Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Collection Queen's Park

Waste Collection Queen's Park is committed to conducting all aspects of its operations in an ethical, transparent, and socially responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business activities and within our supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers engaged by Waste Collection Queen's Park.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. Modern slavery is fundamentally incompatible with our values and with the trust placed in us by our customers, communities, and partners. We expect everyone working for or with Waste Collection Queen's Park to uphold the highest standards of human rights and labour practices.

We will not knowingly work with any organisation that is involved in or associated with modern slavery. Where credible concerns are identified, we will act promptly to investigate and, where appropriate, suspend or terminate relationships. Employees are informed that any involvement in modern slavery, whether direct or indirect, is treated as gross misconduct and may result in dismissal and referral to the relevant authorities.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards

Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, uniforms, technology, maintenance, and support services linked to waste collection and recycling. We understand that the risk of modern slavery can arise at different tiers of these supply chains, particularly where subcontracting or temporary labour is used.

We expect all suppliers to operate in compliance with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. As a condition of doing business with us, suppliers must confirm that they do not use forced, trafficked, or child labour and that they provide safe working conditions, fair wages, and lawful working hours. We encourage suppliers to adopt their own modern slavery statements and to cascade similar standards to their own subcontractors and suppliers.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Waste Collection Queen's Park undertakes proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers. This may include requesting information on labour practices, reviewing policies, and assessing the geographic and sector risks associated with particular suppliers. Where higher risks are identified, we may conduct targeted audits, request supporting documentation, or undertake site visits.

Supplier audits focus on working conditions, recruitment practices, wage and hour records, and the use of labour agencies or subcontractors. If a supplier fails to meet our standards, we will work with them to implement corrective actions within a clear timeframe. Where issues are not resolved or where serious breaches are found, we reserve the right to terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We are committed to creating a culture in which concerns about modern slavery can be raised openly and without fear of victimisation. Employees, contractors, suppliers, and members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicions or evidence of modern slavery linked to our operations or supply chains.

Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management, or via our internal whistleblowing channels. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will take all reasonable steps to protect the identity of individuals who raise concerns in good faith. All reports are taken seriously, are investigated promptly, and appropriate remedial actions are taken, including notifying law enforcement or regulatory bodies where required.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide training and guidance to relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and supplier oversight. Training covers the signs of modern slavery, how to assess risk, and how to respond to concerns or disclosures. We review our procedures to ensure they remain effective in identifying and managing modern slavery risks.

Review of this Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated at least once every year to reflect any changes in our business structure, supply chains, risk profile, or legal requirements. The annual review includes an assessment of our due diligence processes, supplier audit findings, reports received through our whistleblowing channels, and the effectiveness of training and awareness activities.

The statement is approved by the senior leadership of Waste Collection Queen's Park, who are responsible for overseeing its implementation and ensuring continuous improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery in all aspects of our operations.