Modern Slavery Statement for Downe Carpet Cleaners

Downe Carpet Cleaners is committed to conducting business with integrity, respect, and fairness. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and all other forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chain. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any practice that undermines human dignity, and we expect the same standard from every supplier, contractor, and business partner.

Our commitment applies across all aspects of the carpet cleaning business, including recruitment, procurement, logistics, waste handling, and outsourced support services. We recognise that risks may arise in sectors where labour is sourced through intermediaries or where work is delivered under time pressure. For that reason, due diligence is central to our approach. We review the nature of each relationship, the location of service delivery, and the working conditions associated with the goods and services we purchase.

We also require managers and staff to remain alert to warning signs that may indicate exploitation. These can include unusual payroll arrangements, restricted movement of workers, withheld identification documents, excessive recruitment fees, or signs that a person is unable to speak freely about their employment. If any concern arises, it is escalated promptly for investigation and appropriate action.

Supplier oversight is a key part of our modern slavery and human trafficking controls. Before engaging a new supplier, we assess its ownership structure, labour practices, subcontracting arrangements, and compliance history. We expect suppliers to confirm that they do not use forced, trafficked, or child labour, and that they uphold lawful wages, safe conditions, and voluntary employment. Where risk is identified, we may request additional evidence, enhanced declarations, or corrective action plans.

To support this process, supplier audits may be carried out periodically, either through document review or direct assessment. These audits are designed to test whether suppliers are meeting our ethical standards and whether their own subcontractors are subject to appropriate controls. Findings are recorded, tracked, and reviewed by management. Where a supplier fails to meet our requirements, we reserve the right to suspend orders, require remediation, or end the relationship entirely.

Our procurement decisions are guided not only by cost and quality, but also by responsible sourcing principles. We prefer suppliers who can demonstrate transparent labour practices, accurate records, and a willingness to cooperate with monitoring activities. In this way, Downe Carpet Cleaners seeks to reduce the risk of modern slavery at every stage of the supply chain.

We encourage all employees, contractors, and suppliers to report concerns without delay. Reporting channels include direct disclosure to a line manager, a senior manager, or the designated compliance lead through internal reporting procedures. Concerns may relate to suspected exploitation, unsafe working conditions, document retention, intimidation, or breaches of our ethical standards. Reports are treated seriously, handled discreetly, and investigated without unnecessary delay.

Whistleblowing protection is an important part of this framework. We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, even if the issue later proves to be unfounded. This commitment helps create a culture where people feel able to speak up and where suspected wrongdoing can be addressed early. Training and internal communication are used to reinforce awareness of these reporting options across the business.

Where a concern is substantiated, we will take proportionate action, which may include supplier remediation, contract review, disciplinary measures, or referral to the appropriate authorities. We also consider whether our own procedures need strengthening to prevent similar issues in the future.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal obligations and good practice. The review examines identified risks, audit results, training activity, reported concerns, and any improvements made to our controls. Where needed, we update our policies, procedures, and monitoring methods so that our approach continues to reflect the realities of the business and the supply chain.

Downe Carpet Cleaners believes that tackling modern slavery requires sustained attention, clear expectations, and continuous improvement. Through our zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, reporting channels, and annual review process, we aim to operate responsibly and to protect the rights and welfare of everyone connected with our work.