Highgate Skip Hire Modern Slavery Statement

Highgate Skip Hire publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to declare a clear and continuing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. This anti-slavery statement summarises our approach, governance and the actions we take to ensure that exploitation of any kind is not tolerated. Our values demand transparency, and this slavery and human trafficking statement sets out the policies, expectations and remedial steps that form our ongoing response.

We operate a zero-tolerance policy for forced labour and exploitation. All employees, contractors and suppliers are expected to comply with this modern slavery policy. Any breach of these standards will be treated seriously and may result in termination of contracts and, where appropriate, referral to the relevant authorities. Our leadership team is accountable for enforcing the anti-slavery policy and ensures that responsibility cascades through procurement, operations and partner management.

As part of our prevention programme, we carry out regular due diligence and supplier audits. Our supplier audits include documentation checks, site visits and targeted interviews with workers where appropriate. We assess risk using a tiered approach that focuses on high-risk suppliers and high-risk geographies. This supplier assessment and auditing process is designed to identify indicators of forced labour, excessive working hours, withheld wages or restrictions on worker freedom.

Supplier Controls, Audits and Expectations

Our procurement teams work with suppliers to embed ethical standards across the supply chain. We require suppliers to adhere to our code of conduct and to provide evidence of labour practices. We use a combination of audits, questionnaires and contractual clauses to drive compliance. Where issues are identified, we expect suppliers to implement corrective action plans and we monitor progress until the issue is resolved. Persistent non-compliance leads to remedial action, contract suspension or termination.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Highgate Skip Hire maintains multiple confidential reporting channels that allow employees, contractors and third parties to raise concerns about potential slavery or trafficking. Reports can be made anonymously and are investigated promptly. We protect whistleblowers from retaliation and treat every allegation seriously. The reporting channels include an internal ethics hotline and designated compliance officers who manage investigations and recommend corrective measures.

To support these processes we provide training for staff and partners on recognising signs of exploitation and on how to use our reporting mechanisms. Training is refreshed regularly and forms part of induction for new hires. We also promote awareness of workers' rights and encourage suppliers to adopt similar training for their workforce to reduce risk across the supply chain.

Our approach to remediation and continuous improvement includes:

• Risk assessment: regular reviews of operations and supplier tiers to identify where modern slavery risks are highest;
• Supplier audits: scheduled and unannounced checks to verify compliance and worker welfare;
• Corrective action: time-bound plans to address any findings, with independent verification where needed;
• Collaboration: working with industry partners, NGOs and authorities to improve standards sector-wide.

We commit to an annual review and public statement on progress. Each year the Board reviews the effectiveness of our anti-slavery statement, audit outcomes, training completion rates and reported incidents. The review results in an action plan that is implemented across the business and tracked by senior management. Our annual review ensures continuous improvement and helps to adapt our slavery prevention measures in response to emerging risks and stakeholder expectations.

Highgate Skip Hire will continue to refine its approach to this modern slavery statement, strengthening supplier engagement, expanding audit coverage and enhancing reporting transparency. We are committed to ethical business practices and to ensuring that our operations and supply chains are free from forced labour and human trafficking. This document represents our ongoing pledge to uphold human rights and to act decisively should modern slavery be identified anywhere within our influence.