Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Rubbish Collection Bloomsbury is committed to operating in a responsible, transparent and ethical manner. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and our supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors and suppliers associated with our waste and recycling services.

Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Rubbish Collection Bloomsbury recognises that the waste and recycling sector can be exposed to higher risks and therefore maintains robust controls to prevent any form of exploitation.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Rubbish Collection Bloomsbury has a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept, condone or ignore any practice that involves the abuse, coercion, or exploitation of individuals in any part of our business or supply chain. This commitment is endorsed by senior management and is embedded within our policies, procedures and training.

All staff are required to act in accordance with this zero-tolerance policy. Any behaviour that breaches this policy, including turning a blind eye to suspected exploitation, is considered serious misconduct and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, as well as potential referral to law enforcement agencies.

Responsibilities and Governance

Overall responsibility for our modern slavery approach rests with the senior management team of Rubbish Collection Bloomsbury. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems, controls and resources are in place to identify, prevent and address modern slavery risks. Line managers are responsible for communicating this statement to their teams and ensuring that staff understand their responsibilities.

We strive to foster a culture in which ethical conduct is expected and concerns are taken seriously. Regular discussions about human rights, worker welfare and responsible sourcing form part of our broader governance framework.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Our suppliers, contractors and service partners play a critical role in helping us uphold our values. Rubbish Collection Bloomsbury expects all suppliers to comply with applicable labour, employment and human rights laws, and to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in their operations or supply chains.

We assess new suppliers through an onboarding process that may include due diligence checks, verification of labour practices and, where appropriate, site visits. Existing suppliers are subject to periodic review and may be required to complete questionnaires on workforce conditions, recruitment processes and subcontracting arrangements.

Where risk indicators are identified, Rubbish Collection Bloomsbury may conduct targeted audits, request supporting evidence, or commission independent assessments. Failure by a supplier to satisfactorily address concerns about modern slavery may result in corrective action plans, suspension of work or termination of the business relationship.

Training, Awareness and Reporting Channels

Rubbish Collection Bloomsbury provides training and guidance to relevant staff to help them recognise the signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond. This includes managers, supervisors, procurement teams and staff who regularly interact with workers on sites, depots or collection routes.

We maintain multiple channels for raising concerns. Employees, agency workers, contractors and suppliers are encouraged to report any suspicion of modern slavery or unethical labour practices without delay. Concerns can be raised with a line manager, a member of the senior management team, or through our confidential reporting process. Reports can be made anonymously, and all information is treated seriously and sensitively.

We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Every report is reviewed promptly, investigated where appropriate, and action is taken to address any issues identified, which may include notifying relevant authorities.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Rubbish Collection Bloomsbury is committed to the continuous improvement of our controls and practices relating to modern slavery and human trafficking. We regularly monitor changes in legislation, guidance and industry standards to ensure our approach remains effective and proportionate to the risks we face.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed annually by senior management. As part of the review, we consider audit findings, supplier performance, employee feedback, reported concerns and emerging risk areas. Where necessary, we update our policies, training and procedures to strengthen prevention and response measures.

By publishing this statement, Rubbish Collection Bloomsbury reaffirms its commitment to ethical conduct, respect for human rights and the elimination of modern slavery and human trafficking within our own operations and across our supply chains.