Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps taken by Watford Cleaner to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Watford Cleaner provides professional cleaning services and recognises our responsibility to respect and uphold human rights in all aspects of our business.

Modern slavery is a serious crime and a gross violation of fundamental human rights. It can take various forms, including slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Watford Cleaner is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business dealings and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own operations or those of our suppliers.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Watford Cleaner has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and any other individuals or organisations acting on our behalf. We do not tolerate any form of forced labour, bonded labour, deceptive recruitment, withholding of identity documents, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

We expect the same high standards from all of our suppliers and business partners. Our zero-tolerance stance is communicated through our onboarding processes, standard contractual terms where appropriate, and ongoing engagement with those who supply goods and services to Watford Cleaner.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products and equipment, facilities services, recruitment and staffing agencies, and other professional and support services. We recognise that certain parts of the supply chain, such as temporary labour provision and manufactured goods, may carry higher risks of modern slavery.

Watford Cleaner takes a risk-based approach to supplier due diligence. New suppliers are assessed against our ethical standards, including their approach to labour rights, recruitment practices, and working conditions. For higher-risk categories, we may conduct additional checks, request relevant policies, or seek confirmation that they operate their own modern slavery controls.

We carry out periodic supplier audits and reviews to verify compliance with our expectations. These audits may include site visits where appropriate, reviewing documentation on employment practices, and discussing modern slavery risk management with supplier representatives. Where concerns are identified, we engage with the supplier to agree corrective actions and timescales. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to address issues in line with our standards, Watford Cleaner reserves the right to review, restrict, or terminate the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Watford Cleaner encourages openness and supports anyone who raises genuine concerns about modern slavery in good faith. All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery related to our business or supply chain.

Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including line management and senior management. Individuals may also escalate concerns directly to the company leadership if they feel unable to report through normal routes. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled as sensitively and confidentially as possible. No one will suffer any detrimental treatment for raising a concern about modern slavery in good faith, even if it is not ultimately substantiated.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided so that individuals can recognise potential indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond appropriately.

We aim to continually improve our processes to identify, prevent, and mitigate the risk of modern slavery. This includes reviewing our risk assessments, enhancing due diligence, and updating our internal policies and practices to reflect evolving best practice and legal requirements.

Annual Review of This Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed at least annually by Watford Cleaner’s leadership. The review considers the effectiveness of our actions over the preceding year, any reported incidents or concerns, changes in our operations or supply chain, and developments in legislation and guidance.

Following each review, we update this statement and any related policies or procedures as necessary. Our objective is to ensure that our approach remains robust, transparent, and proportionate to the risks we face, and that Watford Cleaner consistently upholds its commitment to a workplace and supply chain free from modern slavery and human trafficking.