Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Addiscombe

Gardeners Addiscombe is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all parts of our business and supply chain. This statement sets out our approach, explains our zero-tolerance policy toward forced labour and exploitation, and outlines the processes we have implemented to identify, prevent and mitigate the risk of modern slavery and labour abuse across our gardening and grounds maintenance operations.

We recognise that Addiscombe gardeners operate in a sector where seasonal workers and subcontractors are frequently engaged, and that this can create vulnerabilities. Our pledge is clear: we will not knowingly support or work with any organisation, contractor or supplier that subjects people to exploitation. This zero-tolerance stance is embedded in our procurement criteria, staff training and leadership expectations.

To give practical effect to our policy, Gardeners in Addiscombe conduct risk-based due diligence on suppliers and partners. We require all direct suppliers to confirm compliance with anti-slavery laws and to provide information about their labour practices, recruitment processes and worker protections. Our approach emphasises transparency, remediation and continuous improvement rather than simple supplier exclusion where issues can be resolved responsibly.

We operate a structured supplier audit programme that combines desktop checks, self-assessment questionnaires and on-site inspections for higher-risk providers. Key elements of the supplier audits include:

• verification of right to work documentation and recruitment practices;
• review of employment contracts, pay records and working hours;
• assessment of accommodation arrangements for temporary workers;
• interviews with workers, where appropriate, to gauge working conditions;
• requirement for corrective action plans and timelines where non-compliance is found.

Our supplier audit findings inform targeted training and capacity-building for suppliers and subcontractors supplying landscaping, horticultural supplies and garden maintenance services in the Addiscombe area. We prioritise suppliers that demonstrate robust labour practices and collaborate with those willing to improve.

We maintain clear reporting channels for staff, contractors and third parties to raise concerns about modern slavery, exploitation or suspicious labour practices. Reports may be submitted through confidential internal mechanisms and are handled promptly by our designated compliance lead. We encourage early reporting and guarantee that all allegations are investigated impartially, with appropriate protection for whistleblowers and no retaliation for raising genuine concerns.

As part of our governance framework, we have assigned responsibility for anti-slavery compliance to senior management and the board, ensuring that actions are monitored and resourced. We publish this statement annually and commit to continuous improvement across our operations, from grounds maintenance teams to procurement of plants, materials and equipment.

Training and awareness are central to our efforts: staff induction and ongoing learning for Addiscombe garden employees include modules on recognising signs of modern slavery, safe recruitment and reporting obligations. We use case-based scenarios relevant to local gardening operations so that team members can identify risks in the field.

Remediation and Collaboration

If modern slavery or labour exploitation is identified, our remediation approach focuses on restoring the rights of affected people, co-operating with relevant authorities and applying contractual remedies with suppliers. Where appropriate, we will support access to safe housing, medical care or legal assistance and seek to remediate harm in partnership with specialist organisations.

We also engage with local stakeholders and industry peers to share best practice and collaborate on initiatives that reduce systemic risk. Our work with local employment intermediaries, recruitment partners and trade groups is geared toward promoting ethical recruitment and responsible labour supply across all Addiscombe gardening services.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This statement is reviewed and updated at least once every twelve months to reflect changes in our business, supply chain and the regulatory landscape. Each annual review assesses effectiveness of our policies, audit outcomes, reported concerns and the impact of training, and identifies improvements to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our operations.

Gardeners Addiscombe remains steadfast in its commitment to combat modern slavery. We will continue to strengthen procurement safeguards, enhance supplier audits, maintain robust reporting channels and review our progress annually to ensure that Addiscombe garden maintenance services are delivered ethically and responsibly.