Modern Slavery Statement for Swiss Cottage Cleaners

Swiss Cottage Cleaners is firmly committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and in full compliance with all applicable laws relating to modern slavery and human trafficking. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery in our own operations and throughout our supply chains.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, and child labour. We will not knowingly engage with any individual, contractor, or organisation that is involved in such practices, and we reserve the right to terminate any relationship where evidence of modern slavery is identified.

Every person working for or on behalf of Swiss Cottage Cleaners is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect for human rights. This commitment extends to our management teams, employees, temporary staff, and all third parties acting in connection with our services.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Swiss Cottage Cleaners provides professional cleaning services to residential, commercial, and institutional clients. To deliver these services, we engage a range of suppliers, including providers of cleaning materials, equipment, uniforms, technology, facilities services, and labour-related support.

We recognise that certain parts of the cleaning and facilities management sector can be vulnerable to labour exploitation. We therefore seek to understand and mitigate risks across all tiers of our supply chain, with particular focus on labour practices, recruitment processes, and the sourcing of products used in our services.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All new suppliers are expected to confirm their adherence to our ethical standards, including our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery and human trafficking. We communicate our expectations clearly at the outset of any commercial relationship and require suppliers to comply with all relevant labour and human rights legislation.

We conduct proportionate risk-based due diligence on suppliers, taking into account factors such as sector, geography, and type of goods or services provided. Where risks are identified, we may undertake additional checks, request supporting documentation, or require evidence of the supplier’s own modern slavery policies and procedures.

Supplier audits may be carried out on a scheduled or ad hoc basis. These audits can include document reviews, interviews, and site visits where appropriate. Failure by a supplier to address identified concerns may result in corrective action plans, suspension of orders, or termination of the business relationship.

Training, Awareness, and Employee Responsibilities

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery among our employees and managers. Training is provided to those involved in procurement, contract management, recruitment, and supervision of workers, enabling them to recognise potential warning signs and understand the appropriate escalation routes.

All employees are expected to behave in a manner consistent with our values and to remain vigilant to the risk of exploitation in our operations or supply chains. Managers have a responsibility to promote a culture where concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Swiss Cottage Cleaners encourages anyone who has concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical labour practices to report them promptly. Concerns may relate to our own operations, those of our suppliers, or the conduct of any individual associated with our business.

Reports can be made through internal management channels or via our whistleblowing arrangements, which allow individuals to raise issues confidentially. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated fairly, and handled with appropriate sensitivity. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility that requires continuous improvement. Swiss Cottage Cleaners is committed to regularly reviewing and enhancing our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated on an annual basis by our leadership team. As part of this review, we consider emerging risks, changes in legislation, feedback from stakeholders, and the outcomes of our audits and investigations. Where necessary, we will adjust our approach, strengthen controls, and enhance training to better prevent and detect modern slavery.

By maintaining strong governance, clear expectations, and robust reporting mechanisms, Swiss Cottage Cleaners aims to play a meaningful role in the wider effort to eliminate modern slavery and protect the rights and dignity of all workers.