Modern Slavery Statement for Maida Vale Carpet Cleaners

Maida Vale Carpet Cleaners is committed to conducting business in an ethical, transparent, and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to identify, mitigate, and address the risks of forced labour, servitude, child labour, and human trafficking in all areas of our business.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Maida Vale Carpet Cleaners provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services to residential and commercial customers. Our activities rely on a network of suppliers who provide cleaning products, equipment, uniforms, and ancillary services. Although we operate in a sector that is generally considered low risk, we acknowledge that modern slavery can occur in any industry and jurisdiction. We therefore take proactive steps to monitor and manage our suppliers and partners.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to every aspect of our operations and to all parties we work with, including suppliers, subcontractors, agents, and other business partners. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation that is involved in, or fails to take adequate steps to prevent, modern slavery. If credible concerns arise, we will investigate promptly and, where appropriate, suspend or terminate relationships with third parties that do not meet our standards.

Governance and Responsibilities

Responsibility for this Modern Slavery Statement and its implementation sits with the senior management team of Maida Vale Carpet Cleaners. Managers are responsible for promoting awareness of modern slavery risks within their teams, ensuring that staff understand our zero-tolerance approach, and escalating any concerns that are raised. All employees are required to act with integrity, comply with our policies, and report any suspected breaches.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We expect our suppliers to conduct their business in a way that respects human rights and complies fully with applicable labour laws. As part of our supplier management process, we seek to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks through proportionate due diligence and monitoring. This includes assessing the nature of goods and services provided, where they are sourced, and the potential vulnerability of workers in those supply chains.

We reserve the right to conduct audits of new and existing suppliers where we believe the risk profile justifies additional scrutiny. These audits may include requests for information about labour practices, workforce composition, recruitment methods, and use of subcontractors. Where necessary, we may also request supporting documentation or conduct site visits. If an audit identifies issues of concern, we will work with the supplier to develop a corrective action plan, set clear timelines for improvement, and follow up to confirm that remedial measures are effective.

Training and Awareness

We aim to ensure that relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement and supplier management, understand the signs of modern slavery and the steps they should take if they have concerns. This includes awareness of indicators such as restrictions on freedom of movement, withholding of wages or identity documents, excessive working hours, or exploitative recruitment fees. We encourage open discussion about ethical sourcing and reinforce our zero-tolerance stance in internal communications and management briefings.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Maida Vale Carpet Cleaners encourages employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery connected with our business or supply chains. Concerns may be raised through our internal reporting channels, directly to line managers, or to senior management. We treat all reports seriously and will investigate promptly, respecting confidentiality as far as possible and protecting individuals who raise concerns in good faith from any form of retaliation or detrimental treatment.

Where appropriate, we will cooperate with law enforcement and relevant authorities in investigating and addressing allegations of modern slavery. We are committed to taking decisive action, which may include terminating relationships, reviewing policies and procedures, and providing support to affected individuals where we are able to do so.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that addressing modern slavery is an ongoing process and that our approach must evolve over time. We are committed to continuous improvement in our policies, due diligence processes, and risk management activities. Each year, we will review this Modern Slavery Statement, evaluate the effectiveness of our measures, and consider any changes in legislation, industry practice, or risk profile.

The annual review will include an assessment of any reported incidents, audit findings, supplier performance, and feedback from employees and stakeholders. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will update our procedures and communicate any significant changes within the business and, where relevant, to our suppliers. This statement has been approved by the senior management of Maida Vale Carpet Cleaners and will be updated and published on an annual basis.