Gardening Sydenham - Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Sydenham is committed to a zero-tolerance approach to forced labour, human trafficking and any form of exploitation. This modern slavery statement reflects our ongoing determination to identify, prevent and remedy risks of modern slavery in our operations and supply chain. We set clear expectations for employees, contractors and suppliers and embed anti-slavery principles into everyday business activities across the organisation.

We publish this anti-slavery statement to clarify responsibilities and drive continual improvement. Our policies align with recognised labour standards and adopt a preventative stance: we will not tolerate abusive practices. The policy is enforced through training, recruitment checks and explicit contractual obligations. As part of our governance we ensure senior oversight and accountability for the slavery and human trafficking commitment.

Scope and supply chain diligence

Gardening Sydenham's slavery and human trafficking declaration covers all direct operations and third parties supplying goods or services. We carry out due diligence to understand where risks may arise, prioritising areas with higher vulnerability. Our due diligence activities include background checks, supplier self-assessments and targeted site visits to verify labour practices and worker welfare.

To support this modern slavery policy we operate a zero tolerance policy towards slavery and forced labour. Any allegation of exploitative practice is treated seriously and acted on immediately. We will suspend or terminate relationships with suppliers who are found to be engaging in or enabling modern slavery, and we will pursue remedial steps to protect affected workers.

Supplier audits and contractual controls

Supplier audits form a core part of our prevention strategy. We conduct regular risk-based audits, including documentary reviews and on-site assessments where appropriate. Audit outcomes inform corrective action plans and ongoing monitoring. All major suppliers are required to accept contractual anti-slavery clauses and permit verification of compliance.

Our procurement team uses a risk rating system that considers sector, geography and labour intensity. We maintain a supplier code of conduct and provide guidance to help partners meet our standards. Key measures include documented working hours, verification of right to work, transparent wage records and safe working conditions.

Reporting channels are central to detection and remediation. We provide multiple, confidential ways for workers, suppliers and the public to raise concerns. Reports are investigated by trained personnel and escalated to senior management when required. We protect whistleblowers and ensure no retaliation against those who report in good faith.

Our commitment is sustained through training, monitoring and continuous improvement. Employees with procurement, HR and site management responsibilities receive targeted training on recognising signs of exploitation and on our reporting procedures. We also run supplier workshops to build capacity and awareness of anti-slavery requirements.

The statement and our practices are subject to formal review annually. Each year we assess the effectiveness of due diligence, audit findings, incident responses and remediation outcomes, and update policies accordingly. The annual review is approved by senior leadership and influences resource allocation, supplier engagement strategies and risk management plans.