Modern Slavery Statement for Richmond Carpet Cleaners

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Richmond Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and to respect and protect human rights in all areas of our work.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Richmond Carpet Cleaners has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, debt bondage, and exploitation. We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that is fair, transparent, and compliant with all applicable laws relating to modern slavery and human rights.

We expect the same high standards from all those we work with, including employees, contractors, suppliers, and business partners. Any identified breach of this policy will be treated seriously and may result in termination of employment or commercial relationships, as well as notification to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Richmond Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products and chemicals, machinery and equipment, protective clothing, transportation, and various support services. We understand that modern slavery risks can exist at multiple levels of a supply chain, including the sourcing of raw materials and manufacturing of products.

We are committed to working only with reputable suppliers who share our values. We expect our suppliers to maintain robust labour and human rights standards and to ensure that the same standards are upheld by their own suppliers and subcontractors.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require suppliers to confirm that they do not engage in, or condone, any form of modern slavery or human trafficking. Our supplier onboarding process includes an assessment of ethical practices, labour conditions, and compliance with relevant legislation.

Richmond Carpet Cleaners carries out proportionate supplier audits and reviews, focusing on areas and categories that may present higher risks. These audits may involve requesting documentation, reviewing policies and procedures, and, where appropriate, conducting site visits. Where concerns are identified, we will work with suppliers to implement corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe. Failure to make satisfactory improvements may lead to the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Employee Awareness and Responsibilities

We strive to foster a culture in which respect, integrity, and accountability are central to how we operate. Employees are made aware of our zero-tolerance position on modern slavery and are encouraged to act if they have any concerns about unethical or illegal practices in our business or supply chains.

Management is responsible for ensuring that our policies are implemented and that any reported concerns are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. All staff involved in procurement or supplier management are expected to consider modern slavery risks during their decision-making processes.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Richmond Carpet Cleaners encourages employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery, human trafficking, or related exploitation. Concerns can be raised in person with a manager or senior member of staff, or in writing to the company’s leadership team.

We are committed to protecting any person who raises concerns in good faith. No one will suffer retaliation, victimisation, or disadvantage for reporting a genuine concern, even if it is not substantiated after investigation. All reports will be reviewed and investigated as appropriate, and any necessary action will be taken to address identified issues.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and requires continuous improvement. Richmond Carpet Cleaners will regularly review our policies, procedures, and supplier arrangements to ensure that they remain effective in identifying, mitigating, and addressing the risk of modern slavery.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated on an annual basis by our leadership team. As part of each review, we assess any incidents reported, audit findings, emerging best practice, and changes in our business structure or supply chain. Where necessary, we will enhance our controls, training, and engagement with suppliers to strengthen our overall approach.

By publishing this Modern Slavery Statement, Richmond Carpet Cleaners reaffirms its commitment to acting ethically, safeguarding the dignity of all workers, and contributing to the global effort to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.