Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Thamesmead
Gardeners Thamesmead is committed to operating with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights in every part of our work. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation within our own operations and throughout our supply chain. We recognise that gardening and landscaping services can involve varied labour arrangements, subcontractors, and product sourcing, which is why our approach is zero-tolerance in principle and practical in action.
Our policy applies to all employees, managers, temporary workers, and suppliers associated with Gardeners Thamesmead. We expect everyone working with us to act lawfully, ethically, and transparently. Any sign of coercion, deception, debt bondage, restricted movement, withheld documents, or unsafe working conditions is treated as a serious concern. We also require all business decisions to reflect our commitment to dignity and lawful employment.
We understand that modern slavery can appear in hidden forms, including recruitment abuse, illegal wage deductions, and dependence created by unfair working practices. For that reason, our procedures are designed to identify risk early and respond quickly. The Thamesmead gardeners team is trained to recognise warning signs and to escalate concerns without delay. Where risk is identified, we act immediately to investigate, protect people, and end any relationship that fails to meet our standards.
Supplier oversight is a core part of our control framework. We carry out supplier audits proportionate to the level of risk, focusing on labour practices, subcontracting, right-to-work evidence, wage arrangements, and document retention. These audits may include requests for declarations, policy reviews, site checks, and follow-up assessments. If a supplier cannot demonstrate acceptable standards, we work with them to correct the issue or discontinue the relationship if necessary.
Our procurement expectations are clear: suppliers must not use forced labour, child labour, or any form of exploitation. They must also ensure that their own supply chains uphold the same principles. For gardeners in Thamesmead, ethical sourcing matters as much as technical quality. Tools, materials, plants, and outsourced labour must all be obtained through lawful and responsible practices. We reserve the right to review records and require evidence of compliance at any time.
Reporting channels are available to everyone connected with our work, including staff, contractors, and suppliers. Concerns about suspected modern slavery may be raised through internal management routes, safeguarding procedures, or confidential reporting mechanisms. Reports are handled seriously, sensitively, and without retaliation. 
Anyone raising a concern in good faith is protected from punishment, disadvantage, or dismissal. Where appropriate, concerns may be escalated to specialist support services or relevant authorities.
Our employees receive awareness training so they can recognise indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond. Training covers practical examples relevant to gardening and maintenance services, such as recruitment pressure, unusual control over workers, and unexplained restrictions on freedom. By keeping our teams informed, Gardeners Thamesmead strengthens prevention and improves the likelihood that concerns will be identified early.
We maintain records of risk reviews, audit findings, corrective actions, and reported concerns to support accountability and continuous improvement. The effectiveness of our approach is measured by how well we reduce risk, respond to issues, and maintain ethical standards across all operations. Our statement is not static; it is part of an active compliance culture that expects clear ownership and measurable follow-through.
In line with our governance commitments, this statement is reviewed annually and updated where needed to reflect changes in law, business activity, or risk profile. 
The review includes the performance of supplier audits, the use of reporting channels, and the effectiveness of our zero-tolerance policy. Any lessons learned are incorporated into our procedures so that our approach remains relevant and robust.
Gardeners Thamesmead affirms that modern slavery has no place in our business or supply chain. We will continue to strengthen prevention, improve oversight, and act decisively when issues arise. Through clear expectations, careful monitoring, and ethical leadership, we aim to ensure that every person connected to our work is treated with fairness, respect, and lawful protection.