Barnet Carpet Cleaning Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Barnet Carpet Cleaning in respect of the financial year ending 31 December and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. Barnet Carpet Cleaning is committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights in all areas of our work.

Modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It can take various forms, including slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, debt bondage, and human trafficking. Barnet Carpet Cleaning recognises its responsibility to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery risks in our business and through our relationships with suppliers, contractors, and other third parties.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Barnet Carpet Cleaning has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any form of forced labour, exploitation, or abuse within our own operations or within the operations of those who supply goods or services to us. This commitment applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of the company at every level, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers.

We expect all those with whom we have business relationships to share our values and uphold the same standards. Where we discover any behaviour that is inconsistent with this policy, we will act swiftly and decisively, which may include terminating contracts or ceasing to engage with the relevant party.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Barnet Carpet Cleaning operates as a local provider of professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, vehicles, workwear, and other operational services. While our supply chains are relatively straightforward and limited in scale, we recognise that risks can exist at any level, particularly where products or components originate from higher-risk regions or sectors.

We are committed to understanding these risks and ensuring that modern slavery is not present in any part of our supply chain. To support this, we maintain close, ongoing relationships with our key suppliers and seek transparency in how they operate and source their own materials and services.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We conduct proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers to assess the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking. This process includes engaging with suppliers to understand their own policies, practices, and supply chains. Where appropriate, we may request written confirmations of compliance with relevant legislation and ethical standards.

Supplier audits are an important part of our approach. These may include reviewing documentation, assessing labour practices, and checking for policies on human rights and modern slavery. If any concerns or red flags arise during an audit, we will seek clarification, require corrective action, and, where necessary, consider ending the relationship with that supplier.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Barnet Carpet Cleaning encourages anyone connected with our business, including workers, suppliers, subcontractors, and customers, to report concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing to management, or through any established internal reporting channels and grievance mechanisms.

All reports will be taken seriously and handled sensitively. We are committed to protecting individuals who raise concerns in good faith from victimisation or retaliation. Where allegations are made, we will investigate promptly and thoroughly, and take appropriate action based on the findings, which may include involving external authorities where required.

Training and Awareness

We are working to build awareness within our business about modern slavery risks and the role that each person can play in identifying and preventing exploitation. Training and guidance are provided to relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement and supplier management, so that they can recognise warning signs, understand our policies, and know how to escalate concerns.

We also communicate our expectations to suppliers and contractors, making clear that the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking is a contractual and ethical requirement of working with Barnet Carpet Cleaning.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Barnet Carpet Cleaning is committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. We will review this statement and our related policies, procedures, and controls on an annual basis, or sooner if there are significant changes in our business or relevant legislation. The annual review will consider the effectiveness of our actions, any incidents or concerns raised, and opportunities to strengthen our systems.

Following each review, we may enhance our due diligence processes, update training materials, refine our supplier requirements, or introduce additional measures to reduce the risk of modern slavery. We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and we remain committed to developing our approach over time.

Approval of This Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the management of Barnet Carpet Cleaning, who accept overall responsibility for ensuring that it is implemented and maintained. It reflects our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.