Modern Slavery Statement for Garden Maintenance Islington

Garden Maintenance Islington is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our operations and supply chain. This statement explains our zero-tolerance approach, the steps we take to identify risk, and how our gardening services across Islington uphold the highest standards of worker welfare. We recognise that garden maintenance in Islington must be delivered ethically and that everyone involved in groundskeeping deserves to work in a safe, fair environment.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of forced labour, servitude, human trafficking or exploitation. All employees, contractors and partners engaged by Garden Maintenance Islington are expected to comply with this policy. We make it clear that exploitation is unacceptable and will result in immediate action, including contract termination and referral to the appropriate authorities where necessary.

Supply Chain Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We maintain robust supplier due diligence and monitoring procedures for our Islington garden maintenance supply chain. Suppliers and subcontractors are required to demonstrate transparent employment practices and to comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct. Key controls include:

• Pre-engagement checks to verify identity documents and legal right to work;
• Periodic supplier audits and site visits to check employment conditions, recruitment practices and pay compliance;
• Contractual clauses requiring prompt remediation of any identified issues.

Routine and Targeted Audits

Audits are carried out on a routine schedule and targeted to higher-risk suppliers. Audit findings are documented and followed up with corrective action plans. We use a risk-based approach that evaluates country of origin, labour intensity, recruitment methods and the use of labour agencies. For our local and regional garden maintenance services we combine documentary checks with unannounced site visits where appropriate.

Training, Policies and Worker Awareness

All staff and management involved in procurement, recruitment and supervision receive regular training on modern slavery risks and how to spot signs of exploitation. We provide clear, accessible information to workers about their rights, pay and grievance procedures. Our policies are communicated in plain language and translated where necessary to ensure comprehension among migrant and seasonal workers used in garden maintenance in Islington.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Garden Maintenance Islington operates multiple safe and confidential reporting channels for concerns about exploitation. Workers, contractors and the public can raise issues through internal reporting lines. We encourage the use of anonymous reporting where people fear retaliation. All allegations are treated seriously, investigated promptly and escalated to senior management. We will protect whistleblowers and provide support to affected workers, including referral to specialist services for victims of trafficking.

Accountability, Remediation and Annual Review

Accountability is embedded at board and senior management level. We review our anti-slavery measures annually and publish updates to this statement. The annual review includes: a summary of audit findings, remediation actions taken, training hours delivered, and risk assessments for suppliers providing landscaping and garden maintenance services across Islington.

Remediation processes prioritise the wellbeing of potential victims and aim to restore rights, fair pay and employment opportunities where possible. We work with suppliers to implement corrective actions and reserve the right to terminate relationships if standards are not met.

In summary, Garden Maintenance Islington is resolute in its commitment: a zero tolerance stance, structured supplier audits, secure reporting channels and a transparent annual review process combine to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our garden and grounds maintenance operations. We continuously improve our practices, apply lessons learned, and expect the same high ethical standards from all organisations we work with.