Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Sidcup Commitment

We, Gardeners Sidcup, including our teams of Sidcup gardeners and contractors, declare a clear and unequivocal stance against modern slavery and human trafficking. This statement outlines the steps taken by our gardening business in Sidcup and the wider area to prevent forced labour, exploitative practices and any form of coercion in our operations and supply chain. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and commit to continuous improvement and transparent actions.

Scope and Purpose

This statement applies to all workers engaged directly by Gardeners Sidcup, gardeners in Sidcup working under our contract, temporary staff and suppliers. Our purpose is to set expectations for behaviour, procurement and oversight so that every member of our workforce and our contract partners understands that exploitation has no place in Sidcup gardening services. We resource compliance and treat modern slavery prevention as a priority for the health of our business and the dignity of our colleagues.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

The zero-tolerance stance is embedded in our policies and codes of conduct. All employees and subcontractors must follow our standards, which prohibit forced labour, retention of identity documents, debt bondage and any withholding of pay. Breaches of this policy lead to robust action, including termination of contracts with immediate effect, and, where appropriate, referral to law enforcement. We require that all Sidcup gardening partners sign a declaration acknowledging these obligations.

Supplier Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

Gardeners of Sidcup conduct pre-engagement screening and ongoing supplier audits. Our supplier due diligence includes checks on labour sourcing, worker contracts and recruitment practices. We perform risk-based audits on a regular schedule and additional unannounced checks for higher-risk suppliers. Audit activities examine working hours, wage records, living conditions where relevant, and recruitment fee arrangements to ensure no worker is charged to secure work.

Audit Process and Actions

Audits use a combination of document review, worker interviews and site inspections. Where issues are identified we implement corrective action plans, monitor remediation, and when remediation is not possible or timely, we suspend or terminate the supplier relationship. Our approach is practical: we support suppliers with guidance to meet standards, but maintain firm consequences for persistent non-compliance across the Sidcup gardening supply chain.

Training and Awareness

We provide regular training for managers, HR staff and operational teams to spot signs of exploitation and trafficking. Training covers:

• Recognising indicators of modern slavery
• How to follow our reporting channels
• Responsibilities during supplier audits

This ensures that Sidcup gardening supervisors and field teams are prepared to take appropriate action.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Sidcup maintains secure and confidential reporting routes for concerns about forced labour and exploitation. Employees, contractors and third parties can report suspected modern slavery through internal reporting channels set out in our policies. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and protected under our whistleblowing protocols. We encourage early reporting and guarantee no retaliation for those who raise genuine concerns.

Remediation and Support

When modern slavery risks are identified, our priority is the safety and welfare of affected individuals. We work with relevant authorities and specialist services to provide support, including safe accommodation, legal advice and help to recover unpaid wages where applicable. We document outcomes and incorporate lessons learned into future audits and supplier selection processes for all Sidcup gardeners and contractors.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

We will review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to assess effectiveness and update our policies, audits and training. The annual review evaluates audit results, reported incidents, remediation outcomes and changes in the risk profile of our supply chain. Through continual improvement, the Gardeners in Sidcup pledge remains dynamic and responsive: we will adapt controls, increase supplier engagement, and refine training so our gardening business helps eradicate modern slavery from every level of operation.