Carpet Cleaners Barnes Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Carpet Cleaners Barnes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act with integrity in all business relationships. This statement relates to the financial year ending 31 December and will be reviewed and updated annually.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Carpet Cleaners Barnes has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that no such abuses occur within our own business or in any part of our supply chain, including suppliers of cleaning products, equipment, uniforms, and associated services.

All employees, managers and contractors are required to comply with our anti-slavery standards as a condition of engagement. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action or termination of contracts where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Carpet Cleaners Barnes provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Our supply chain includes manufacturers and distributors of cleaning chemicals and machinery, vehicle and equipment maintenance providers, facilities and property services, and other professional service providers.

We understand that risks of modern slavery can arise at different stages and in different geographies. We therefore expect all our suppliers, regardless of size or location, to uphold the same high standards of ethical conduct that we set for ourselves.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are committed to working only with suppliers who share our values and comply with applicable labour, employment and human rights laws. As part of our approach to managing risk in the supply chain, we:

Communicate our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery to existing and prospective suppliers and contractors. Seek confirmation from key suppliers that they prohibit forced, bonded or trafficked labour and that workers are employed voluntarily and paid fairly. Reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence to verify that suppliers adhere to our expectations, including documentation on working conditions, recruitment practices and wage payments. Prioritise engagement with suppliers where we identify potential higher risks, with the aim of working collaboratively to improve standards or, where necessary, to end the relationship.

Where significant non-compliance is identified and cannot be remedied within a reasonable timeframe, we will take appropriate action, which may include suspending orders or terminating the supplier relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Carpet Cleaners Barnes encourages a culture of openness and transparency. We are committed to ensuring that all employees, workers in our supply chain and other stakeholders feel able to raise concerns about any suspected modern slavery or unethical conduct without fear of retaliation.

Concerns can be reported through existing internal reporting lines, directly to management, or through our whistleblowing procedure. All reports will be taken seriously, handled sensitively and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, we will involve external authorities and cooperate fully with their investigations.

No person raising a concern in good faith will suffer dismissal, disciplinary action, discrimination or any other adverse treatment as a result of speaking up.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment and contract management. Training and guidance are provided so that team members understand what modern slavery is, how to identify warning signs and how to report any concerns appropriately.

We will continue to develop our internal training resources to ensure that our people remain informed about evolving risks and best practices in tackling modern slavery.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. We will monitor the effectiveness of our approach by reviewing supplier responses, audit outcomes, reported concerns and the results of internal reviews.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every twelve months to reflect any changes in our operations, supply chain or legal requirements. Updates are approved by senior management and communicated within the business and, where appropriate, to our suppliers.

By maintaining a robust zero-tolerance policy, applying supplier standards and audits, providing clear reporting channels and undertaking an annual review, Carpet Cleaners Barnes demonstrates its ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all workers connected to our business.