Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Services Deptford

Gardening Services Deptford declares a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking and all forms of forced labour in our operations and supply chain. We commit to preventing exploitation in every aspect of our work, from routine garden maintenance to landscaping, tree care and grounds management. This statement explains the scope of our approach, the governance arrangements we have put in place, and how we monitor compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards across the Deptford area and beyond.

As a local provider of Deptford gardening services, we accept responsibility for setting high standards for recruitment, employment practices and subcontractor conduct. Our obligations cover direct employees, agency workers, and subcontracted labour used for seasonal planting or larger landscaping contracts. We require that recruitment agencies operate transparently, that wages comply with national minimum and living wage expectations, and that all workers have the freedom to leave employment and to report concerns without fear of reprisal.

We integrate anti-slavery clauses into procurement documents and contracts, and expect suppliers to maintain accurate records of payroll, working hours and accommodation where provided. Allegations of modern slavery are treated seriously: we follow a documented investigation procedure, which may include internal inquiry, temporary suspension of the supplier, remediation plans, and referral to law enforcement or specialist NGOs for victim support. We retain records of investigations and outcomes to inform future risk assessments.

Supplier Audits, Risk Assessment and Procurement Controls

We operate a risk-based audit programme that targets higher-risk parts of our supply chain supporting Deptford garden services, such as seasonal labour providers, outsourced landscaping crews and suppliers of imported horticultural products. Suppliers are categorised by risk and audited on a regular cycle; high-risk suppliers receive on-site audits, while lower-risk partners are subject to documentary checks. Audit findings drive corrective actions and, where necessary, contract termination.

Our due diligence and audit framework includes the following core elements:

• Supplier audits: scheduled visits, unannounced inspections, payroll checks and worker interviews;
• Contractual safeguards: mandatory anti-slavery clauses, right-to-audit rights and clear remediation obligations;
• Corrective action plans: agreed timelines, verification visits and escalation procedures for repeated non-compliance;
• Supplier development: capacity-building for smaller suppliers to help them meet ethical standards rather than immediate exclusion where feasible.

Before onboarding new partners for garden maintenance Deptford projects we conduct pre-contract screenings, require documented worker protections, and reserve the right to withdraw business from suppliers that do not demonstrate clear and timely remediation. Our procurement team enforces these standards and updates risk assessments as the supply base evolves.

Reporting Channels, Protection for Whistleblowers and Annual Review

We provide multiple confidential reporting channels so employees, workers, subcontractors and community members can raise concerns about modern slavery without fear. Reports may be made to designated case officers, through anonymous hotlines, or via secure written submissions. Every report is logged, risk-assessed and investigated promptly, with measures to protect confidentiality and non-retaliation policies strictly enforced. We record actions taken and lessons learned to improve future responses.

Our zero-tolerance stance is backed by mandatory training programmes for staff and managers that cover recognising signs of trafficking, safe referral pathways and the company’s response protocols. When exploitation is suspected or confirmed we prioritise the safety and welfare of affected individuals, offering support through partner organisations, temporary safe accommodation when required, medical assistance, and legal advice where appropriate. We work collaboratively with law enforcement, local charities and other stakeholders in Deptford to ensure victims receive immediate and sustained support.

An annual review of our anti-slavery measures is conducted by senior management and reported to the board to assess effectiveness and allocate resources. The review evaluates audit results, remediation outcomes, reporting efficacy and training reach, and sets measurable KPIs such as audit completion rates, average remediation time, and number of staff trained. By combining proactive supplier engagement, regular audits, robust reporting channels and a formal annual review, Gardening Services Deptford reaffirms its commitment to eradicate modern slavery across all aspects of Deptford gardening services and to promote fair, safe and dignified work for everyone involved.