Gardener Walthamstow Modern Slavery Statement

Gardener Walthamstow is committed to preventing modern slavery in all its forms throughout our operations and supply chain. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our zero-tolerance policy and the steps we take to identify, mitigate and remedy risks related to forced labour, human trafficking and exploitation. We publish this anti-slavery statement to be transparent about our responsibilities under the slavery and human trafficking statement requirements and to explain our ongoing approach to ethical sourcing and labour standards.

Our zero-tolerance policy means that any instance of modern slavery, including bonded labour, deceptive recruitment or withholding of identity documents, will be met with immediate action. We require all colleagues and contractors to adhere to a code of conduct that emphasises respect for human rights, fair pay and safe working conditions. The modern slavery policy for Gardener Walthamstow applies to employees, temporary staff and third-party suppliers, and is embedded into procurement and operational processes.

We expect suppliers and partners to meet our standards and to demonstrate compliance through documented processes. To strengthen our supplier due diligence, we operate a programme of supplier audits and risk assessments that focuses on high-risk areas such as seasonal labour, subcontracted services and low-wage roles. Key elements include:

• Pre-contract screening: risk-based checks before appointment.
• On-site and remote audits: verification of employment practices.
• Corrective action plans: mandatory remediation where non-compliance is found.

Our Approach to Preventing Modern Slavery

We adopt a continuous improvement approach to our anti-modern slavery policy, combining policy, training and operational controls. Risk mapping across categories and geographies helps us prioritise resources. Where third parties are used, contractual clauses require compliance with this slavery and human trafficking statement and permit audits. Procurement teams receive guidance to consider labour risks in supplier selection and contract management.

Central to our strategy are supplier audits that assess recruitment, wages, working hours and subcontracting. Audits use a combination of document review, worker interviews and site inspections. Where potential indicators of exploitation are identified, we implement immediate safety measures for affected workers and work collaboratively with suppliers to implement corrective actions. Our anti-slavery statement also emphasises that severe breaches can trigger contract termination.

We provide targeted training for staff responsible for purchasing, site supervision and contract management. Training materials cover recognising signs of exploitation, the proper escalation route and how to conduct ethical supplier checks. The training is refreshed regularly and forms part of inductions for new colleagues to ensure the modern slavery policy is understood at all levels of the organisation.

Reporting Channels, Remediation and Annual Review

To report concerns or seek advice, we maintain clear reporting channels that protect confidentiality and encourage prompt escalation. Reports can be made through internal whistleblowing mechanisms and by contacting designated compliance officers within the business. We emphasise non-retaliation for good-faith reporting to ensure workers and stakeholders feel safe to raise issues.

Our reporting and remediation framework includes:

• Confidential reporting channels to capture allegations.
• Investigation protocols to assess and verify claims swiftly.
• Worker-centred remediation to restore rights and provide support.
• Preventive actions such as supplier training and contract amendments.

This modern slavery statement is reviewed at least annually to evaluate the effectiveness of our measures and to update risk assessments, audit frequency and training content. The annual review ensures our anti-slavery policy reflects evolving risks and regulatory expectations. We remain committed to continual improvement, transparent reporting and working with partners to eradicate forced labour from our supply chain. Gardener Walthamstow will continue to monitor performance, act on findings and strengthen controls to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct.