Modern Slavery Statement — Office Clearance Highbury
Office Clearance Highbury publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to affirm our enduring commitment to preventing slavery, servitude, forced labour and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a local clearance and waste management specialist, the Office Clearance Highbury team recognises the risks that exist across sectors and geographies and commits to clear, enforceable measures to eliminate exploitation. This anti-slavery declaration complements our broader compliance and ethical sourcing policies and sets out our approach to risk assessment, supplier management and continual improvement.
We operate a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of modern slavery. Zero tolerance means we will investigate swiftly and take decisive action when concerns are raised. All employees and contractors are required to adhere to the standards set out in this anti-slavery statement and to report any suspected breaches immediately. Our expectations extend to subcontractors, suppliers and any third parties acting on our behalf, and we insist on contractual protections that enable audits and remedial measures where necessary.
The scope of this modern slavery and human trafficking statement covers direct operations, service partners and the supply chains associated with clearance, disposal and recycling activities. We require suppliers to demonstrate compliance with labour standards and to provide documentation that verifies lawful employment practices. Suppliers that cannot demonstrate compliance will be subject to escalation, corrective action plans or termination of relationship as appropriate under our procurement policies.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
Our supplier audit programme is a central pillar of our approach to preventing forced labour. Audits are designed to identify risk areas and verify that agreed standards are met. Key elements include:
- Pre-engagement screening and risk assessment of potential suppliers
- Periodic documentation checks, including payroll, contracts and right-to-work verification
- On-site inspections and supplier interviews where risk indicators are present
Audits are conducted by trained procurement staff or independent third-party assessors depending on complexity and geographic risk. Findings are recorded, communicated to suppliers and tracked until closed. Where audits reveal non-compliance, we implement corrective action plans, monitor remedial measures and, if necessary, suspend or terminate contracts to protect workers and uphold our standards.
We also apply targeted due diligence for high-risk categories and maintain a register of suppliers with elevated risk ratings. This register informs our audit frequency and resource allocation. The Office Clearance Highbury procurement function integrates modern slavery considerations into contract clauses, supplier scorecards and performance reviews to ensure accountability across the supply chain.
Reporting Channels, Training and Annual Review
Reporting channels are confidential and accessible: employees and third parties are encouraged to report concerns through designated internal routes. We provide clear procedures to raise issues without fear of retaliation, and reports are investigated promptly by the compliance team. Whistleblowing pathways are supported by documented processes to ensure impartial investigation and timely remediation.
We deliver ongoing training to staff involved in procurement, operations and site management to raise awareness of modern slavery risks and to build capability in recognising red flags. Training materials are refreshed regularly and include scenario-based learning and supplier engagement best practices. We maintain records of training attendance and adapt content in response to emerging risks and audit outcomes.
This anti-slavery statement is reviewed on an annual basis as part of our governance cycle. The annual review examines the effectiveness of policies, the outcomes of supplier audits, trends in reporting and the implementation of corrective actions. Where necessary we will update our procedures and publish subsequent statements reflecting improvements and new commitments. Office Clearance Highbury remains resolute in pursuing continuous improvement and in ensuring our operations and those of our partners are free from exploitation.
