Gardening Barking Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Barking declares a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. This statement sets out how our garden services in Barking and surrounding areas identify, prevent and address the risks of exploitation. Gardening Barking is committed to ensuring that everyone who works for or with us is treated with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate exploitation in any form.

Our Zero-Tolerance Commitment

We operate a clear and uncompromising approach: any evidence of slavery or human trafficking will result in immediate action, including contract termination and appropriate legal reporting. Our zero-tolerance policy is embedded in procurement, HR and supplier onboarding processes. Employees and subcontractors are made aware that breaches are taken seriously and investigated promptly and fairly.

To uphold these standards, Gardening in Barking maintains a Supplier Code of Conduct and performs due diligence on suppliers before engagement. Key elements of our supplier approach include:

• Contractual clauses requiring compliance with anti-slavery laws and our policies
• Verification of worker entitlement and fair terms of employment
• Risk-based screening for labour, recruitment and supply chain practices

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

We carry out supplier audits and periodic reviews to confirm adherence to our standards. Audits range from desk-based checks to on-site inspections where risk indicators are present. Audit findings inform corrective action plans, and persistent non-compliance triggers contract review and possible termination. Our Barking gardening suppliers are selected on both capability and ethical performance.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardening Barking provides confidential reporting channels for workers, subcontractors and third parties to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Reports can be made through internal anonymous routes or through appointed third-party reporting mechanisms. All reports are treated as serious, investigated promptly and recorded. We protect the identity of reporters and offer support where necessary. Clear, accessible reporting is essential to detecting and remediating exploitation.

We emphasise training for staff and suppliers so that signs of forced labour or exploitation are recognised early. Training materials cover indicators such as withheld wages, restricted movement, excessive working hours, and abusive treatment. Regular briefings and toolbox talks keep our teams across Barking gardening services alert to risks.

Supply Chain Accountability

Our contractual framework requires suppliers to permit audits, provide worker information and implement remediation when issues are found. We use a risk-based approach to prioritise high-risk suppliers for more frequent checks. Supplier audits include worker interviews, payroll reviews and recruitment agency assessments. We also encourage suppliers to cascade anti-slavery obligations down their own supply chains.

As part of governance, senior management and our board review modern slavery risk and performance metrics annually. Performance indicators include the number of audits completed, issues identified, remedial actions taken and training completion rates. These metrics are used to refine our approach and drive continuous improvement across Barking garden maintenance and landscaping services.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement: We commit to an annual review of this statement and the policies that underpin it. The review assesses effectiveness, updates risk assessments and sets new targets. Gardening Barking will refine processes, strengthen supplier relationships and enhance transparency year on year. By embedding prevention, detection and remediation into everyday business practice, we reaffirm our dedication to eradicating modern slavery from our operations and those of our partners.