Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Waste Collection Sutton for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. Waste Collection Sutton provides waste collection and related environmental services across Sutton and surrounding areas, working with a wide range of suppliers, contractors, and partners.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Waste Collection Sutton has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships. We expect the same high standards from everyone we work with, including employees, agency staff, subcontractors, and suppliers at every tier of our supply chain.

Our senior management team is responsible for overseeing the implementation of our modern slavery controls. All managers are required to promote a culture in which exploitation is never accepted, ignored, or overlooked, and in which concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards

Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, fuel, uniforms, protective equipment, technology, facilities management, and labour services. We recognise that certain areas of our supply chain may be more exposed to the risk of modern slavery than others, particularly where lower-skilled labour, outsourced services, or international sourcing are involved.

We require suppliers to comply with all applicable labour, human rights, and anti-slavery laws. Our standard terms and conditions include provisions that prohibit forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, and forbid the use of child labour that is inconsistent with international standards. We also require suppliers to ensure that their own supply chains uphold these same principles.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Waste Collection Sutton conducts proportionate risk-based due diligence on suppliers, taking into account factors such as sector, geography, and the nature of goods or services provided. New suppliers are assessed for their approach to labour rights and ethical conduct as part of our onboarding process.

We carry out supplier audits, which may include site visits, document reviews, and interviews, either directly or through trusted third parties. Where concerns are identified, we work with the supplier to agree corrective actions and clear timescales. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships with any supplier that fails to address serious issues or breaches relating to modern slavery.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We provide training and guidance to relevant staff, especially those involved in procurement, contract management, and frontline supervision. Training covers the signs of modern slavery, how risks can arise in waste and environmental services, and the steps to take if concerns arise.

Waste Collection Sutton encourages anyone connected with our operations, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers, to raise concerns at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be reported to line managers, the Human Resources team, or directly to our designated safeguarding and compliance contact. Anonymous reports can be made through our internal whistleblowing channel. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively.

Monitoring, Accountability, and Annual Review

We monitor the effectiveness of our approach through key indicators such as supplier audit outcomes, training completion rates, and the number and nature of reported concerns. Lessons learned from investigations and audits are used to improve our policies and procedures.

This statement is reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains effective, relevant to our business activities, and aligned with legal and best practice developments. Updates are communicated to employees and made available to interested stakeholders. Waste Collection Sutton remains committed to continual improvement in identifying, preventing, and addressing the risks of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains.