Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Carshalton Commitment

Gardeners Carshalton declares a firm and enduring position against modern slavery and human trafficking. This statement sets out the approach taken by the gardeners of Carshalton to prevent slavery and forced labour in all parts of our operations and supply chain. It applies to every worker engaged directly by Gardeners Carshalton and to our suppliers, contractors and partners.

Scope and responsibility: Our policy covers recruitment, onboarding, procurement and the management of subcontractors. The Board and senior management have ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance, while line managers and procurement staff are accountable for day-to-day enforcement. We expect the same standards from suppliers engaged by Gardeners of Carshalton and will not tolerate any deviation.

Zero-tolerance policy: We operate a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. Any evidence of forced labour, child labour, human trafficking or exploitation in the activities of Carshalton gardeners or within our extended supply network will result in immediate action, including contract termination and referral to authorities where appropriate. Strong corrective measures are in place to protect affected individuals and to remediate harm.

Supplier Audits and Responsible Procurement

To ensure ethical practices, Gardeners Carshalton maintains a structured supplier assessment and audit programme. Suppliers are required to comply with our code of conduct and contractual anti-slavery clauses. We conduct risk-based audits focusing on suppliers in higher-risk geographies and sectors relevant to landscaping and horticulture.

• Pre-contract checks: due diligence on ownership, labour practices and recruitment agents;
• On-site audits: verifying employment records, working conditions and freedom to leave;
• Continuous monitoring: periodic re-assessments and corrective action plans when issues arise.

These supplier audits are supported by documentary review, interviews and, where necessary, engagement of independent third-party auditors. We use findings to adjust supplier selection and to improve standards across the supply chain for Carshalton gardeners and related services.

Reporting Channels, Training and Annual Review

We have established clear reporting channels to enable safe and confidential reporting of suspected abuses. Workers, suppliers and third parties can report concerns through designated internal lines and a protected whistleblowing route. Reports are investigated promptly and impartially, and whistleblowers are protected from retaliation. Confidentiality and support for victims are priorities.

Gardeners Carshalton invests in staff training to recognise signs of modern slavery and to understand referral processes. All procurement and site supervision personnel receive regular education on forced labour risks, indicators and prevention. Our contracts include clear anti-slavery clauses, right-to-work checks and requirements that supply chain partners adopt equivalent safeguards.

Monitoring and continuous improvement form part of our governance framework. We publish a summary of progress internally and apply lessons learned from audits and reported cases. An annual review by senior management evaluates policy effectiveness, audit outcomes and the impact of remediation measures. This annual review informs the next cycle of actions to strengthen protections for workers engaged by Gardeners Carshalton and Carshalton gardening services.

Remediation and partnership: when issues are identified, we require immediate corrective actions, provide support to any affected persons and, where appropriate, engage with civil society organisations to assist survivors. Carshalton gardeners will not allow supply chain relationships to continue where persistent non-compliance is identified without satisfactory remediation.

Governance and accountability: the Board receives regular updates on compliance, audit findings and remedial activity. Senior leaders champion the anti-slavery agenda and ensure resources are allocated to enforcement and training. Our policy is integrated into procurement decisions and contractor management.

Conclusion: Gardeners Carshalton is committed to being a responsible employer and purchaser. We will continue to strengthen our policies, increase supplier scrutiny through audits, keep robust reporting channels open and complete an annual review to ensure that modern slavery is not present in our operations or supply chains. This statement reflects our ongoing pledge to uphold human dignity and ethical labour standards across all Carshalton gardening activities.