Modern Slavery Statement for Teddington Carpet Cleaners

Teddington Carpet Cleaners is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. As a local cleaning business, we recognise that responsibility does not stop at service delivery; it extends to the way we source products, select partners, and manage people.

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to every area of the organisation. We do not tolerate any form of slavery, servitude, coerced labour, child labour, or abusive working practices. This commitment is embedded in our internal policies, procurement standards, and employment practices. All staff are expected to act with care, vigilance, and honesty when identifying risks that may indicate exploitation.

We expect the same standards from our suppliers, contractors, and business partners. Before entering commercial relationships, we assess whether a supplier demonstrates responsible labour practices and appropriate governance. Where concerns arise, we investigate promptly and take proportionate action, which may include corrective requirements, suspension, or ending the relationship if necessary.

Our approach to preventing modern slavery is based on practical due diligence and regular monitoring. We review the origin of goods, the labour conditions associated with high-risk categories, and the transparency of the businesses we rely on. This includes cleaning materials, equipment, textiles, and any outsourced services connected to the Teddington carpet cleaning supply chain.

Supplier audits are an important part of this process. We conduct risk-based checks on selected suppliers to confirm compliance with our standards. These audits may involve reviewing policies, requesting evidence of workforce protections, and assessing whether subcontracting arrangements introduce hidden labour risks. If weaknesses are identified, suppliers are asked to implement improvements within a defined timeframe.

We also provide training to relevant team members so they can recognise warning signs such as withheld documents, excessive working hours, restricted freedom of movement, or unexplained wage deductions. Awareness is essential, because modern slavery can appear in subtle forms and may be overlooked without clear procedures and informed oversight.

We encourage an open culture in which concerns can be raised safely and without fear of retaliation. Any employee, contractor, or supplier who suspects a problem may report it through internal management channels. Reports are treated seriously, handled confidentially where possible, and investigated in a timely manner. Where a credible concern is identified, we will escalate it to the appropriate decision-makers and take action to protect vulnerable individuals.

Accountability is shared across the business. Managers are responsible for applying this policy in daily operations, while procurement and operational teams must ensure supplier decisions reflect our ethical requirements. Modern slavery prevention is not treated as a one-time exercise; it is part of our ongoing governance and business judgement.

We maintain records of concerns raised, actions taken, and outcomes achieved so we can identify patterns and strengthen controls. This structured approach helps Teddington Carpet Cleaners respond quickly to risk and demonstrates that ethical conduct is a measurable priority rather than a statement of intent.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legal requirements and operational realities. The review considers any incidents reported during the year, the results of supplier audits, changes in our supply chain, and updates to best practice in anti-slavery management.

Where gaps are identified, we strengthen our controls through revised procedures, additional staff guidance, enhanced due diligence, or tighter supplier expectations. Continuous improvement is central to our commitment, because the risk of exploitation can evolve as markets, sourcing arrangements, and service models change.

Through this annual review, Teddington Carpet Cleaners reinforces its commitment to ethical trading, responsible procurement, and the protection of human dignity. We will continue to improve our safeguards and maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of modern slavery in our business and supply chain.