Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Sidcup

Gardening Sidcup is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and human rights across our operations. This modern slavery statement sets out our zero-tolerance approach to forced labour, human trafficking and any form of exploitation. We recognise that Sidcup gardening services and the wider garden maintenance supply chain carry risks and we commit to identifying, preventing and remediating any instances of modern slavery.

Our policy applies to all employees, contractors and suppliers engaged in garden services, landscape supply and maintenance. We enforce a zero-tolerance policy so that any evidence of coercion, restriction of movement, withholding of wages or deceptive recruitment will result in immediate action including contract termination and reporting to relevant authorities. Gardens Sidcup expects the same standard from its partners.

We maintain a Supplier Code of Conduct that requires compliance with anti-slavery laws and best practice. As part of supplier management we conduct due diligence and risk-based supplier audits, reviewing documentation, employment records and recruitment procedures. Key elements of our supplier audits include:

• Verification of worker identity and age
• Checks on pay, hours and benefits to ensure fair remuneration
• Examination of recruitment fees and third-party labour providers

We operate a continuous programme of risk assessment across geographic areas and service lines. Our procurement teams are trained to identify high-risk suppliers, especially those sourcing seasonal labour for horticulture, tree work and ground maintenance. Sidcup Gardening undertakes pre-contract screening and ongoing monitoring, with escalation procedures for any adverse findings.

We provide multiple reporting channels so that workers, sub-contractors and members of the public can raise concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation. Reports may be made through anonymous third-party hotlines, internal compliance channels and designated safeguarding officers. All reports are treated seriously, logged, and investigated promptly and impartially. We ensure that whistleblowers are protected and that any victim receives support.

Our response framework includes immediate risk mitigation, remediation plans where exploitation is found, and cooperation with law enforcement and NGOs. Garden services in Sidcup are required to cooperate with investigations. We use corrective action plans and, where appropriate, remedial measures such as back pay, medical support or relocation assistance for affected workers.

We track performance via key metrics including the number of supplier audits completed, incidents reported, investigations closed and remedial actions implemented. Training is mandatory for all staff involved in procurement and supervisory roles: e-learning, face-to-face briefings and scenario workshops ensure awareness of modern slavery indicators and reporting obligations.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

Each year Gardening Sidcup carries out a comprehensive review of its modern slavery policies and practices. The annual review examines audit outcomes, incident trends, supplier performance and training uptake. Findings inform policy updates, improved contractual terms and targeted due diligence in higher-risk areas such as seasonal labour sourcing and subcontracted landscaping.

Governance, Transparency and Ongoing Commitments

Senior management has responsibility for ensuring implementation of this statement. We publish a clear escalation route, assign accountability for supplier compliance and commit to transparency about our actions. Sidcup garden maintenance operations will continue to develop partnerships with specialist organisations to support victims and strengthen remediation processes. We will not tolerate any form of modern slavery in our business or supply chain.

We will review this statement and our policies at least annually, adjusting our approach as necessary to respond to emerging risks and best practice. Gardening in Sidcup pledges to maintain vigilance, to improve supplier assurance through regular audits and to keep accessible, protected reporting channels for anyone who needs to raise concerns.