Waste Disposal Lewisham Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Waste Disposal Lewisham to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the waste management and environmental services sectors can be exposed to risks associated with forced labour, exploitation, and hidden forms of coercion. We are committed to identifying, preventing, and addressing these risks with diligence and transparency.

Waste Disposal Lewisham operates in accordance with all applicable legislation and upholds respect for human rights as a core principle of our business. This statement covers our own workforce, our contractors, and the broader network of suppliers and service providers who help deliver our services to the community.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking in any form. This means we do not accept, condone, or ignore any practice that involves forced labour, servitude, debt bondage, child labour, or any other form of exploitation.

All employees, agency workers, and contractors are required to comply with this policy as a condition of working with Waste Disposal Lewisham. Our management team is responsible for promoting a culture in which human rights are respected, where staff feel empowered to raise concerns, and where any breach of this policy is addressed swiftly and appropriately.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We recognise that the greatest risk of modern slavery often lies within complex supply chains. To mitigate this, we expect all suppliers, subcontractors, and other third parties to adhere to ethical labour standards that align with our own policies and with national and international human rights norms.

Supplier due diligence forms a key component of our procurement process. Prospective suppliers may be required to provide information on their labour practices, recruitment methods, workforce conditions, and policies addressing modern slavery and human trafficking. We reserve the right to refuse or terminate contracts where suppliers are unable or unwilling to meet these standards.

We conduct proportionate audits and reviews of selected suppliers, particularly those operating in higher-risk sectors or regions. These audits may include document checks, interviews, and site visits. Where improvement needs are identified, we work collaboratively with suppliers to implement corrective action plans and establish clear timelines for remediation. Failure to improve may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Waste Disposal Lewisham encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and members of the public to report any concerns or suspicions about modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our operations or supply chains. We are committed to ensuring that all reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively.

Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including line managers and designated compliance contacts, or via our confidential whistleblowing arrangements. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, and we will take appropriate disciplinary or contractual action where wrongdoing is identified.

Where necessary, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and other relevant authorities in the investigation of suspected modern slavery cases.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide relevant training and guidance to staff involved in procurement, contract management, and frontline operations so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery and know how to respond. Awareness of modern slavery risks is also integrated into our broader approach to health, safety, and ethical conduct.

We are committed to continually improving our processes to better identify and address emerging risks. This includes reviewing sector developments, listening to feedback from workers and stakeholders, and updating our procedures when new issues are identified.

Annual Review and Approval

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and responsive to changing risk landscapes. As part of the annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our actions, consider any incidents or concerns raised, and update our objectives for the coming year.

The statement is approved by the senior leadership of Waste Disposal Lewisham, who retain overall responsibility for its implementation. By publishing this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to operating in a manner that respects human dignity, promotes fair and safe working conditions, and actively contributes to the elimination of modern slavery in all its forms.