Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Eltham

Gardeners Eltham is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chain. This statement sets out the steps taken by the Gardeners of Eltham to identify, assess and mitigate the risk of slavery. We operate with a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labour, exploitation and any practice that undermines human dignity.

Our commitment and policy framework

The Eltham gardeners team requires all employees, partners and contractors to adhere to a clear code of conduct that explicitly forbids modern slavery and abusive labour practices. Our zero-tolerance policy is embedded in recruitment, procurement and day-to-day operations. We stress that no worker should be required to pay recruitment fees, surrender identity documents, or work under coercion.

Supplier expectations and due diligence: We expect suppliers to comply with the same high standards. Our procurement process for the Eltham gardening team includes mandatory declarations and contract clauses requiring suppliers to confirm they do not use forced labour. We use a risk-based approach to prioritise resources and attention where vulnerability is greatest.

To support transparency we maintain a supplier register and require third-party partners to provide evidence of labour practices. Our processes include verification checks and document reviews, and we reserve the right to terminate relationships with suppliers found to be in breach of our anti-slavery standards.

Audit programme and supplier audits

We operate a structured supplier audits programme tailored to the risk profile of each supplier. Audits include both self-assessment questionnaires and on-site inspections where appropriate. Key elements of our audit process include:

• Verification of employment contracts and wage records;
• Confirmation of working hours, rest breaks and holiday entitlements;
• Checks for indicators of coercion, restriction of movement or withheld documents;
• Interviews with workers, in confidence, to assess wellbeing and freedom to leave.

Where issues are identified, we require immediate corrective action plans and follow-up audits. Persistent non-compliance leads to escalation, contract suspension and potential termination.

Reporting channels and worker protections

Gardeners in Eltham promotes safe, anonymous and accessible reporting channels for employees and third parties to raise concerns. We have established internal procedures to receive, investigate and resolve reports of suspected modern slavery without retaliation. Reports can be raised through multiple internal pathways that ensure confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers.

Reports are managed promptly by trained staff who assess risk and coordinate any necessary support, including liaison with authorities and specialist services where appropriate. We commit to taking every report seriously and to maintaining strict confidentiality while we investigate.

Training, continuous improvement and the annual review

Training is delivered regularly to employees and contractors across the Gardeners in Eltham network to raise awareness of modern slavery signs and the correct response. We integrate anti-slavery considerations into procurement training and performance reviews so that ethical practice becomes standard operating procedure.

Annual review and forward actions

We conduct an annual review of our modern slavery risks, policy effectiveness and the outcomes of supplier audits. This review drives continuous improvement: revising due diligence methods, updating contractual terms, enhancing training and reallocating resources to higher-risk areas. The review also informs leadership and shapes our strategy for the coming year.

In summary, the Gardeners Eltham group is dedicated to eradicating modern slavery within our operations and supply chain. Through a robust zero-tolerance stance, comprehensive supplier audits, secure reporting channels and a rigorous annual review process, the Gardeners of Eltham will continue to protect workers and uphold fundamental human rights within the Eltham gardening services sector.