Modern Slavery Statement for Gardening Downham

Gardening Downham sets out a clear and firm zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery and human trafficking. This statement explains our approach to preventing exploitation across our gardening services, procurement and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to maintain ethical standards and protect vulnerable people who may be exposed to forced labour, bonded labour or other forms of exploitation. Our anti-slavery commitment underpins every management decision and operational practice.

We operate with transparency and comprehensive risk assessment procedures. Our approach to the modern slavery declaration includes staff training, risk mapping of suppliers, and clear contractual obligations that require compliance with labour and human rights laws. Gardening Downham's modern slavery policy demands evidence of lawful working and fair treatment from all partners, contractors and subcontractors we engage.

Supplier due diligence and regular supplier audits are central to how we manage supply-chain risk. We conduct pre-qualification checks, site visits and document verification to assess labour practices, wages, working hours and accommodation where relevant. Where higher risks are identified we implement remedial plans and, if necessary, cease relationships. Our modern slavery statement for suppliers requires corrective action timetables and, where improvements are not made, contract termination.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

We maintain confidential reporting channels so concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees, subcontractors and third parties are encouraged to report suspected exploitation via internal reporting lines and anonymous reporting mechanisms. All allegations are taken seriously, investigated promptly and handled with sensitivity and confidentiality. We do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Our commitments extend beyond policy statements to operational controls. We require recruitment and labour providers to demonstrate ethical recruitment practices and prohibit workers paying recruitment fees. Gardening Downham's anti-slavery statement emphasises that contractual compliance and worker safety are non-negotiable elements of every engagement.

Our supplier audit programme is complemented by worker voice measures and stakeholder engagement. We seek feedback from workers where practical and collaborate with trade unions, industry groups and local authorities to understand on-the-ground conditions. Training is mandatory for procurement and operational teams; regular refresher sessions ensure staff recognise signs of coercion, wage abuse and fraudulent document practices. This collaborative approach strengthens our ability to detect and respond to modern slavery risks.

Key measures we apply include:

• Zero-tolerance policy: clear contractual clauses that prohibit forced labour and set out sanctions for breaches.
• Supplier audits: risk-based reviews, independent checks and corrective action plans where needed.
• Reporting channels: confidential hotlines, secure reporting routes and formal escalation procedures.
• Annual review: continuous evaluation of policy effectiveness, reporting outcomes and setting targets for improvement.
• Training and awareness: induction, operational guidance and refresher training for staff and contracted teams.

Enforcement and consequences

We will not tolerate breaches of our modern slavery rules. Where investigations confirm non-compliance, Gardening Downham will take proportionate action ranging from remedial correction and monitoring to contract termination and legal referral. We use contractual enforcement mechanisms, and in serious cases will pursue recovery and restitution where possible. These measures make our stance on exploitation explicit and enforceable.

Transparency and continuous improvement are essential. We maintain records of our due diligence, audit outcomes and corrective actions, and we benchmark our performance against industry standards. Suppliers are required to provide evidence of payroll, working time records and recruitment practices. Where recruitment agents are used we require certification that fees are not charged to workers, reflecting our commitment to eliminate debt bondage and related abuses.

Annual review: Gardening Downham conducts a formal review of this modern slavery statement and our anti-slavery programme at least once every 12 months. The review evaluates the effectiveness of supplier audits, reporting channels and training, and sets actions for the coming year. Senior management approves outcomes and commits resources to remedial work. This statement is published to demonstrate accountability and to reaffirm our continuing commitment to preventing modern slavery in all forms.