Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement for Cleaner Elephant and Castle

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Cleaner Elephant and Castle to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and ethical labour practices across all aspects of our cleaning and related services.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Cleaner Elephant and Castle adopts a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, forced labour, child labour, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation. This commitment applies to our own activities, our employees and workers, and extends to all third parties who provide goods or services to our business.

We expect all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers to act ethically, with integrity, and in full compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. Any suspected involvement in modern slavery will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in termination of contracts or employment, alongside reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Governance and Responsibility

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with our senior management team. They are accountable for ensuring that appropriate policies, risk assessments, and due diligence activities are in place, and that any concerns raised are properly investigated and addressed.

Managers across the business are expected to promote awareness of our modern slavery standards and ensure that working practices within their teams comply with these requirements.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards

Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, uniforms, facilities services, and various professional and support services. We recognise that certain sectors and geographic regions may present higher risks of modern slavery, and we pay particular attention to these areas in our procurement and review processes.

All suppliers are required to demonstrate that they operate in accordance with our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery. We expect suppliers to maintain fair employment practices, provide safe working conditions, respect the rights of workers, and ensure their own supply chains are free from forced or trafficked labour.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Cleaner Elephant and Castle undertakes due diligence on existing and prospective suppliers to assess the risk of modern slavery. This may include reviewing policies and statements on labour and human rights, requesting information about workforce practices, and evaluating the traceability of key products or services.

Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits to verify compliance with our requirements. These audits may be desk-based reviews or on-site assessments, depending on the nature of the supplier and the level of risk identified. If any non-compliance or concerning practice is identified, we will work with the supplier on a corrective action plan and monitor progress. Where issues are not resolved within reasonable timeframes, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage anyone connected to our business, including employees, contractors, and suppliers, to raise concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, such as line managers or senior management, or via any existing whistleblowing mechanisms within the organisation.

All reports will be treated sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We will investigate all credible concerns promptly and take appropriate action, which may include engaging with suppliers, supporting affected individuals, or notifying relevant authorities.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management. Training and guidance aim to help staff recognise warning signs, understand their responsibilities, and know how to report concerns.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Cleaner Elephant and Castle recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continuous vigilance and improvement. We are committed to regularly reviewing our policies, risk assessments, and due diligence practices to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks in our operations and supply chain.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management. As part of this review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our actions, consider feedback from stakeholders, and identify opportunities to strengthen our approach. Any updates or changes to our processes will be communicated to relevant staff and suppliers to reinforce our shared responsibility to prevent modern slavery.

This statement reflects Cleaner Elephant and Castle's position on modern slavery for the current financial year and will be updated in line with our annual review cycle.