Gardeners Surbiton Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Surbiton is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in all parts of our business and supply chain. This Modern Slavery Statement (also referenced as our anti-slavery statement) sets out the steps we take to ensure that exploitation is not tolerated. We operate a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labour, modern slavery and any practices that undermine human dignity. Our commitment applies across our gardening, landscaping and subcontracted services.

We expect every colleague, contractor and supplier to share our principles. This modern slavery and human trafficking policy applies to everyone working for or on behalf of Gardeners Surbiton, whether on a permanent, temporary or subcontract basis. We require suppliers to provide evidence of fair employment practices and to adhere to lawful working hours, proper pay and voluntary terms of engagement. The statement forms part of our standard procurement and contracting process.

Our supplier code of conduct and procurement checks ensure transparency and accountability. We conduct risk assessments across our sourcing of materials, equipment hire, plant and seasonal labour. Where risks are identified we apply enhanced due diligence and contractual clauses to prevent exploitation. This anti-slavery declaration explains expectations, remedies and the consequences of non-compliance for any party within our supplier network that breaches our standards.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

We operate a structured programme of supplier audits and site visits to verify working conditions and documentation. Audits include:

• Verification of employment records and right-to-work checks;
• Assessment of recruitment practices and subcontractor arrangements;
• Review of pay practices, working hours and accommodation where provided.

Audit findings are recorded and escalated. Where issues are found we work with suppliers to implement corrective action plans, and we reserve the right to terminate relationships where remediation is not possible or adequate. Our procurement team uses a risk-based approach to prioritise audits and follow-ups, focusing on suppliers in higher-risk sectors, jurisdictions and those providing seasonal labour.

Training for procurement and site managers is mandatory and ongoing. We provide guidance on recognising signs of exploitation, safe recruitment practices and the appropriate escalation pathways. This training supports our staff to act in accordance with our anti-modern slavery policies and to ensure supplier compliance with our standards.

Reporting Channels and Response

We maintain clear reporting channels so that concerns about modern slavery can be raised promptly and safely. Employees, workers in our supply chain and third parties may report suspicions through internal channels that protect whistleblowers and enable anonymous reporting. Reports are taken seriously and investigated without delay. Our approach is victim-centred: suspected victims receive support and referrals to appropriate services where necessary.

We will take proportionate remedial action if modern slavery risks are identified, including immediate suspension of work, termination of contracts, and cooperation with law enforcement and statutory agencies where required. These steps reflect our zero-tolerance stance and commitment to remedying harm while preventing recurrence. Our disciplinary and contractual remedies are clear and documented.

Annual review and continuous improvement are central to our approach. Gardeners Surbiton conducts a full review of this modern slavery statement and related policies every year to assess effectiveness, update risk assessments and adapt to new legal or supply chain developments. The annual review includes performance metrics from audits, training completion rates and recorded reports, and it informs action plans for the following year.