Modern Slavery Statement for Cleaners Sutton
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Cleaners Sutton to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights, promote fair working conditions, and act with integrity in all our business relationships.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
Cleaners Sutton operates a strict zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, and child labour. We are fully committed to acting ethically and with transparency, ensuring that everyone who works for or with us is treated with dignity and respect and is free from exploitation.
All managers, employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this policy at all times. Any behaviour that may facilitate or ignore signs of modern slavery is considered a serious breach of our standards and may result in disciplinary action or termination of contracts.
Scope and Responsibilities
This statement applies to all parts of Cleaners Sutton, including employees, agency staff, subcontracted personnel, and suppliers involved in providing cleaning services, equipment, and related support. Senior management is responsible for overseeing compliance with this statement, while all employees share responsibility for remaining alert to risks and reporting any concerns.
We communicate our expectations clearly during onboarding and through ongoing internal messaging so that all staff understand their role in preventing modern slavery.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, uniforms, and subcontracted cleaning services. We expect all suppliers to uphold the same high standards that we apply to our own operations.
When engaging new suppliers, we assess their ethical standards, labour practices, and compliance with modern slavery legislation. This may include requests for policy documentation, confirmation of due diligence procedures, and evidence of fair employment practices. We prioritise working with suppliers that can demonstrate robust controls and a clear commitment to human rights.
We conduct periodic supplier audits that may involve desk-based reviews, questionnaires, and where proportionate, site visits. These audits aim to identify any potential risks of exploitation, verify working conditions, and check that wages, working hours, and employment terms are compliant with applicable labour laws. Where issues are identified, we work with suppliers to implement corrective actions. Failure to address serious concerns may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Cleaners Sutton encourages all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery without fear of retaliation. We are committed to investigating all reports thoroughly and sensitively.
Concerns can be raised with line managers, senior management, or through any internal reporting mechanism communicated to staff. We treat all information confidentially to the fullest extent possible and take appropriate action where wrongdoing is identified.
We explicitly prohibit victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Disciplinary action may be taken against individuals who attempt to intimidate, threaten, or retaliate against whistleblowers.
Training and Awareness
We aim to ensure that relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and management of outsourced services, understand the indicators of modern slavery and how to respond appropriately. Training and awareness activities may include guidance on recognising signs of exploitation, understanding reporting routes, and applying our zero-tolerance policy in day-to-day decisions.
Risk Assessment and Continuous Improvement
Cleaners Sutton reviews the nature of our operations and supply chains to identify areas where modern slavery risks may be higher, such as use of temporary labour, subcontracting, or sourcing from higher-risk sectors. We seek to reduce these risks through careful supplier selection, contractual obligations, and regular oversight.
We are committed to continuous improvement and will update our procedures as legislation, guidance, and best practice evolve. Feedback from staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders is welcomed as part of this process.
Annual Review of This Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with our business activities and legal obligations. The review considers any incidents reported, audit findings, changes in our supply chain, and developments in relevant law or guidance.
Following each review, we may revise our policies, training, and due diligence measures where necessary to strengthen our approach. The updated statement is then approved at senior level and communicated internally and externally to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery in all its forms.