Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Thornton Heath

Gardening Thornton Heath is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. This statement sets out our approach to proactively identify, assess and mitigate the risks of forced labour, exploitative practices and human trafficking within the local gardening services sector. We apply a zero-tolerance policy to any form of slavery, and our Thornton Heath gardeners and gardening services Thornton Heath teams are briefed to act accordingly.

We recognise that as local gardeners in Thornton Heath we have a responsibility to uphold high ethical standards. Our zero-tolerance policy means immediate action is taken if any instance of modern slavery is suspected: investigation, suspension of the relationship and, where appropriate, referral to law enforcement. All staff and contract workers are required to complete training on recognising and reporting indicators of exploitation.

Policy Scope and Commitments

This modern slavery statement applies across Gardening Thornton Heath and covers our subcontractors, suppliers and temporary labour providers. We require all suppliers to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which mandates respect for worker rights, lawful wages, safe working conditions and freedom from coercion. Our commitment extends to continuous improvement in the entire Thornton Heath gardening supply chain.

We conduct risk-based supplier audits and due diligence to ensure compliance with our standards. Supplier audits include documentation reviews, on-site visits where feasible, and interviews with workers. These audits prioritise higher-risk suppliers such as those providing seasonal labour, equipment hire or overseas-sourced materials for our Thornton Heath gardening services. Audit findings are recorded and acted upon promptly.

Supplier Audits and Corrective Actions

Audit outcomes are used to create improvement plans. Where non-compliance is found the response may include: written warnings, required corrective action plans, follow-up audits, and termination of contracts in severe cases. We also work collaboratively with suppliers to build capacity through training and sharing best practice so that suppliers become partners in preventing modern slavery.

To strengthen compliance, Gardening Thornton Heath integrates anti-slavery clauses into procurement contracts and requires declarations from suppliers about their labour practices. We use risk assessment tools to prioritise resources and monitor trends across the gardening and landscaping sectors in Thornton Heath and surrounding areas.

Our practical measures include:

• Regular supplier screenings and audits;
• Mandatory training for staff and subcontractors;
• Contractual anti-slavery provisions and supplier declarations;
• Worker interviews and verification during site visits.

We operate clear and accessible reporting channels for staff, contractors and third parties to raise concerns. Reports can be made confidentially and, if requested, anonymously. Our whistleblowing process protects individuals from retaliation and ensures concerns about suspected exploitation or forced labour are investigated thoroughly by senior management.

Our reporting channels are supported by documented procedures: concern intake, triage, investigation, and remediation. We commit to timely responses and, where appropriate, cooperation with statutory authorities. Reports are tracked and analysed to identify patterns and to inform continuous risk management across our gardeners in Thornton Heath operations.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement Gardening Thornton Heath performs an annual review of this modern slavery statement and associated policies. The review evaluates the effectiveness of our mitigation measures, supplier audit programme, training uptake and reporting mechanisms. Findings from the annual review guide updates to our approach and are used to set targets for the year ahead.

In summary, Gardening Thornton Heath, gardeners in Thornton Heath and our broader Thornton Heath gardening services network maintain a firm stance against modern slavery backed by a zero-tolerance policy, robust supplier audits, secure reporting channels and an annual review cycle designed to drive continual improvement.