Elephant and Castle Cleaner Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Elephant and Castle Cleaner has taken 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 and transparency in all our business dealings.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Elephant and Castle Cleaner maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, child labour, and debt bondage. This applies to our own operations and to every organisation and individual with whom we work. We expect all employees, contractors, and suppliers to uphold the same high standards.

No form of exploitation is accepted or excused on the grounds of cost, time pressure, cultural practice, or commercial advantage. Any confirmed breach of this policy will result in decisive action, which may include termination of contracts, removal from approved supplier lists, disciplinary measures, and reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Elephant and Castle Cleaner operates in the cleaning and facilities services sector, providing cleaning and related services to a range of clients. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning equipment and materials, workwear, facility maintenance, and selected subcontracted services where required to meet client needs.

We recognise that certain parts of the cleaning and facilities supply chain can be more vulnerable to labour exploitation, particularly where there are complex subcontracting arrangements or overseas sourcing of goods. We therefore apply enhanced scrutiny to these areas and work to build long-term, transparent relationships with reputable partners.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All suppliers and subcontractors engaged by Elephant and Castle Cleaner are required to comply with our standards on human rights, labour practices, and modern slavery. We communicate our expectations clearly at the outset of any business relationship and throughout its duration.

We conduct risk-based supplier assessments, focusing more frequent and detailed checks on suppliers operating in higher-risk sectors or regions. Our audit activities may include reviewing labour contracts and wage records, assessing working hours and conditions, checking right-to-work documentation, and speaking with workers where appropriate. Where concerns are identified, we work with suppliers to agree corrective action plans and timescales. Continued non-compliance will lead to the ending of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Elephant and Castle Cleaner is committed to creating an environment where employees, workers, and third parties feel safe to raise concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical practices. Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management, or through designated internal reporting channels made available to staff and key suppliers.

Reports can be made confidentially and will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. No individual will suffer retaliation or disadvantage for raising a concern in good faith, even if it is not substantiated following investigation. Where appropriate, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement and relevant authorities.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide training and guidance to relevant staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management, to help them identify indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns. Awareness-raising materials are used to reinforce our zero-tolerance approach and the importance of vigilance.

We are committed to continuous improvement. We review our risk assessments, due diligence procedures, and supplier engagement on an ongoing basis to strengthen our ability to identify and address modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. As part of the review, we consider any incidents raised, audit findings, changes in our business model or supply chain, and feedback from stakeholders.

Following each annual review, we will update this statement and our internal procedures as necessary, and communicate significant changes to our employees and suppliers. Our goal is to maintain a robust and evolving framework that helps prevent, detect, and address modern slavery risks wherever they may arise in connection with Elephant and Castle Cleaner.