Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Stoke Newington

Gardeners Stoke Newington is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all our operations and supply chains. This statement sets out our approach, expectations and actions to ensure that everyone working with or for our business is treated with dignity and respect. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards forced labour, bonded labour, involuntary prison labour, and any form of exploitation.

Our policy applies to all colleagues, contractors and suppliers engaged by Gardeners, Stoke Newington, and extends to seasonal workers, subcontractors and anyone performing work on behalf of the organisation. The scope covers activities undertaken by Stoke Newington gardeners, landscape contractors and external suppliers across procurement, onsite services and logistics. We recognise the varied terminology — gardeners in Stoke Newington or Stoke Newington gardeners — but our standards are consistent across every arrangement.

Zero-tolerance policy: we will not engage with or procure from suppliers where there is evidence of exploitative practices. All breaches of this policy are taken seriously and will lead to immediate investigation and proportionate action, including termination of contracts and reporting to the appropriate authorities where required. Our approach is preventative, transparent and measurable.

We undertake risk assessments across our supply chain and operations to identify where modern slavery could occur. Particular attention is paid to areas with higher vulnerability such as seasonal labour, subcontracted maintenance teams and supply of plant materials and ancillary goods. Key controls include supplier due diligence, contractual clauses that prohibit modern slavery and requirements for suppliers to demonstrate compliance.

Supplier audits and monitoring

Our supplier audit programme is a core element of preventing modern slavery. Audits combine desktop review and where necessary, on-site assessments to validate policies and practices. Audit activities examine recruitment processes, working hours, wage records and living conditions where applicable. The audit checklist includes:

• Verification of legal right to work and recruitment transparency
• Evidence of payment records and wage compliance
• Contractual terms and freedom to leave employment
• Health, safety and accommodation standards

Suppliers identified as higher risk are placed on an enhanced monitoring plan and must deliver corrective action plans within agreed timeframes. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships where suppliers fail to remediate or where evidence of severe exploitation exists.

We require all staff and contractors, including gardeners in Stoke Newington teams, to complete training on modern slavery risks, reporting obligations and recognition of indicators. Training is refreshed regularly and adapted for different roles. We also incorporate modern slavery obligations into procurement policies so that prospective Stoke Newington gardening partners are assessed before onboarding.

Reporting channels

Gardeners Stoke Newington provides multiple reporting channels to raise concerns about modern slavery and unethical practices. These channels are designed to be accessible and confidential and include internal reporting to line managers, escalation to senior leadership and secure anonymous reporting mechanisms. We protect whistleblowers from retaliation and investigate all reports promptly and fairly. Reports are handled sensitively and outcomes are recorded in our compliance logs.

Annual review and continuous improvement: our statement and associated policies are reviewed at least annually to measure effectiveness and to strengthen controls. The annual review includes analysis of audit results, remediation outcomes, training completion rates and reported incidents. Findings inform updates to supplier risk assessments, contractual terms and training content. We publish progress internally and maintain documentation to demonstrate ongoing commitment and accountability.

Gardeners Stoke Newington recognises the importance of collaboration with peers, suppliers and enforcement bodies to tackle modern slavery. We seek to share best practice and support improvements throughout the supply chain while maintaining strict standards for any partner who represents our brand. Our pledge is to act swiftly and robustly where issues are identified.

We are resolute that every person working for or with Gardeners Stoke Newington should enjoy safe, fair and lawful working conditions. This modern slavery statement reflects our commitment to continuous vigilance, supplier audits, secure reporting channels and an annual review cycle to drive meaningful change.

Approved by the leadership of Gardeners, Stoke Newington, this statement will be reviewed and updated annually and whenever significant changes to the business or supply chain occur to ensure ongoing alignment with best practice.