Modern Slavery Statement for Docklands Carpet Cleaning

Docklands Carpet Cleaning is committed to conducting business in an ethical, responsible, and transparent manner. We recognise our responsibility to help prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms, both within our own operations and across our supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery in connection with our business activities.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, and any other form of exploitation. This policy applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of Docklands Carpet Cleaning, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers.

We expect everyone associated with our business to share this commitment. Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Any breach by a supplier or contractor may result in the review, suspension, or termination of our relationship with them.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Docklands Carpet Cleaning provides professional carpet, upholstery, and related cleaning services. Our supply chains include the sourcing of cleaning products, machinery, equipment, uniforms, transportation, and various support services. We recognise that some sectors and geographies carry an inherently higher risk of modern slavery, and we take proportionate steps to evaluate and manage those risks.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are committed to working only with suppliers who respect human rights, comply with labour laws, and share our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. To support this, we have introduced supplier expectations that require:

Suppliers to comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to employment, labour standards, and human rights. Suppliers to ensure that work is freely chosen and that no worker is subjected to forced, compulsory, or trafficked labour. Suppliers to prohibit child labour and to ensure working conditions are safe, hygienic, and respectful.

We undertake proportionate checks and audits of key suppliers, focusing on those presenting higher potential risk due to sector, location, or the nature of the goods and services supplied. These audits may include questionnaires, requests for supporting documentation, and where appropriate, site visits. Where issues are identified, we will work with the supplier to agree corrective actions or, if necessary, review the continuation of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Docklands Carpet Cleaning encourages a culture of openness and accountability. We want all employees, workers, and business partners to feel confident in raising concerns about modern slavery or unethical conduct without fear of retaliation.

Concerns can be reported to line managers or senior management. Individuals are encouraged to raise issues as soon as possible if they suspect that modern slavery or human trafficking may be occurring in any part of our business or supply chains. All reports will be treated seriously and handled sensitively, and we will investigate and respond appropriately to any concerns raised.

We do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who, in good faith, reports a genuine concern or participates in an investigation.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibility

Relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement and supplier management, are made aware of the risks of modern slavery and the contents of this statement. Managers are responsible for ensuring that their teams understand our standards and know how to escalate concerns.

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management team, who ensure that appropriate policies, processes, and monitoring mechanisms are in place.

Monitoring and Annual Review

We are committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery. Our approach and this Modern Slavery Statement are reviewed at least annually to consider changes in legislation, evolving best practice, and any lessons learned from our own operations and supply chain engagement.

As part of the annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our actions, including supplier audits, internal reporting, and staff awareness. Where necessary, we update our procedures, strengthen our controls, and enhance training to ensure that our response to modern slavery remains robust and proportionate.

This statement has been approved by the management of Docklands Carpet Cleaning and represents our ongoing commitment to combating modern slavery in all its forms.