Modern Slavery Statement for Patio Cleaning

Patio Cleaning and outdoor maintenance are core services we provide. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our commitment to identifying, preventing and eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. Our company applies a zero-tolerance policy to any form of forced labour, servitude, or exploitation in every aspect of patio cleaning services and related activities.

We recognise that risks can arise across cleaning contracts, seasonal labour, subcontracted patio cleaners and supply partners. As part of our core compliance framework, we have adopted clear policies and procedures to protect workers, promote fair treatment, and ensure transparency in procurement for all patio cleaning services and outdoor surface restorations.

Our Commitments and Principles

Our commitments include:

• Zero tolerance: We will not tolerate slavery, forced labour or human trafficking in any form in our patio cleaning operations or supplier relationships.
• Fair recruitment: We require that workers engaged on patio cleaning assignments are recruited fairly, free from fees and retain control of their identity documents.
• Safe working conditions: We promote safe, healthy working environments for on-site patio maintenance and cleaning teams.

Supplier Assurance and Audits

We maintain robust supplier due diligence for all patio cleaning vendors and subcontractors. This includes pre-contract checks, contractual clauses prohibiting modern slavery, and ongoing compliance monitoring. Our procurement team assesses risk factors such as the use of temporary labour, subcontracting practices and geographic risk to prioritise audit activity.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

Supplier audits for patio cleaning partners are conducted through a combination of document review, remote assessments and where necessary, on-site inspections. Audit findings are documented and followed up with corrective action plans. We require suppliers to:

• Provide evidence of wages and working hours for patio cleaning staff;
• Demonstrate lawful recruitment practices and absence of recruitment fees;
• Maintain records of subcontracting arrangements and worker identity safeguards.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We provide multiple reporting channels to raise concerns about modern slavery in the context of patio cleaning and outdoor maintenance. Reports can be made anonymously and will be investigated promptly. Our grievance mechanisms are accessible to employees, subcontractors and third parties.

How we handle reports:

• Confidential investigation: All allegations are treated confidentially and investigated by trained personnel.
• Protection from retaliation: We protect whistleblowers and ensure no adverse treatment for those who raise concerns in good faith.
• Remediation: Where instances of modern slavery are identified, we take immediate action to protect victims and remediate systemic issues.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

To prevent modern slavery in patio cleaning services, we provide mandatory training for our staff and relevant suppliers. Training covers identification of risks, recognising signs of exploitation among patio cleaners, and correct reporting procedures. We emphasise a culture of vigilance and responsibility across all levels of our organisation.

We also maintain a risk register specific to patio cleaning operations and review supplier performance metrics regularly. Our approach is proactive: we seek to address root causes by improving recruitment practices, contractual transparency and worker support programmes.

Annual Review and Governance

Our board and senior management review this Modern Slavery Statement and related policies annually. The annual review assesses the effectiveness of our zero-tolerance measures, supplier audits, reporting channels and corrective actions. Results of the review inform policy updates, training refreshers and the allocation of resources to areas of higher risk within patio cleaning supply chains.

Conclusion: We are committed to continuous improvement and to ensuring that our patio cleaning business and partners operate without exploitation. Through stringent supplier audits, clear reporting channels, robust training and an uncompromising zero-tolerance stance, we aim to eradicate modern slavery from our operations and support ethical practices across the sector.