Modern Slavery Statement for Cleaning Gutters

Our commitment to ethical operations in Cleaning Gutters and related gutter cleaning activities is uncompromising. We recognize that the provision of gutter-cleaning services and gutter maintenance carries responsibilities to ensure no form of modern slavery, forced labour or human trafficking exists in our operations or supply chain. This statement sets out the steps we take across our cleaning of gutters business to prevent exploitation and protect workers.

We apply rigorous governance for all aspects of gutter maintenance and gutter-cleaning contracts, assigning clear roles and oversight. Senior leaders are accountable for implementing policies and ensuring that every subcontractor and operative involved in cleaning gutters adheres to our standards. Our procurement teams include specific clauses prohibiting exploitative practices in all service agreements.

Zero-tolerance policy: We operate a zero-tolerance stance towards modern slavery. This includes:

• Immediate action if exploitation is suspected;
• Termination of contracts with suppliers found to be non-compliant;
• Support measures for affected workers, prioritising safety and remediation.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Our supplier assessment for gutter cleaning services combines pre-qualification screening and ongoing monitoring. Prospective contractors undergo checks on labour practices, worker documentation and recruitment pathways. We use risk-based profiling to focus resources on high-risk suppliers and regions where the risk of forced labour in gutter maintenance is elevated.

Audits are a cornerstone of our assurance programme. We conduct announced and unannounced site inspections, review payroll records and interview workers where appropriate. Audit outcomes inform corrective action plans and can lead to suspension pending remediation. We expect suppliers to demonstrate continuous improvement in labour standards.

Supplier requirements are embedded in contracts and purchase orders for all cleaning gutters operations. Contract provisions include the right to audit, obligations to disclose subcontracting, and a requirement to provide remedy for any identified breaches. We provide training and resources to help partners meet these obligations.

Reporting Channels and Worker Protections

We maintain multiple secure reporting channels to encourage disclosure of concerns. Staff and third parties can raise issues through anonymous hotlines, internal reporting systems and designated HR contacts. All reports are treated confidentially, investigated promptly and escalated to governance bodies when necessary. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises concerns in good faith.

To foster a culture of vigilance across our gutter cleaning operations, we provide training for employees, supervisors and procurement teams. Training includes recognition of exploitation indicators, appropriate interviewer techniques and how to support at-risk workers. We also encourage suppliers to run equivalent programmes for their workforce.

Annual review: Our modern slavery programme is subject to an annual review that evaluates performance, audit findings and the effectiveness of remediation. This review informs policy updates, resource allocation and any changes to supplier engagement approaches. We publish a summary of progress demonstrating accountability and continual improvement in preventing modern slavery within the gutter-cleaning services sector.

We commit to collaborating with industry peers, NGOs and enforcement agencies to strengthen protections across the supply chain for those employed in cleaning gutters and related roles. Our approach combines prevention, detection and remedy to ensure ethical outcomes.

Statement endorsement: This statement is approved by senior management and reflects the organisation's ongoing obligations. We will keep this policy under regular review and update it as necessary to respond to emerging risks and stakeholder expectations.

By maintaining a zero-tolerance approach, conducting robust supplier audits, providing clear reporting channels and committing to an annual review, we aim to eradicate modern slavery from our gutter maintenance activities and lead by example in the cleaning and maintenance industry.