Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Crouch End

Gardeners Crouch End publishes this modern slavery statement to set out our commitment to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and exploitation in our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement explains the policies, controls and actions we have in place, with a clear zero-tolerance policy toward any form of modern slavery and exploitation. We remain resolute that everyone working for or with Gardeners Crouch End must be treated with dignity and respect.

Our policy applies to all employees, contractors and third-party suppliers operating on behalf of Gardeners Crouch End, whether directly employed or engaged through agencies. The scope of this slavery statement covers service delivery, procurement of plants, materials, landscaping supplies and outsourced labour. We are committed to complying with applicable anti-slavery and human trafficking laws and expect the same of our partners.

This organization's governance structure assigns responsibility for anti-slavery compliance to senior management and the designated compliance lead. We monitor risk factors, update processes and ensure board-level oversight of the human trafficking and anti-slavery controls contained in this human rights and anti-slavery policy. This section of the statement describes the frameworks we use for risk assessment, due diligence and corrective action.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Zero tolerance means Gardeners Crouch End will not tolerate any form of slavery, servitude, forced labour or human trafficking in our operations or supply chain. We will take decisive action if modern slavery is discovered, including ending commercial relationships, insisting on remediation, and reporting offences to relevant authorities where appropriate. We require all suppliers and subcontractors to adhere to our anti-slavery standards and demonstrate compliance through documentation, audits and regular review.

Supplier Expectations and Supplier Audits

Suppliers are expected to commit to our standards and to conduct their own due diligence. Our supplier audit programme includes:

• Pre-contractual checks on labour practices and recruitment fees;
• Risk-based on-site and remote audits;
• Verification of payroll, working hours and contract terms;
• Interviews with workers where permitted, and corrective action plans.

These supplier audits are conducted by trained procurement staff and independent auditors when risks are elevated. Our purchasing teams use a combination of documentation reviews, third-party data and targeted inspections to verify compliance with this modern slavery statement and our anti-slavery policy.

Due Diligence, Remediation and Ongoing Controls

We operate a continuous due diligence process to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks. This includes supplier screening, contractual clauses requiring compliance, and the use of risk-mapping tools. Where breaches are identified we seek to ensure remediation for affected workers, restore rights and, if necessary, terminate relationships with persistent non-compliant providers. Our approach blends prevention with practical remediation and accountability.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Crouch End provides multiple, confidential reporting channels for concerns about slavery, human trafficking or exploitation. We operate an internal reporting route and an anonymous whistleblowing mechanism, ensuring reports are handled sensitively and investigated promptly. Staff and third parties are protected from retaliation when raising concerns in good faith. Reports trigger an investigation, risk assessment and a decision on corrective action, which may involve supplier audits or contract termination.

Training and awareness are central to prevention. We provide mandatory training for employees involved in procurement, HR and operations to recognise indicators of modern slavery, understand reporting obligations and implement our anti-slavery measures. Training materials reference the content of this modern slavery statement and include practical scenarios relevant to landscaping and grounds maintenance sectors.

Annual Review, Transparency and Accountability

Gardeners Crouch End conducts an annual review of this human trafficking and modern slavery statement to evaluate effectiveness, update policies and publish progress. The review examines supplier audit outcomes, reported incidents, remediation results and training uptake. Key performance indicators include the number of supplier audits completed, incidents identified and remediation actions closed. The board reviews the annual assessment and endorses any necessary changes to policy or practice.

We are committed to continuous improvement: strengthening supplier due diligence, expanding audit coverage and maintaining clear, accessible reporting channels. This anti-slavery statement is part of our broader commitment to ethical business practices, worker welfare and responsible procurement across all Gardeners Crouch End activities. We believe transparency, enforcement and partnership are essential to eradicating modern slavery from our operations and supply chains.