Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Deptford
Gardening Deptford is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all parts of our operations. This statement sets out our zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, servitude, bonded labour or human trafficking. As a community-focused provider of gardening in Deptford and surrounding areas, we recognise our responsibility to maintain safe, fair and ethical working conditions for staff, contractors and anyone working in our supply chain.
Our commitment covers direct employees, subcontractors and suppliers. We publish this modern slavery statement to be transparent about the steps we take to eliminate exploitation. The policy applies to all activities carried out by Deptford gardeners, seasonal teams and partner organisations engaging with local landscaping, planting and maintenance projects. We require compliance with all applicable laws and insist on ethical labour standards.
Supplier assurance and audits
We operate a rigorous supplier audit process to ensure that suppliers to Gardening Deptford meet our standards. Audits include documentation checks, on-site visits where feasible, and third-party verification for high-risk suppliers. Our audit protocol uses a risk-based approach and includes the following key checks:- Verification of employment contracts and pay records
- Assessment of recruitment practices and fees
- Interviews with workers when on-site audits take place
We use contractual clauses to require compliance with our anti-slavery standards and reserve the right to terminate relationships with suppliers who fail to meet them. Our procurement team for Deptford gardening services integrates these clauses into supplier agreements and monitors corrective action plans where issues are identified. Contractors are expected to cooperate with audits and to implement remediation where necessary.
Reporting channels and whistleblowing
Gardening Deptford has confidential and accessible reporting channels for staff, contractors and suppliers to raise concerns. Individuals can use internal reporting lines, speak to a manager, or submit anonymous reports through secure channels. Reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly and treated with confidentiality and care. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises legitimate concerns in good faith.To support reporting we provide training on recognising signs of exploitation, indicators of modern slavery in horticulture, and how to use our reporting system. The training is mandatory for staff and recommended for regular contractors; it emphasises the zero tolerance stance of our organisation and the practical steps to escalate concerns.
Our due diligence process for new suppliers includes risk screening, reference checks and, where appropriate, on-site visits. For high-risk categories — for example, seasonal labour hire or non-UK sourcing of materials — we apply enhanced checks and continuous monitoring. Remediation measures include supplier action plans, worker support and, if required, termination of contracts with non-compliant parties. Deptford gardening operations are committed to taking swift action to protect workers.
Annual review and continuous improvement — Gardening Deptford conducts an annual review of this modern slavery statement and of our policies, procedures and performance metrics. This review evaluates audit outcomes, recorded incidents, training completion rates and improvements in supplier compliance. Findings are used to refine our supplier audit approach, update contractual terms and strengthen reporting and remedial processes.
In conclusion, Gardening Deptford, the Deptford gardeners and our wider gardening community remain dedicated to eradicating modern slavery from our operations and supply chain. We will continue to invest in supplier assurance, robust audits, clear reporting channels and regular review. This statement will be reviewed at least once every 12 months to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practice and legal obligations. Gardening Deptford stands firm in its commitment to protect vulnerable workers and uphold ethical labour standards across all activities.