Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Barking

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Barking has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically, transparently, and with integrity in all our business relationships.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Gardeners Barking provides gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance services. Our activities involve the use of gardening tools, plants, landscaping materials, waste removal services, equipment hire, and occasional seasonal labour. We recognise that certain parts of the horticulture, construction, and logistics sectors can be vulnerable to exploitative labour practices, and we actively seek to mitigate these risks.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

Gardeners Barking has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We will not knowingly engage with any individual, contractor, or organisation involved in such practices. Any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery will result in immediate investigation and may lead to termination of contracts or working relationships, as well as reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

All managers and those involved in procurement and recruitment are required to uphold this zero-tolerance approach and to consider modern slavery risks in their day-to-day decisions.

Policies and Governance

Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is supported by internal policies that set expectations for ethical conduct, responsible sourcing, fair treatment of workers, and compliance with applicable laws. These policies apply to permanent staff, temporary workers, subcontractors, and suppliers engaged by Gardeners Barking.

Senior management is responsible for overseeing the effectiveness of these policies, reviewing identified risks, and ensuring that any required improvements are implemented in a timely manner.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We understand that our responsibility extends beyond our direct workforce to our wider supply chain. Gardeners Barking carries out due diligence before engaging new suppliers and periodically reviews existing suppliers to assess their compliance with our standards on modern slavery.

Our supplier measures include: assessing suppliers on their labour practices and sourcing transparency; requesting evidence of their own modern slavery policies where appropriate; prioritising reputable suppliers who can demonstrate responsible employment practices; and reserving the right to conduct audits, request further information, or visit supplier premises to verify compliance.

Where we identify concerns, we will work with the supplier to address issues through corrective action plans. If non-compliance persists or serious breaches are identified, we will consider ending the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

Gardeners Barking promotes awareness of modern slavery risks among staff involved in recruitment, site supervision, and supply chain management. Staff are informed about indicators of forced labour and exploitation, and are encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly in higher-risk activities such as seasonal work and subcontracted labour.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We are committed to creating an environment where concerns about modern slavery can be raised safely and confidentially. Employees, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to report any suspicion of modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices within our operations or supply chain.

Concerns can be raised directly with a line manager, senior management, or through internal reporting procedures. Reports will be taken seriously, treated sensitively, and investigated promptly. Gardeners Barking will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Barking recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process. We are committed to continuously improving our approach by regularly reviewing our risk assessments, supplier controls, and staff awareness measures.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year to reflect changes in our operations, supply chains, and any new legal or best practice requirements. As part of this annual review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our actions, consider feedback from staff and suppliers, and identify areas where further improvement is needed.

This statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Barking and constitutes our modern slavery statement for the current financial year.