Whetstone Carpet Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Whetstone Carpet Cleaners to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation in our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to operating ethically, transparently and with integrity in all our relationships and commercial dealings.

Whetstone Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Although our operations are relatively low risk in terms of modern slavery, we recognise that no sector or supply chain is entirely free from the risk of exploitation. We therefore work proactively to identify, assess and mitigate these risks.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Whetstone Carpet Cleaners has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly work with any individual, contractor or organisation that engages in, supports or is complicit in such practices. This commitment applies to all areas of our business, including direct employment, agency workers, subcontractors and suppliers of goods and services.

Our zero-tolerance stance is communicated clearly to our employees and to all new suppliers and contractors at the outset of our relationship with them. Breaches of this policy are treated as serious misconduct and may result in termination of contracts or working relationships, as well as reporting to the appropriate authorities where necessary.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

We expect our suppliers and contractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our supplier approval and ongoing management processes, we seek to ensure that:

Suppliers understand our standards regarding labour practices, working conditions and human rights. Suppliers confirm that they comply with applicable labour, employment and human rights laws in the jurisdictions where they operate. Suppliers cascade equivalent standards and expectations to their own supply chain partners, subcontractors and labour providers.

Where we identify higher risk activities or geographies, we may conduct additional due diligence. This can include targeted supplier questionnaires, requests for supporting documentation on labour practices, and, where appropriate, on-site visits or audits. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to provide satisfactory evidence of compliance, Whetstone Carpet Cleaners may suspend or cease the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We are committed to fostering a culture in which concerns about modern slavery and unethical conduct can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees, contractors, suppliers and any other stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspicion, concern or information relating to potential modern slavery, whether within our business or in our supply chains.

Concerns can be raised directly with a manager, senior member of staff or through internal reporting routes made available within the company. All reports are treated seriously and, where appropriate, investigated promptly and confidentially. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or detrimental treatment of individuals who report concerns in good faith.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

Whetstone Carpet Cleaners aims to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among staff who are involved in procurement, supplier management, recruitment and on-site operations. We seek to ensure that relevant employees understand how to recognise potential indicators of exploitation and how to respond to any concerns.

We remain committed to reviewing and strengthening our approach over time. This includes monitoring evolving guidance, legislation and industry good practice related to modern slavery, and adapting our procedures where necessary to improve effectiveness.

Annual Review and Accountability

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Whetstone Carpet Cleaners to ensure it remains accurate, relevant and effective. As part of this review, we consider any incidents reported, findings from supplier checks, and feedback from staff and stakeholders. We then update our processes and controls where improvements are identified.

The leadership of Whetstone Carpet Cleaners is responsible for overseeing our commitments in this area and for ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to implement this statement. By maintaining clear standards, robust checks and open reporting channels, we aim to play our part in combating modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals connected to our business and supply chains.