Gardeners Wandsworth Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Wandsworth publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to reaffirm our commitment to preventing slavery and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. As Gardeners Wandsworth Ltd and the wider Wandsworth gardeners community, we adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour. Our policy applies to all employees, contractors and third-party suppliers engaged with the Gardeners of Wandsworth business and its affiliates.

We recognise that risks exist in gardening services, seasonal labour, maintenance contracts and material sourcing. Gardeners' Wandsworth undertakes due diligence to identify and reduce those risks and emphasises the importance of ethical recruitment practices. All staff receive training that explains their rights and responsibilities under our modern slavery procedures.

Scope and commitments of the Wandsworth Gardeners statement

This statement covers the period of our latest financial year and describes actions taken to manage and mitigate slavery risks. We are committed to transparent reporting and continuous improvement. Gardeners Wandsworth strives to ensure that terms of employment are fair, voluntary and compliant with applicable labour laws.

Our zero-tolerance policy is clear: any evidence of modern slavery will result in immediate action, up to and including termination of contracts and referral to enforcement authorities. We adopt a proportionate, victim-focused approach to remediation and work with relevant agencies to safeguard affected individuals.

Supplier management is central to our approach. Gardeners Wandsworth operates a supplier code of conduct that requires partners to adhere to ethical standards. Contracts with suppliers include clauses that prohibit forced labour and require cooperation with investigations. We use a risk-based approach to prioritise high-risk suppliers for enhanced review.

Supplier audits, assessments and monitoring

We carry out regular supplier audits, combining desktop reviews, questionnaire-based assessments and on-site visits where feasible. Audits evaluate recruitment practices, wage payment, working hours and health and safety. Corrective action plans are developed for any non-compliance, and persistent violations lead to contract termination. Our procurement team maintains a central register of suppliers and audit outcomes.

To strengthen detection, Gardeners Wandsworth encourages staff and partners to report concerns through multiple reporting channels. We provide confidential and anonymous whistleblowing routes, internal HR escalation, and dedicated reporting pathways for supply chain issues. Reports are investigated promptly by trained personnel, and we protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

Reporting channels include internal case management and independent escalation mechanisms. Allegations are assessed for severity, urgency and potential impact on individuals. Where appropriate, we refer cases to external authorities and collaborate with NGOs and enforcement bodies to ensure victims receive support.

Our commitment also involves regular training and awareness programs for employees and suppliers. Training covers identification of exploitation indicators, how to use reporting channels, and responsibilities under the modern slavery framework. We aim to build capacity across the gardening sector in Wandsworth to recognise and respond to risks.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement Gardeners Wandsworth reviews this statement at least annually. The review examines the effectiveness of policies, the outcomes of supplier audits, the number and nature of reports received, and progress against remediation plans. Results are considered by senior management, and updates to our approach are implemented where gaps are identified.

We publish this statement to provide transparency about our practices and progress. As Wandsworth Gardeners and Gardeners Wandsworth Ltd continue to evolve, we will update procedures and controls to reflect emerging risks and best practice in the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Key actions planned include strengthening supplier due diligence, increasing the frequency of audits for higher-risk supply chains, expanding training for frontline staff and reinforcing our zero-tolerance stance. We remain resolute in our duty to prevent exploitation and to act decisively should any instance of modern slavery be identified.