Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Mile End

Gardeners Mile End is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards across every part of our operations. As a provider of gardening and grounds maintenance services, we recognise that modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation can occur in complex supply chains as well as in direct employment settings. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent such practices and to ensure that Gardeners Mile End operates with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights.

Our approach is founded on a zero-tolerance policy. We do not permit any form of slavery, servitude, debt bondage, child labour, or exploitation within our business. This applies to all staff, subcontractors, labour providers, and suppliers associated with Gardeners Mile End. We expect every person and organisation connected to our work to act ethically and to comply with applicable laws and standards. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may lead to corrective action or termination of a business relationship.

We understand that risk can arise in areas such as seasonal labour, outsourced services, and the sourcing of materials like tools, plants, uniforms, and landscaping supplies. To address this, Gardeners Mile End undertakes risk-based due diligence on new and existing suppliers. This includes checking ownership structures, employment practices, country of origin risk, and any indicators of poor labour standards. Where concerns are identified, we require evidence of remediation or, if necessary, we stop working with the relevant party.

Supplier oversight is a core part of our programme. We carry out supplier audits and reviews to assess compliance with our ethical expectations. These audits may include document checks, labour practice assessments, and confirmation that workers are employed voluntarily and paid fairly. We may also request declarations relating to recruitment fees, right-to-work verification, working hours, and health and safety controls. Gardeners Mile End uses these reviews to support continuous improvement and to identify any emerging risks in the supply chain.

Training and awareness are also important. Managers and supervisors at Gardeners Mile End are encouraged to recognise warning signs such as restricted movement, withheld wages, coercion, or workers appearing afraid to speak openly. By promoting awareness across the organisation, we strengthen our ability to detect and prevent exploitation. We also expect our partners to share this commitment and to maintain transparent employment practices that respect dignity and freedom of choice.

We provide clear reporting channels so concerns can be raised promptly and in confidence. Employees, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to report suspected modern slavery, unsafe labour conditions, or unethical conduct through internal management routes or formal incident reporting processes. Reports are handled seriously, investigated proportionately, and escalated where required. We aim to create a culture in which individuals feel able to speak up without fear of reprisal, victimisation, or discrimination.

When a concern is raised, Gardeners Mile End will take immediate steps to assess the situation and, where appropriate, to protect affected individuals. Actions may include pausing work with a supplier, seeking independent verification, or supporting remediation plans. We believe that responsible intervention is essential. Our objective is not only compliance, but also the active prevention of harm across the wider supply chain.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with current legislation, best practice, and operational changes. The annual review considers any incidents, audit findings, supplier performance issues, and training needs. Where improvements are identified, Gardeners Mile End updates policies, strengthens due diligence, and refines monitoring controls. This ongoing review process helps us maintain a robust response to modern slavery risks.

Gardeners Mile End is proud to promote fair work, responsible sourcing, and ethical conduct in every aspect of our gardening services. By maintaining a firm zero-tolerance approach, conducting supplier audits, supporting confidential reporting channels, and carrying out an annual review, we reinforce our commitment to preventing exploitation. This statement reflects our dedication to protecting people and ensuring that every part of our business operates with transparency, care, and accountability.