Waste Collection Hackney Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Waste Collection Hackney to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to act ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and to implement effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place.

Our zero-tolerance approach

Waste Collection Hackney has a clear zero-tolerance policy to modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking in any form. This applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers, and any other partner acting on our behalf. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation that fails to uphold the same standards and we will terminate relationships where serious or repeated breaches are identified.

Our zero-tolerance stance is communicated through our internal policies, supplier requirements, and staff training, emphasising respect for human rights, fair treatment, and safe, lawful working conditions. All managers are expected to lead by example and ensure that the teams and suppliers they oversee understand and apply these standards in day-to-day operations.

Supply chain standards and due diligence

Our supply chain includes providers of waste collection vehicles, equipment, uniforms, facility management, agency labour, and specialist environmental services. We require suppliers to comply with all applicable labour and employment laws and to demonstrate that they do not tolerate forced labour, child labour, or human trafficking.

As part of our due diligence process, we assess new suppliers based on their labour practices, ethical policies, and transparency. Where appropriate, we ask suppliers to confirm in writing that they have their own modern slavery policies, conduct appropriate checks within their own supply chains, and promptly report any suspected breaches related to our services.

Supplier audits and monitoring

Waste Collection Hackney carries out proportionate risk-based audits of selected suppliers, with particular focus on higher-risk categories such as agency labour, cleaning and support services, uniforms, and overseas manufactured products. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and discussions with management and, where feasible, workers.

Where risks or concerns are identified, we work collaboratively with suppliers to agree corrective action plans and timelines. If a supplier fails to implement agreed improvements or is found to be directly involved in modern slavery practices, we may suspend or terminate the contractual relationship. Records of audits, findings, and actions taken are retained to support continuous improvement and traceability.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

We encourage anyone working for or with Waste Collection Hackney to report concerns about modern slavery, exploitative labour practices, or unsafe working conditions. Concerns can be raised through established internal reporting channels, including line managers, senior management, or our confidential whistleblowing arrangements.

All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. We do not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Where an issue is identified, we will take appropriate action, which may include notifying relevant authorities, supporting affected individuals, and reviewing our processes to prevent recurrence.

Training, awareness, and continuous improvement

Key staff involved in procurement, contract management, and frontline supervision receive training on recognising indicators of modern slavery, evaluating supplier risk, and responding to concerns. General awareness information is made available to all staff, reinforcing our zero-tolerance policy and explaining how they can report suspected issues.

We review our approach regularly to strengthen controls, reflect evolving best practice, and respond to any lessons learned from audits, investigations, or changes in legislation. This includes updating procedures, enhancing supplier questionnaires, and improving training materials.

Governance and annual review

Overall responsibility for this Modern Slavery Statement rests with the senior management of Waste Collection Hackney, who ensure that adequate resources and oversight are in place. Progress on implementing our commitments is reviewed at least annually and reported to senior leaders.

This Statement will be reviewed each year to assess its effectiveness, ensure ongoing compliance with legal requirements, and confirm that it continues to reflect the risks relevant to our operations and supply chains. Any significant changes to our structure, activities, or risk profile will trigger an earlier review if necessary. The updated Statement will be approved at senior level and communicated to employees and suppliers so that our stance remains clear, current, and consistently applied.