Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Ilford

Gardening Ilford is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our gardening operations. We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, bonded labour, child exploitation or human trafficking within our workforce or supply chain. Gardening in Ilford must be safe, fair and transparent, and we publish this statement to describe the steps we take to uphold those principles.

Scope and Commitment

This modern slavery and forced labour statement applies to Ilford gardening services, seasonal teams, subcontractors and suppliers engaged by Gardening Ilford. We require every supplier to meet our ethical standards and to confirm compliance with labour laws and human rights expectations. Our approach is preventative: we identify risk, take action and remove any suppliers or contractors who do not meet our requirements.

Key Measures and Controls

To enforce our standards we use a range of measures including:

• Supplier audits and due diligence checks on new and existing partners;
• Mandatory reporting channels for staff, contractors and the public to raise concerns;
• Training for managers and supervisors on recognising and responding to modern slavery risks;
• Contract clauses that require compliance with anti-slavery standards and allow termination for breaches.

Our supplier visits and compliance audits are tailored to the scale of our supply chain for Gardening Ilford services. We prioritise audits where there is higher risk: seasonal labour, subcontracted landscaping crews and suppliers providing accommodation or travel arrangements. Audits combine documentary checks, worker interviews and on-site observations to ensure that recruitment fees, payroll, working hours and living conditions meet legal and ethical standards.

Reporting Channels and Confidentiality

Gardening Ilford operates multiple safe reporting channels. Workers, contractors and third parties can report suspected slavery or exploitation through secure, anonymous and confidential routes. All reports are treated seriously: allegations are investigated promptly, victims are supported and appropriate remedial action is taken. We emphasise non-retaliation and protective measures for anyone raising concerns.

When a report is verified we take immediate action: suspend or terminate contracts, notify authorities where required and implement remedial steps for affected workers. We keep clear records of investigations and follow-up actions, and we expect the same level of transparency from our supply chain. This obligation is written into our supplier agreements and procurement processes.

Our due diligence process for Ilford gardeners and suppliers includes risk screening, pre-contract checks and periodic monitoring. We assess risks by country, service type and worker profile, and we require corrective action plans where weaknesses are identified. We also incorporate ethical procurement standards into tender evaluations and contracting decisions to reduce exposure to modern slavery risks.

Zero-Tolerance Enforcement and Remediation

Gardening Ilford maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any confirmed instance of modern slavery. Where exploitation is found we act decisively: immediate suspension of suspect operations, full investigation and cooperation with enforcement bodies. We also take steps to remedy harm to individuals including facilitating access to support services and ensuring wages or compensation where owed.

We commit to an annual review of our anti-slavery practices and this statement. Each year our leadership team evaluates performance, audits outcomes, and updates policies and training to reflect evolving risks. The annual review includes lessons learned from supplier audits, incident responses and whistleblowing trends, and it leads to measurable improvements in governance and supplier management for Gardening Ilford.

In conclusion, Gardening Ilford and its teams are dedicated to eradicating modern slavery from every part of our business and supply chain. Our combined approach of preventive audits, secure reporting channels, contractual safeguards and an annual review cycle underpins our commitment. We call on all suppliers, partners and colleagues involved in gardening in Ilford to uphold these standards and work with us to ensure safe, lawful and ethical working conditions for everyone.