Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Chigwell Commitment

Gardeners Chigwell confirms a clear and resolute position: we have a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking across our operations and supply network. As the Gardeners of Chigwell serving local communities, we recognise our responsibility to take deliberate steps to prevent slavery and exploitation in all forms. This statement sets out the actions we take to ensure our horticultural services, subcontractors and suppliers follow the highest standards of ethical practice and labour rights.

We, as Chigwell gardeners and landscape professionals, commit to continual improvement in our approach to preventing exploitation. Our policies are designed to protect workers, contractors and anyone engaged by Gardeners Chigwell. We employ clear procedures for recruitment, worker checks and engagement that reduce risk and promote dignity at work. Every role and every contract is assessed for exposure to modern slavery risks, and mitigation measures are embedded into our operations.

This statement applies across the Garden Care Chigwell network and to third parties supplying goods and services to us. Our chief measures include supplier due diligence, periodic supplier audits and robust reporting channels for concerns. We require partners to adhere to our standards through contractual clauses and regular performance reviews. Non-compliance will result in escalation, remediation actions, or termination of contracts where necessary.

Policies and Standards

Gardeners Chigwell maintains clear policies that reflect our respect for human rights. Our procurement policy, ethical sourcing code and staff handbook explicitly forbid any form of modern slavery. We require transparency from suppliers and maintain a documented process to evaluate risk and compliance. All employees and subcontractors receive training on recognising indicators of exploitation, and managers are trained on response protocols.

To strengthen supply chain integrity we implement a programme of supplier audits. These include:

• Initial risk assessments for new suppliers and periodic reassessments for existing ones;
• On-site visits and documentary checks where risks are elevated;
• Corrective action plans for identified issues and follow-up audits to verify remediation.

Audit outcomes inform our procurement decisions and contract renewals, ensuring only those aligned with our values remain in our network.

Due Diligence and Monitoring

We operate a proportionate due diligence process tailored to the size and nature of the supply relationship. For higher-risk contracts, Gardeners Chigwell will request evidence of worker terms, wage records and recruitment practices. We apply sanctions and phased corrective measures to suppliers who breach standards, escalating to contract termination if improvements are not made.

Our reporting channels are designed to be accessible, confidential and effective. Staff, subcontractors and third parties can report concerns via internal reporting lines and anonymous mechanisms. We promote a speak-up culture where suspected exploitation is taken seriously, investigated promptly and acted upon. Reports are handled with care to protect victims and ensure a fair investigation.

Reporting options include an internal whistleblowing route, line-manager escalation and formal referrals to appropriate enforcement agencies when criminal conduct is suspected. Gardeners Chigwell guarantees that anyone raising a genuine concern will not face reprisal. Protection for reporters is central to our approach and forms part of our compliance training programmes.

We also encourage contractors to maintain their own grievance mechanisms and to ensure workers can raise issues without fear. Suppliers are required to demonstrate that their workforce understand reporting routes and that corrective action is documented and measured.

Supplier audits and ongoing engagement form the backbone of our prevention strategy. We maintain supplier scorecards that capture key indicators: worker treatment, recruitment transparency, and evidence of legal wage payments. Where appropriate we collaborate with industry bodies to share best practice and to help smaller suppliers meet standards through capacity building and training support.

Gardeners Chigwell will review this modern slavery statement and our related policies annually. The annual review process includes assessment of audit results, incident reports, training completion rates and any changes to legislation or industry guidance. Findings from the review are used to update policies, enhance controls and to set priorities for the coming year.

In summary, Gardeners Chigwell places highest importance on eradicating modern slavery from our operations and supply chains. We remain committed to continuous improvement through strong leadership, supplier audits, clear reporting channels and an annual review cycle. Our commitment as local Chigwell gardeners is unwavering: to act with integrity, to protect vulnerable workers and to ensure our gardening services reflect the highest ethical standards.