Teddington Carpet Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement

Teddington Carpet Cleaners is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our own operations and throughout our supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act with integrity in all our business relationships.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. Teddington Carpet Cleaners will not knowingly engage with any individual, contractor, or organisation involved in modern slavery, forced labour, child labour, or any form of exploitation. This applies to all areas of our business, including direct employees, temporary staff, subcontractors, and suppliers of products and services.

All managers and team leaders are expected to promote a culture where unethical practices are challenged and reported. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts or other appropriate action.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Teddington Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Our supply chains include the sourcing of cleaning equipment, machinery, cleaning agents, uniforms, and related services such as maintenance and waste disposal. We recognise that certain sectors and geographical regions may carry higher risks of modern slavery, and we take steps to identify and address those risks where they may impact our operations.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and business partners to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our onboarding and ongoing relationship management, we seek assurances that suppliers comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, and that they have policies in place to prevent forced or trafficked labour within their own operations and supply chains.

Where appropriate, we carry out supplier assessments and audits to evaluate compliance with our ethical standards. These assessments may include reviewing policies, requesting supporting documentation, and asking targeted questions about recruitment, working conditions, pay practices, and subcontracting. If concerns are identified, we may require corrective action plans, enhanced monitoring, or the discontinuation of the business relationship.

Due Diligence and Risk Management

We are working to strengthen our due diligence processes to better identify, assess, and mitigate the risk of modern slavery. This includes evaluating potential risk areas in our supply chains, prioritising suppliers in higher-risk categories for further scrutiny, and integrating modern slavery considerations into procurement and contract management.

Contracts with key suppliers are being updated to include clear expectations on labour standards, transparency, and cooperation with any investigations or audits that are necessary to uphold our zero-tolerance policy.

Training and Awareness

Teddington Carpet Cleaners is committed to raising awareness of modern slavery among relevant employees, especially those involved in procurement, supplier management, and supervision of subcontractors. Training and guidance focus on recognising warning signs of exploitation, understanding our policies, and knowing how to respond to concerns.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage employees, contractors, suppliers, and any other stakeholders to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business. Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including escalation to line managers or senior management. Reports may be made confidentially, and individuals raising genuine concerns in good faith will not face retaliation or detrimental treatment.

All reports will be taken seriously, promptly investigated, and addressed with appropriate remedial actions, including referral to relevant authorities where necessary.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the management of Teddington Carpet Cleaners to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with best practice and evolving legal requirements. As part of this review, we consider the effectiveness of our supplier audits, training, risk assessments, and reporting mechanisms, and we identify opportunities for improvement.

Teddington Carpet Cleaners is committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to combat modern slavery. By working collaboratively with our employees, suppliers, and stakeholders, we aim to ensure that our services are delivered in a manner that respects human dignity and upholds fundamental rights.

This statement has been approved by the management of Teddington Carpet Cleaners and represents our commitment for the current financial year. It will be updated and reissued following each annual review.