Modern Slavery Statement — Commercial Waste Berkhamsted
Commercial Waste Berkhamsted recognises the severe harm caused by modern slavery and human trafficking and sets out its clear commitment to preventing these practices across our operations and supply chains. This statement applies to commercial waste activities, waste management contracts and all contracting relationships. We have a zero-tolerance policy to any form of forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking or exploitation within our business or among our partners.
Scope and commitment
Our commitment extends across commercial waste in Berkhamsted, including collections, transfers and disposal arrangements. We will not tolerate any breach of human rights through our operations or by third parties acting on our behalf. This policy underpins contractual obligations, procurement decisions and the way we engage with suppliers, contractors and subcontractors, and is enforced through clear contractual terms and monitoring.
Suppliers and contractors who provide services to Berkhamsted commercial waste operations are expected to comply with the standards set out in this statement. We require that suppliers maintain appropriate labour standards, permit freedom of movement, and ensure workers are paid fairly and not coerced. Supplier selection criteria include checks for legal compliance, ethical practice and worker welfare to reduce the risk of modern slavery.
We operate a structured due diligence process across our supply chain to identify, assess and mitigate the risk of modern slavery. This includes pre-contract risk assessments, periodic supplier risk profiling and targeted audits where higher risk is identified. Our approach to supplier audits includes documentation checks, site visits and interviews when necessary, and the use of third-party auditors for independent verification.
Supplier audits and monitoring
Supplier audits are a central element of our compliance framework. Supplier audits focus on wage records, working hours, right-to-work documentation, health and safety standards, and subcontracting practices. Where deficiencies are detected, we require corrective action plans, follow-up audits and, where appropriate, suspension or termination of contracts. We encourage transparency and continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.
To support these activities we maintain written policies and training programs for procurement officers, contract managers and site supervisors. Training emphasises how to spot indicators of exploitation and the steps to escalate concerns. We promote a culture of vigilance within the commercial-waste Berkhamsted sector to help prevent exploitation in waste handling and logistics.
Reporting channels are provided to enable employees, subcontractors and third parties to raise concerns in confidence. We operate multiple reporting routes, ensuring accessibility and protection for whistleblowers. Available channels include:
- Internal reporting via designated managers and compliance officers;
- Anonymous reporting mechanisms maintained by third parties for those who require anonymity;
- Escalation procedures for serious concerns to senior leadership and, where necessary, authorities.
Where an allegation is raised about modern slavery within our operations or supply chain, we undertake a proportionate investigation, prioritising victim safety and confidentiality. Remediation measures may include worker support, supplier remediation plans, contract termination and cooperation with law enforcement. We will also seek to learn from incidents to strengthen our controls across Berkhamsted commercial waste services.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to assess effectiveness and to identify improvements. The annual review examines audit results, reported incidents, supplier compliance, training completion rates and changes in legislation or risk profiles. Outcomes inform revisions to policy, processes and resource allocation to further reduce the risk of modern slavery within our commercial waste services.
In adopting this statement, Commercial Waste Berkhamsted reaffirms a commitment to ethical procurement, robust supplier audits, safe reporting channels and continual review. We will continue to work collaboratively with our partners to uphold human rights and ensure that modern slavery has no place in our business or the wider waste management sector.
