Modern Slavery Statement

Elephant and Castle Carpet Cleaning Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Elephant and Castle Carpet Cleaning in respect of the current financial year. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to act ethically in all aspects of our business.

Our Commitment to Preventing Modern Slavery

Elephant and Castle Carpet Cleaning has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to conducting our business with integrity, transparency, and respect for the dignity and rights of every individual. This commitment extends to all people working directly for us, as well as those employed within our supply chains.

We expect everyone we work with to share this stance. We will take appropriate and proportionate measures to challenge, report, and address any concerns or indications of exploitation that come to our attention.

Our Operations and Supply Chains

Our core services involve carpet, upholstery, and related cleaning activities. While our direct workforce is relatively limited and primarily local, we recognise that our supply chain may extend to manufacturers, distributors, and service providers that operate in different regions and sectors. These may include suppliers of cleaning products, machinery, consumables, uniforms, and maintenance services.

We acknowledge the potential risk that modern slavery could occur at any point in a supply chain, whether through forced labour, debt bondage, or unfair recruitment practices. As a result, we take proactive steps to understand and monitor how and where our suppliers operate.

Zero-Tolerance Policy and Supplier Standards

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all staff, contractors, agents, and suppliers. We do not knowingly engage with any organisation involved in modern slavery or human trafficking. We require our suppliers to adhere to all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and to maintain safe and fair working conditions.

We make our expectations clear through supplier discussions, contractual terms where appropriate, and written standards. Where we identify a potential risk, we will seek assurances and evidence of compliance. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to demonstrate that it operates in line with these expectations, we reserve the right to review, suspend, or terminate the relationship.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Elephant and Castle Carpet Cleaning is developing and refining a risk-based approach to supplier due diligence. Higher risk suppliers, particularly those operating in sectors or regions with a greater prevalence of labour exploitation, may be subject to more detailed checks. These may include requests for policies, workforce information, and evidence of compliance with labour standards.

Where appropriate and feasible, we conduct audits or seek independent verification regarding working conditions within our supply base. Our objective is not only to identify and manage risks but also to encourage improvement and ethical practices across our supply chain.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We actively encourage all employees, contractors, and stakeholders to speak up if they have any concerns about modern slavery or unethical practices. Concerns may relate to our business or to any supplier or partner connected with our operations.

Reports can be made confidentially through our internal management structure. No one who raises a concern in good faith will face any form of retaliation or disadvantage for doing so. We are committed to investigating all credible reports promptly and thoroughly and to taking remedial or corrective actions where required, which may include notifying relevant authorities.

Training and Awareness

We work to ensure that relevant members of our team understand the risks and indicators of modern slavery and human trafficking, especially those involved in procurement, supplier management, and supervision of workers. Training and guidance are designed to help staff identify warning signs, respond appropriately to concerns, and understand how to escalate issues through the correct channels.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that addressing modern slavery risks is an ongoing responsibility. Elephant and Castle Carpet Cleaning is committed to reviewing and improving our policies, procedures, and practices on a regular basis. This Modern Slavery Statement, along with our internal controls, will be formally reviewed at least once every year by our management team.

The annual review will consider any incidents reported, the effectiveness of our reporting channels, the outcomes of supplier audits, and any changes in our business operations or supply chains. We will use this process to update our approach, strengthen due diligence, and enhance training where needed, ensuring that our response remains robust, effective, and aligned with evolving best practice.

This Statement reflects the position of Elephant and Castle Carpet Cleaning at the date of publication and demonstrates our ongoing determination to combat modern slavery in all its forms.