Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Barking

Gardeners Barking is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that even a local gardening service can be connected to broader labour risks, so we maintain a clear zero-tolerance approach to any form of exploitation.

As a responsible provider of gardening services in Barking, we expect the same ethical standards from employees, contractors, and suppliers. Our commitment applies across recruitment, procurement, subcontracting, and day-to-day site activity. We seek to ensure that every person involved in our work is treated with dignity, paid fairly, and protected from coercion or abuse. The principles within this statement support our wider culture of accountability and lawful conduct.

We assess risk by reviewing the types of work we buy, the locations from which we source materials, and the labour practices of those in our supply chain. Higher-risk areas include seasonal labour, outsourced transport, and imported goods such as timber, soil products, and landscaping materials. By identifying where modern slavery risks may exist, Gardeners Barking can take practical steps to reduce them and strengthen oversight.

Our supplier audits are a key control measure. We expect suppliers to confirm compliance with applicable labour laws and to demonstrate safe recruitment practices, transparent wage arrangements, and proper worker documentation. Audits may include document checks, contract reviews, site visits, and follow-up questions where concerns arise. If a supplier is unable to meet our standards, we reserve the right to suspend or end the relationship.

We also require staff involved in purchasing and supervision to remain alert to warning signs such as restricted worker movement, withheld identification papers, unusual control over accommodation, or inconsistent payment practices. Training and internal guidance help our team recognise these indicators early. In this way, Gardeners Barking aims to reduce vulnerability across the business and promote ethical working conditions.

Reporting concerns is essential to the effectiveness of this statement. Any worker, contractor, or supplier who suspects wrongdoing can raise the issue through our internal reporting channels, which are designed to be safe, accessible, and confidential. Concerns may relate to poor labour conditions, suspected exploitation, retaliation, or unsafe recruitment. All reports are taken seriously and handled promptly, with appropriate investigation and action where needed.

We prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports concerns in good faith. This includes protection for employees who ask questions, challenge irregularities, or refuse to participate in unethical practices. A zero-tolerance policy means that any verified involvement in modern slavery will lead to decisive action, including disciplinary measures, contract termination, and reporting to the relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our governance process supports ongoing review by management. We monitor supplier performance, update risk assessments, and keep records of incidents, audit findings, and corrective actions. This helps ensure that Gardeners Barking does not simply publish a statement, but actively applies it in practice. Ethical sourcing and responsible labour management are considered part of quality service, not an optional extra.

This statement is reviewed annually to confirm that it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legislation and business operations. During the review, we consider any incidents, changes in supply chains, audit results, and feedback from internal monitoring. Where improvements are needed, we update our procedures, strengthen controls, and reinforce staff awareness.

We believe that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. By maintaining strong supplier checks, clear reporting channels, and annual review, Gardeners Barking supports a workplace and supply chain built on respect, transparency, and lawful practice. This statement reflects our continued commitment to ethical conduct in every part of our gardening business.