Modern Slavery Statement for Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious global issue, and we are committed to ensuring that it has no place in our organisation or in the services and products we procure.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners has a clear and strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation. This commitment applies to all areas of our business, including our direct workforce, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. We expect everyone who works with us or on our behalf to share this stance and to uphold the same high standards of ethical conduct.

We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place in any part of our operations or supply chains. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, and any supplier or contractor found to be involved in modern slavery will face immediate review and potential termination of our relationship.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners provides carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our supply chains typically include providers of cleaning equipment, cleaning solutions and chemicals, personal protective equipment, transport and logistics, and certain outsourced services such as maintenance and waste disposal.

We recognise that there may be higher risks of modern slavery at certain points in these supply chains, particularly where raw materials, manufacturing, or low-cost labour are involved. We are committed to identifying such risks and working proactively to address them.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and contractors to operate in full compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. Our supplier standards make clear that forced, bonded, or involuntary labour of any kind is unacceptable, as is the exploitation of children, human trafficking, or any practice that restricts freedom of movement.

As part of our due diligence, we assess new suppliers before entering into business relationships, taking into account their location, the nature of the goods or services supplied, and any known industry risks. Where appropriate, we request information on their labour practices, policies, and procedures to ensure that our expectations are understood and met.

We reserve the right to carry out audits or request evidence from suppliers to confirm compliance with our standards. These audits may include site visits, management discussions, and review of relevant documentation. If concerns or non-compliance are identified, we will work with the supplier to develop corrective action plans within a reasonable timeframe, or, if necessary, cease the relationship.

Reporting and Whistleblowing Channels

Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners encourages a culture of openness and accountability. We want all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to feel confident in raising concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery in our business or supply chains.

Concerns can be raised with a manager, a senior member of our team, or through our internal reporting procedures. Reports can be made confidentially, and we will handle them sensitively and, where possible, protect the identity of the person raising the concern. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who reports a genuine concern in good faith.

All reports of suspected modern slavery will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed appropriately. Where necessary, we will work with external agencies or authorities to ensure that any victims are protected and that appropriate action is taken.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery among our staff so they understand how to identify potential signs of exploitation and how to report concerns. Relevant employees are provided with guidance on ethical sourcing, respectful workplace practices, and recognising risk indicators in day-to-day operations and supplier dealings.

We continually review our practices to improve our ability to prevent and detect modern slavery. This includes monitoring emerging risks in our sector, updating our internal procedures, and incorporating lessons learned from investigations or supplier reviews.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by the leadership of Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and industry best practice. As part of this review, we will assess the effectiveness of our actions, including the outcomes of any supplier audits, reported concerns, and training initiatives.

Updates to this statement and any significant enhancements to our approach will be documented and communicated to our employees and, where appropriate, to our suppliers and business partners. Thamesmead Carpet Cleaners remains fully committed to playing its part in the elimination of modern slavery and to promoting respect for human rights in everything we do.