Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Services Croydon

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the commitments of Gardening Services Croydon and related operations to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour in our business and supply chain. Our Croydon garden services and wider garden maintenance teams recognise the moral and legal responsibility to operate with integrity and respect for human rights. This statement applies to all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged to deliver garden services in Croydon and nearby areas.

We operate a zero-tolerance policy to any form of slavery or human trafficking. That means we will not tolerate exploitation in our workforce or in the practices of our suppliers. All staff and partners are required to comply with this policy as a condition of engagement. As a provider of Croydon gardening services, we integrate prevention and remediation into recruitment, contracting and operational procedures.

Principles that guide our approach include transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. We promote fair pay, safe working conditions and freedom of movement for workers engaged by Gardening Services Croydon and our subcontractors. Where risks are identified, we take proportionate steps to mitigate them and, where necessary, terminate relationships with parties who do not meet our standards.

Due Diligence, Supplier Audits and Procurement Expectations

We apply a risk-based due diligence process across our procurement activities. Our supplier code of conduct sets clear expectations for those supplying goods and services to garden services Croydon.

Key elements of our supplier audits and assessment programme include:

• Pre-engagement screening to assess modern slavery risk in new suppliers.
• Periodic supplier audits and site visits to verify labour practices and working conditions.
• Contract clauses that require compliance with anti-slavery standards and allow for termination if breaches are found.

Our supplier audits combine document review, worker interviews and on-site inspections where feasible. We prioritise audits for higher-risk suppliers involved in seasonal labour, subcontracted planting or manual grounds maintenance. When non-compliance is identified, corrective action plans are imposed and followed up until satisfied.

Reporting Channels, Whistleblowing and Training

Gardening Services Croydon maintains multiple confidential reporting channels to encourage staff and third parties to raise concerns. These reporting channels include anonymous reporting mechanisms, direct reporting to line managers and escalation to senior compliance leads. We treat all reports seriously and investigate promptly while taking steps to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

We provide targeted training for site supervisors, procurement teams and staff who manage suppliers, ensuring they can identify indicators of modern slavery and know how to use reporting channels. Training is refreshed regularly and is part of our induction for new employees in Croydon gardening services roles.

We also maintain a documented response plan for suspected cases of modern slavery that includes immediate steps to ensure the safety of affected individuals, engagement with relevant authorities and remediation for impacted workers without exposing them to further harm.

Governance, Monitoring and Annual Review

Responsibility for implementing this statement sits with senior management and the governance committee. We monitor performance through key indicators such as number of supplier audits completed, training uptake and the resolution of reported concerns. Our approach to risk management is iterative and evidence-based.

Annual review: This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every 12 months and updated as required to reflect changes in our operations, the emergence of new risks, and lessons learned from investigations and audits. The annual review evaluates the effectiveness of our zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, reporting channels and remedial actions and sets targets for improvement in the year ahead.

As providers of Croydon garden maintenance and gardening services, we commit to continuous enhancement of our practices to prevent modern slavery and protect vulnerable workers. We expect the same standards from our suppliers and partners and will take decisive action where standards are not met. This statement is issued on behalf of Gardening Services Croydon and will be made available to stakeholders and partners as part of our transparency obligations.