Modern Slavery Statement
South Kensington Cleaners Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by South Kensington Cleaners in recognition of our responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically and with integrity, ensuring that the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected and upheld.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
South Kensington Cleaners has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and exploitation. This applies to every aspect of our own operations and to all third parties who provide goods or services to us. We expect the same commitment from all contractors, suppliers, and business partners we work with.
Our policy is built on the principles of fairness, respect, and transparency. We seek to create working environments where people are employed freely, paid fairly, and treated lawfully, with access to their identity documents and the freedom to leave their employment in accordance with their contracts.
Our Business and Supply Chain
South Kensington Cleaners operates in the cleaning and facilities services sector, providing services to residential and commercial clients. Our supply chain includes providers of cleaning products, equipment, workwear, and certain outsourced services. We recognise that some parts of the cleaning industry can be vulnerable to labour abuses and we therefore apply enhanced vigilance to the way we select and work with suppliers.
Due Diligence and Supplier Audits
We are committed to taking practical steps to identify, assess, and mitigate the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain. As part of this commitment, we undertake due diligence on new and existing suppliers. This includes requesting information about their labour practices, recruitment methods, and compliance with relevant legislation.
Where appropriate, we conduct audits or request evidence of independent audits to verify that suppliers operate in line with our expectations. These audits may include checks on working hours, pay and benefits, age verification, freedom of movement, and the use of labour agencies. Suppliers found to be in breach of our standards are required to implement corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe. Where concerns are serious or remain unresolved, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship.
Policies, Training, and Awareness
Our zero-tolerance position on modern slavery is reflected in our internal policies, including our ethical conduct and recruitment policies. We aim to recruit staff directly wherever possible and to use reputable agencies that share our commitment to fair labour standards. Employees involved in procurement, contract management, and site supervision receive guidance on recognising signs of modern slavery and on the steps to take if they identify a concern.
We seek to foster a culture in which respect for human rights is understood as everyone’s responsibility. This includes encouraging open dialogue about ethical concerns and ensuring that staff understand that they will be supported if they raise an issue in good faith.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
South Kensington Cleaners encourages employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any suspected case of modern slavery, human trafficking, or labour exploitation connected to our business. Reports can be made confidentially through our established internal reporting channels, including reporting to line managers or to senior management. We take all concerns seriously and investigate them promptly and sensitively.
No person who raises a concern in good faith will face retaliation, disadvantage, or dismissal for doing so. Where an investigation confirms that modern slavery or related abuses have occurred, we will take appropriate action, which may include notifying relevant authorities, supporting affected individuals, and reviewing or ending relationships with any party involved.
Monitoring, Accountability, and Annual Review
We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and requires continuous improvement. South Kensington Cleaners monitors the effectiveness of our actions through regular review of supplier performance, feedback from staff, and the outcomes of investigations or audits. Findings from these activities are used to strengthen our procedures and training.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the senior management team to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and reflective of current risks and best practice. Any significant changes in our business, supply chain, or regulatory environment will prompt an earlier review if necessary. Following each review, we will update this statement and communicate any material changes to our staff and suppliers, reinforcing our commitment to a clean, fair, and exploitation free supply chain.
