Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Shadwell Commitment

Gardening Shadwell is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. GardeningShadwell recognises that people are vulnerable to exploitation in sectors that rely on casual labour, seasonal workers and subcontracting. This statement explains our zero-tolerance stance, the measures we take to mitigate risks and the practical actions we have embedded into our everyday work in Shadwell and the surrounding boroughs. We will not tolerate forced labour, bonded labour or any form of exploitation.

Scope and Principles

Our policy applies to every employee, contractor and supplier engaged by Gardeners Shadwell. We apply a risk-based approach, focusing on roles and contracts most likely to involve vulnerable workers. The following sections set out key commitments, including supplier audits, reporting channels, and periodic review. We use clear language in contracts and purchase orders to make our expectations explicit, and we require that our partners adopt comparable standards.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardening in Shadwell operates a firm zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery. All staff are required to understand and comply with this policy; breaches may lead to disciplinary action or termination of contracts. We insist that all suppliers demonstrate compliance through certifications, declarations and evidence of fair recruitment practices. Zero tolerance means immediate investigation and remedial action if any allegation is substantiated.

We maintain an ongoing supplier due diligence programme to identify and address modern slavery risks. This includes pre-contract checks, risk profiling and contractual clauses requiring adherence to labour standards. Our procurement team conducts targeted checks on suppliers of labour, horticultural products, equipment and services to ensure that supply chains are transparent and accountable.

To operationalise supplier audits, Gardening Shadwell carries out a mix of documentation review and on-site visits. Audit steps include:

• Verification of worker identity and right to work documentation;
• Review of recruitment fees, contracts and payroll records to detect signs of debt bondage;
• Interviews with workers, supervisors and management where permitted;
• Site inspections for living conditions, working hours and health and safety practices;
• Follow-up action plans with timelines and ownership for remediation.

Audit results are recorded, risks are scored and high-risk suppliers are subject to enhanced monitoring. Where non-compliance is found we require immediate corrective action and may suspend or terminate relationships where remediation is inadequate or prolonged.

Reporting channels are essential to our approach. We provide multiple, confidential ways for workers and third parties to raise concerns, including anonymous reporting routes and escalation to a designated compliance lead within Gardening Shadwell. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and handled sensitively to protect whistleblowers and affected individuals. We use a principle of confidentiality and non-retaliation.

We also prioritise training and awareness: staff inductions, refresher sessions and supplier briefings ensure that people recognise the signs of modern slavery and know how to act. Managers are trained to spot indicators, such as restricted movement, withheld documents, unexplained wage deductions or unrealistic recruitment fees.

Annual review and continuous improvement form part of our governance. The Board and senior management receive an annual report summarising risk assessments, audit outcomes, reported incidents and corrective actions. This annual review includes updates to our policies, procurement procedures and supplier contracts to strengthen protections. We commit to reassessing modern slavery risks at least once a year and whenever there is a significant change in operations or supply chains.

In closing, Gardening Shadwell’s modern slavery statement reflects our ongoing determination to fight exploitation and uphold worker dignity across all activities. We will continue to build transparency through supplier audits, maintain accessible reporting channels, enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy and conduct an annual review to measure effectiveness and drive improvement. This policy is a living commitment — we will revise and improve our approach as we learn and as new risks emerge within Shadwell gardening services and the wider horticultural sector.