Dulwich Carpet Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Dulwich Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

Dulwich Carpet Cleaners has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, and any other form of exploitation. This commitment applies to every aspect of our business, from our directly employed staff to the contractors and suppliers who support our services.

All managers and supervisors are expected to promote a culture of transparency and respect for human rights. Any conduct that is inconsistent with our zero-tolerance stance is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, or referral to relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Dulwich Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, machinery and equipment, uniforms, and ancillary services such as maintenance and waste collection. While our sector is considered relatively low risk for modern slavery, we understand that risks can exist at any stage of a supply chain, particularly where goods or raw materials may originate from higher risk regions or industries.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We expect all suppliers, contractors, and business partners to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our onboarding and ongoing engagement, suppliers are required to confirm that they comply with all applicable laws relating to labour, working conditions, and human rights.

Our supplier standards include clear expectations that there must be no forced, compulsory, or child labour, and that workers must be employed freely with the right to leave work and terminate their employment. We also expect suppliers to provide safe working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable working hours in line with local legislation and international norms.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

Dulwich Carpet Cleaners conducts proportionate risk-based audits and assessments of key suppliers. These audits may include reviewing policies and documentation, requesting evidence of labour practices, and, where appropriate, visiting premises. We prioritise suppliers and categories where the risk of labour exploitation is deemed higher, taking into account geography, type of work, and industry practices.

Where potential issues or non-compliance are identified, we will work with the supplier to develop an action plan with clear timelines for improvement. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to remedy serious concerns, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to speak up if they suspect any form of modern slavery or unethical labour practice connected to Dulwich Carpet Cleaners. Reports can be made to a line manager, a senior manager, or through existing internal reporting channels. Reports may be made confidentially and will be treated seriously and sensitively.

No person who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any form of retaliation. We will investigate all allegations promptly and, where appropriate, involve relevant external authorities. If a case of modern slavery is identified, we are committed to supporting affected individuals and taking robust corrective action.

Training and Awareness

We provide training and guidance to relevant staff on recognising the signs of modern slavery and understanding our policies and procedures. This includes managers involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. We aim to strengthen awareness so that potential risks can be identified and addressed at an early stage.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Dulwich Carpet Cleaners recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to reviewing and improving our policies, due diligence processes, and supplier engagement on a continuous basis. We will monitor the effectiveness of our actions and adjust our approach as necessary to address emerging risks and best practice standards.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed, updated, and approved by the company leadership on an annual basis. The updated statement will reflect any changes in our structure, operations, risk profile, or the steps we have taken to prevent modern slavery in our business and supply chains.

This statement has been approved by the management of Dulwich Carpet Cleaners and constitutes our Modern Slavery Statement for the current financial year.