Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Sanderstead Commitment
Gardeners Sanderstead confirms its continuing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms throughout our operations and supply chains. This statement sets out our approach, the steps we take to reduce risk, and the responsibilities of our staff and partners. We operate a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labour, human trafficking, and any exploitation of workers in the delivery of gardening and landscaping services.
As the local business known as Gardeners of Sanderstead, we recognise that vigilance is required at every stage of procurement and project delivery. Our policies are designed to identify and respond to any concerns promptly. We communicate expectations to suppliers and contractors and require that everyone who works with Sanderstead Gardeners adheres to our standards of ethical employment and worker welfare.
We have implemented clear reporting channels so that concerns can be raised safely and anonymously if necessary. All staff, subcontractors and suppliers are informed about our reporting processes during induction and through ongoing communications. The primary reporting routes include an internal designated compliance officer and a confidential escalation process; employees are encouraged to speak up without fear of retaliation.
Policies, Supplier Audits and Risk Assessments
We maintain a suite of policies addressing labour standards, recruitment practices and ethical sourcing. These policies are reviewed regularly and form part of contract terms with our suppliers. Our supplier due diligence programme focuses on high-risk categories such as seasonal labour, outsourced maintenance crews and subcontracted planting teams.
To monitor compliance we conduct supplier audits and site visits on a risk-based schedule. Audit activity includes document reviews, interviews with workers, verification of right-to-work checks, and evaluation of pay and working hours. Where issues are identified we require remedial action plans and follow-up audits to ensure persistent compliance. Our audit approach balances constructive engagement with the ability to terminate relationships if standards are not met.
Key elements of our supplier audit and oversight programme include:
- Risk-based screening of new suppliers before engagement
- Regular on-site checks and document verification
- Corrective action plans with clear timelines
- Capability building for smaller suppliers to improve standards
Reporting Channels, Training and Employee Responsibilities
Our reporting channels are designed to be accessible and trusted. Workers can raise concerns through line managers, the designated compliance contact, or via a confidential written submission. We treat all reports seriously, investigate promptly and protect whistleblowers from any form of victimisation. The Gardeners in Sanderstead training programme includes modules on recognising exploitation, safe recruitment, and the rights of workers.
Responsibilities for preventing modern slavery are embedded at every level of the organisation. Senior management oversee policy implementation, procurement teams ensure supplier adherence, and field supervisors monitor site conditions. We require mandatory training for staff involved in recruitment and supplier management, and provide guidance on recognising indicators of trafficking or forced labour.
We will continue to strengthen our controls and engagement with the wider supply chain. An annual review of this Modern Slavery Statement is conducted to assess progress, update risk assessments and refine our supplier audit programme. Outcomes of the review determine any necessary policy adjustments, additional training modules, or enhanced monitoring activities to ensure continuous improvement.
In summary, Sanderstead Gardeners is committed to ethical procurement and to maintaining a workplace where exploitation has no place. Through a clear zero-tolerance policy, robust supplier audits, accessible reporting channels, and an annual review process, we seek to minimise risk across our operations and uphold the highest labour standards. We will continue to work collaboratively with our contractors, suppliers and workforce to protect the rights and dignity of all workers associated with our gardening and landscaping services.
