Modern Slavery Statement for Gardening Plaistow
Gardening Plaistow acknowledges its responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, bonded labour, child exploitation or servitude. This statement sets out how Plaistow gardening services identify, mitigate and monitor risks, and the steps we take to ensure our gardens, grounds maintenance and horticultural supply chains are free from modern slavery.
Scope and commitment: This policy covers all employees, contractors and third-party suppliers who provide goods and services to Gardening Plaistow. We are committed to maintaining ethical labour standards in our work across local gardens, landscaping projects and seasonal services. Our commitment extends to ensuring that contractors engaged for planting, pruning, waste removal and related tasks operate under fair working conditions and lawful employment practices.
Policies, Due Diligence and Supplier Audits
Our approach to preventing slavery and human trafficking centres on robust supplier due diligence and regular supplier audits. We require suppliers to agree to our Supplier Code of Conduct which includes explicit obligations to comply with modern slavery legislation. Supplier selection is risk-based and focuses on high-risk categories such as seasonal labour, subcontracted planting crews and imported nursery stock. When risks are identified, we conduct targeted audits and request evidence of employment records, right-to-work checks and safe working conditions.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Gardening Plaistow provides multiple safe and confidential reporting channels for employees and third parties to raise concerns about modern slavery. These channels include anonymous reporting options, in-person reporting to a designated compliance officer and written reporting to appointed governance representatives. We guarantee non-retaliation for anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith and we will investigate all reports promptly, impartially and with due confidentiality.
Training and communication: All staff, supervisors and site managers receive mandatory training on recognising signs of modern slavery and the proper steps to report concerns. Our contractor induction process includes explicit training materials for Plaistow gardening contractors and subcontractors. We communicate expectations through contracts, supplier onboarding and periodic briefings, ensuring that everyone engaged with gardening in Plaistow understands our standards.
To make audits actionable, our supplier audit programme follows a structured process:
- Initial risk assessment of supplier categories and geographies
- Documentary review of employment records and safety practices
- On-site inspections and worker interviews where possible
- Corrective action plans with timelines for remediation
- Follow-up verification audits to confirm improvements
Monitoring, KPIs and contractual safeguards are central to our ongoing work. We track metrics such as the number of supplier audits completed, the proportion of high-risk suppliers assessed, and remediation rates following findings. Contract clauses require suppliers to allow audits, maintain accurate payroll and personnel records, and to immediately notify Gardening Plaistow of any suspected breaches of the anti-slavery policy. We collaborate with sector peers, local authorities and relevant organisations to strengthen protections across Plaistow garden services and local supply chains.
Annual Review and Governance
Gardening Plaistow will review this Modern Slavery Statement at least once every 12 months to evaluate effectiveness and to update policies, training and audit priorities. The review process is overseen by senior management and the governance committee, who will consider audit outcomes, reported incidents, legislative changes and stakeholder feedback. Lessons learned will inform updated risk assessments and enhanced controls. The annual review supports continuous improvement and ensures our anti-slavery measures remain proportionate and effective.
Conclusion
Gardening Plaistow reconfirms its zero-tolerance position on modern slavery. We are committed to maintaining transparency in our efforts, performing rigorous supplier audits, providing accessible reporting channels and conducting an annual review of our policies and practices. Through ongoing vigilance, training and partnership we will strive to ensure that gardening services in Plaistow and all related supply chains operate ethically and lawfully. This statement is endorsed by senior leadership and reflects our determination to prevent modern slavery in every aspect of our operations.