Waste Collection Lewisham Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Waste Collection Lewisham in respect of the activities carried out within our operations and supply chains. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our waste collection, recycling, and related support services.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Waste Collection Lewisham has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all our business dealings, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery does not take place within our own organisation or in any part of our supply chain.

All employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers are expected to support this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of human rights, labour practices, and workplace safety. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, and, where appropriate, referral to the relevant authorities.

Our Organisation and Supply Chains

Waste Collection Lewisham operates local waste and recycling services, including kerbside collections, bulky waste removal, and associated logistical and maintenance activities. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles and parts, personal protective equipment, uniforms, fuel, facilities management, information technology, and employment agencies.

We recognise that certain categories of goods and services and particular regions of the world may present higher risks of modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to understanding, assessing, and mitigating those risks within our procurement and contract management processes.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We expect all suppliers and contractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our onboarding and renewal processes, we require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all relevant labour, employment, and human rights legislation and that they have adequate controls in place to prevent forced labour, servitude, and human trafficking.

Where appropriate, contractual terms include obligations relating to modern slavery, access to information, cooperation with audits, and the right to terminate relationships where serious non-compliance is identified. We focus particular attention on high-risk categories such as agency labour, imported equipment, uniforms, and cleaning or ancillary services.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

We conduct proportionate risk-based audits of selected suppliers to verify compliance with our standards. These audits may include document reviews, on-site visits where feasible, worker interviews, and verification of recruitment and wage practices. Where direct visits are not practicable, we seek alternative forms of assurance such as independent audits, certifications, or third-party assessments.

Where issues are identified, we work with suppliers to agree corrective action plans with clear timescales. Persistent failure to address concerns may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship. Outcomes from audits and monitoring activities are used to refine our risk assessments and to improve our procedures over time.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Waste Collection Lewisham encourages anyone connected with our operations, including employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers, and members of the public, to report concerns about potential modern slavery or human trafficking. Concerns may be raised with a line manager, a senior manager, or through our confidential whistleblowing channel.

Reports can be made anonymously, and all concerns will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and treated sensitively. We do not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Where necessary, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement and safeguarding agencies to protect potential victims.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide targeted training to managers, supervisors, and employees involved in procurement, contract management, and recruitment so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond. Awareness information is also made available to front-line operational staff who may encounter potential signs of exploitation in the community.

We are committed to continually improving our approach by reviewing developments in best practice, engaging with industry peers where appropriate, and strengthening our internal policies and procedures. Lessons learned from incidents, audits, and supplier engagement inform updates to our training and risk management processes.

Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management team of Waste Collection Lewisham. They ensure that this statement, our policies, and our procedures remain appropriate to the nature, scale, and risk profile of our activities.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if required by legislative changes or significant developments in our operations or supply chains. Each review will consider the effectiveness of the steps taken during the previous year and identify priorities for further action, so that we continue to strengthen our defences against modern slavery and human trafficking.

This statement is approved by the management of Waste Collection Lewisham and represents our ongoing commitment to safeguarding human rights and promoting fair and ethical treatment for all workers connected with our services.