cleaner Watford in respect of our financial year ending 31 March and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Cleaner Watford recognises that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Cleaner Watford provides cleaning and related facility services to commercial and residential clients. Our operations involve the direct employment of staff and the use of third party suppliers and subcontractors for equipment, products, and specialist services. We understand that risks of modern slavery can arise in labour intensive sectors, in lower wage environments, and in complex supply chains, and we are committed to identifying and addressing those risks proactively.

Zero Tolerance of Modern Slavery

Cleaner Watford has a clear zero tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, servitude, bonded labour, child labour that is exploitative or unlawful, and human trafficking. This zero tolerance stance applies to every aspect of our business and to all individuals working for or on behalf of Cleaner Watford at any level, whether permanent, temporary, agency, or subcontracted.

We expect the same high standards from all our suppliers, contractors, and business partners. Any evidence that a supplier or partner is involved in modern slavery, or is failing to take adequate steps to prevent it, will result in a review of the relationship and may lead to suspension or termination of contracts.

Policies and Governance

Our approach to modern slavery is supported by internal policies on ethical conduct, recruitment, procurement, and whistleblowing. These policies are communicated to employees during induction and through ongoing training, ensuring that staff understand their responsibilities to recognise, prevent, and report concerns related to modern slavery.

Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery initiatives rests with our senior management team, which reviews our practices, monitors reported concerns, and ensures that corrective actions are implemented where needed.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Cleaner Watford undertakes due diligence on new suppliers and periodically reviews existing suppliers to assess their compliance with our modern slavery expectations. This process includes evaluating their labour practices, sourcing arrangements, and any publicly available information on their conduct.

Where appropriate, we carry out supplier audits, which may be conducted on site or through documented evidence requests. These audits focus on working conditions, recruitment practices, wage and hour compliance, and the presence of effective grievance mechanisms. Suppliers are expected to cooperate fully with audits and to implement any corrective actions identified within agreed time frames.

We prioritise higher risk suppliers for more frequent and detailed scrutiny, based on factors such as geography, sector, and the nature of the goods or services provided.

Reporting Concerns and Protection

Cleaner Watford encourages all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery within our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or through our established whistleblowing arrangements.

We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled as confidentially as practicable. Where an investigation identifies issues, we will act swiftly to address them and, where necessary, involve relevant authorities.

Training and Awareness

We provide training and guidance to relevant staff to help them recognise signs of modern slavery and understand how to report any concerns. Particular emphasis is placed on managers, procurement staff, and those involved in recruitment or supplier management, as they are more likely to encounter potential risks in the course of their duties.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Cleaner Watford is committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to combat modern slavery. Each year, we review the effectiveness of the steps we have taken, considering any incidents reported, audit findings, evolving legal requirements, and industry best practice.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed, updated, and approved by senior management on an annual basis to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and reflective of our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking throughout our business and supply chains.