Gardeners East Ham Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners East Ham to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to act ethically, uphold human rights and ensure that our services, including gardening and grounds maintenance, are free from practices that exploit individuals.

Modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking, servitude and child labour. Gardeners East Ham is committed to identifying, preventing and addressing any risk or occurrence of such practices within our business and among those who supply goods or services to us.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners East Ham operates a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly work with any individual, contractor, agency, or supplier that engages in, or is complicit in, any form of modern slavery.

This commitment is reflected in our internal policies and the standards we expect from everyone who works with or for us. All managers are responsible for promoting a culture of integrity, where exploitation is never tolerated and any concerns are taken seriously and acted upon quickly.

We expect all staff, including seasonal and temporary workers, to respect the rights and dignity of others and to comply with all relevant employment and labour laws. Any breach of our zero-tolerance policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of plants, tools, equipment, uniforms, transport and outsourced services. We recognise that risks of modern slavery can arise at various stages, particularly where there is low-skilled labour, seasonal work or complex sourcing of materials.

Gardeners East Ham is committed to working only with suppliers and contractors who share our values. We communicate our expectations on labour standards, fair pay, safe working conditions and the prohibition of forced or child labour. Where appropriate, we incorporate these requirements into our supplier terms and conditions.

We conduct supplier checks and audits designed to assess compliance with our standards. These may include reviewing documentation relating to right to work, wage records, working hours, health and safety practices and the use of labour agencies. For higher-risk suppliers, we may carry out more detailed assessments, seek written assurances, or require corrective action plans where improvements are needed.

If any supplier is found to be involved in modern slavery, or fails to take adequate remedial steps when concerns are raised, Gardeners East Ham reserves the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone who works for Gardeners East Ham, or who has contact with our operations, to raise concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical labour practices. We treat all such concerns seriously, whether they relate to our own business or to our suppliers and contractors.

Concerns can be raised with a line manager or a senior member of the management team. Issues may include signs of coercion, workers who seem unable to leave their employment, withholding of identity documents, unexplained deductions from wages, or unsafe living and working conditions.

We support an open culture where people feel safe to speak up. Reports will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. No one will suffer retaliation for reporting a concern in good faith, even if it is not subsequently substantiated.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

To support our commitment, we provide relevant staff with guidance to help them understand the signs of modern slavery and how to respond to any concerns. Managers and supervisors, in particular, are made aware of the risks associated with recruitment, the use of labour agencies and subcontracting.

We continuously review our practices to strengthen our controls. This may include updating supplier questionnaires, refining our audit processes, and improving our internal procedures for recruitment, onboarding and record keeping.

Annual Review and Approval

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure that it remains accurate, effective and aligned with legal requirements and good practice. As part of the review, we consider any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier audits, changes in our operations and developments in relevant legislation or guidance.

Following each review, we will update this statement where necessary and communicate any significant changes to our staff and, where appropriate, to our suppliers. Gardeners East Ham is committed to transparency and will continue to improve our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our work.

This statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners East Ham and represents our ongoing commitment to conducting business responsibly and with respect for human rights.