Gardening Charlton Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Charlton publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to affirm our clear stance: we have a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labour, human trafficking and any form of exploitation. This statement outlines how Gardening Charlton, within its operations and supply chains, works to prevent modern slavery and uphold worker dignity. Our anti-slavery policy aligns with our values and legal obligations, and it applies across all services and procurement activities.

Scope, commitments and anti-slavery policy

We are committed to continuous improvement in our modern slavery prevention measures. This statement on modern slavery covers employees, contractors and suppliers engaged by Gardening Charlton. We require all partners to comply with labour standards, including prohibitions on child labour, debt bondage and restricted freedom of movement. Our Modern Slavery Policy is embedded in procurement and contracting documents and is communicated to all new suppliers.

To ensure robust control of our supply chain we conduct targeted supplier audits and risk assessments. Supplier audits include documentation checks, interviews, and on-site inspections where appropriate. We prioritise higher-risk categories such as seasonal labour, subcontracted planting services and imported materials. Remedial action plans are created when non-compliance is identified, and persistent breaches may lead to termination of contracts to protect workers.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

Gardening Charlton provides secure reporting channels for concerns about suspected modern slavery. We maintain anonymous reporting routes and independent escalation procedures so issues can be raised without fear of retaliation. Our whistleblowing process is clear, and staff and suppliers receive training on how to use the reporting channels. We treat all reports seriously and investigate promptly, applying proportionate remediation measures where required.

Key elements of our approach include:

• Supplier audits: scheduled and ad hoc reviews to verify compliance;
• Due diligence: pre-contract checks and ongoing monitoring of high-risk suppliers;
• Training: worker and management awareness sessions on modern slavery risks.

Our procurement teams use a risk-based approach to supplier oversight. We require contractual warranties against exploitative practices and conduct background checks on labour providers. If a supplier fails to meet our standards, corrective actions are agreed and tracked. Gardening Charlton's anti-slavery statement emphasises cooperation with suppliers to build capacity for compliance rather than only punitive responses.

We have institutionalised a zero-tolerance policy that is non-negotiable. That means any verified instance of forced labour or trafficking triggers immediate actions: suspension of work, thorough investigation and, if necessary, contract termination. Supplier audits are complemented by document verification, worker interviews and, where possible, collaboration with independent auditors and local stakeholder groups to corroborate findings.

The effectiveness of this modern slavery policy is assessed through an annual review cycle. Each year we publish progress internally, update risk registers and refine mitigation plans. The annual review includes evaluation of audit findings, the performance of reporting channels, and the impact of training programmes. Senior management signs off on the review, ensuring leadership accountability and resourcing for continuous improvement.

Gardening Charlton will continue to adapt and strengthen its measures to prevent modern slavery in our business and supply chains. We expect suppliers to share this commitment and participate in audits, training and remediation where necessary. By combining clear policy, regular supplier audits, protected reporting channels and an annual review process, our anti-modern slavery efforts aim to protect vulnerable workers and preserve the integrity of our services.