Gardener Surbiton Modern Slavery Statement

Gardener Surbiton affirms a clear and unequivocal commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chain. As a local landscaping and gardening service, we recognise that even small businesses must be vigilant against forced labour, exploitation and other abuses that constitute modern slavery. This Modern Slavery Statement explains our approach to due diligence, the steps we take to mitigate risk, and our ongoing commitment to ethical labour practices. We use a range of anti-slavery and anti-trafficking measures to ensure workers are treated with dignity.

Zero-Tolerance Policy and Core Principles

Zero-tolerance is fundamental to our policy: Gardener Surbiton will not tolerate any form of slavery or human trafficking. We define this position clearly in employment contracts and supplier terms. Our policy includes the following commitments:

• Prohibition of forced, bonded or involuntary labour;
• Respect for workers' rights to freedom of movement and to hold personal identity documents;
• Fair pay and lawful working hours;
• Transparent recruitment and verification of worker eligibility.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We perform proportionate due diligence on suppliers, contractors and subcontractors. Our supplier assessment process evaluates risk factors such as geographic exposure, labour intensity, and the nature of services provided. Where risks are identified we require corrective action plans and follow-up audits. We conduct on-site and remote checks, review payroll and recruitment records, and include anti-slavery clauses in purchasing agreements. Our supplier audits combine documentary review and interviews, and when necessary we escalate concerns to senior management for remediation.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardener Surbiton maintains clear reporting channels for employees, contractors and third parties to report concerns about exploitation, abuse or non-compliance. Reports can be made confidentially and, where requested, anonymously through our internal whistleblowing arrangements. We ensure that all reports are logged, investigated promptly and that appropriate protections against retaliation are in place. Investigations are handled impartially by trained staff, with external advisors involved where specialist expertise is required.

How we respond: when a credible allegation arises we suspend contracts where necessary, require corrective action, and if incidents are substantiated we terminate relationships and support remediation for affected workers. We also liaise with law enforcement in cases of criminal conduct.

Training, Policies and Remedial Action

We provide regular training to staff and subcontractors to raise awareness of slavery risks and to build capacity to identify and report abuse. Training covers recruitment checks, recognising signs of exploitation and the use of our reporting channels. Our employment policies include right-to-work verification and clear disciplinary measures for non-compliance. When remediation is required we prioritise the safety and welfare of affected individuals and seek to restore lawful working conditions and compensation where appropriate.

Annual Review, Governance and Continuous Improvement

Gardener Surbiton conducts an annual review of this statement and our anti-slavery measures to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to risk. The Board and senior management review findings from audits, reports and training outcomes, and approve improvements to policies and procedures. This annual review cycle drives continuous improvement and helps embed anti-slavery commitments into everyday business practice. We constantly monitor supply chain changes and update our risk assessments accordingly.

In conclusion, Gardener Surbiton reiterates its strong commitment to combating modern slavery, forced labour and any form of exploitation. Our zero-tolerance stance, robust supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and scheduled annual review create a framework designed to prevent, detect and remedy any instances of slavery and human trafficking within our sphere of influence. This statement is reviewed annually and revised as required to reflect learning and evolving risk.