Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Sydenham

At Gardeners Sydenham, we are committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, and exploitative practices within our operations and supply chain. As a local gardening service, we recognise that ethical responsibility extends beyond the work we do in gardens and into every partnership, purchase, and operational decision we make.

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and third-party service providers. We do not accept any form of slavery, coercion, debt bondage, or child labour. Every person working with Gardeners Sydenham must uphold fair treatment, lawful employment, and safe working conditions. We expect the same standards from our suppliers and will take decisive action where breaches are identified, including suspension or termination of relationships where necessary.

To support this commitment, Gardeners Sydenham carries out supplier due diligence and supplier audits based on risk. We assess vendors for labour standards, working hours, recruitment practices, wage compliance, and ownership transparency. Higher-risk suppliers may be asked to provide supporting documentation, respond to questionnaires, or undergo additional review. If concerns arise, we require corrective action plans and follow-up checks to verify improvement. This process helps us maintain a responsible and accountable supply chain.

Training and awareness are also central to our approach. Team members are informed about the signs of exploitation and the importance of reporting concerns promptly. We make sure supervisors and managers understand how to identify risks in sourcing, subcontracting, and labour arrangements. By promoting awareness across the business, Gardeners Sydenham strengthens its ability to detect and prevent abuse before it occurs.

Reporting channels are available so that any worker, supplier, or stakeholder can raise concerns in confidence. Reports may include suspected exploitation, unsafe labour practices, or unethical conduct in the supply chain. All concerns are treated seriously, investigated fairly, and handled with discretion. We do not permit retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith. Our process encourages early action, so issues can be addressed swiftly and appropriately.

We also require suppliers to confirm compliance with applicable employment laws and ethical labour standards. Where necessary, we seek written assurances that workers are recruited voluntarily and are not subjected to fees, document retention, or deceptive terms. Gardeners Sydenham reserves the right to review contracts, request evidence, and revise sourcing decisions if a supplier fails to meet our expectations. This helps ensure our operations remain aligned with our values.

Responsibility for this statement is shared across the organisation, with management overseeing implementation and monitoring. We keep records of due diligence, audit findings, corrective actions, and reported concerns. These records allow us to track progress and identify areas where further attention is needed. Our aim is not only compliance, but continuous improvement in ethical practice throughout the business.

We recognise that modern slavery risks can change over time, particularly as supply chains evolve. For that reason, this statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and effective. During the review, we consider any incidents, audit results, training needs, and changes in legislation or business activity. Where improvements are required, we update our procedures and strengthen our controls.

At Gardeners Sydenham, we believe that maintaining a fair and transparent supply chain is part of professional service. By applying a strict zero-tolerance policy, conducting supplier audits, maintaining clear reporting channels, and completing an annual review, we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery in every aspect of our work.