Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Camberwell
Gardeners Camberwell is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our operations and supply chain. This statement sets out our approach and the steps we take to ensure that the work carried out by the Camberwell gardeners and our partners is free from exploitation. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of forced labour, servitude or human trafficking, and we hold ourselves and our suppliers to high standards of ethical behaviour.
Our Commitment and Scope
We, the Gardeners of Camberwell, apply this policy across our local contracts, seasonal teams and subcontracted services. The commitment covers all employees, contractors and the third-party providers that support landscaping, planting and garden maintenance services. We operate in accordance with applicable anti-slavery laws and best practice, and we expect our partners and the wider Camberwell gardening team to do the same.
Our modern slavery statement reflects our responsibility to identify and mitigate risks. We recognise that supply chains in horticulture can be complex, so we focus on transparency and traceability. This includes evaluating recruitment practices, verifying the legality of work, and addressing risks linked to labour-only contracting models often seen in the gardening and grounds maintenance sector.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Zero tolerance means we will not tolerate any instance of modern slavery. If evidence arises that a supplier, subcontractor or employee is involved in exploitation, we will act decisively and proportionately, which may include termination of contracts and reporting to the appropriate authorities. We apply remedial measures to support any victim of exploitation while ensuring that our processes do not unintentionally penalise vulnerable workers.
Supplier due diligence and audit practices form a core part of our prevention strategy. We assess risk based on geography, service type and labour intensity, and we require suppliers to confirm compliance with our policies through contractual warranties and declarations. Our approach includes:
- Pre-engagement vetting and identity checks of labour providers.
- Periodic on-site and remote audits of high-risk suppliers and partners.
- Verification of payroll, working hours and subcontractor arrangements.
We operate a programme of supplier audits and monitoring that includes scheduled reviews, unannounced inspections where appropriate, and performance scoring against key indicators. Audit findings are used to develop corrective action plans and to drive continuous improvement. Gardeners Camberwell reserves the right to suspend or terminate relationships with suppliers that fail to remedy breaches related to modern slavery.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage all workers, contractors and third parties to report concerns about modern slavery. Reports can be made through our internal, confidential reporting channels and are treated seriously and sensitively. We have clear escalation and investigation procedures to ensure allegations are examined promptly, survivors are supported, and appropriate disciplinary or legal action is taken where necessary. Our reporting processes protect whistleblowers from retaliation and maintain anonymity where requested.
Training, Remediation and Annual Review We provide regular training for staff and contractors on recognising indicators of exploitation and proper reporting procedures. When an issue is identified, our remediation process prioritises victim safety, access to support services and fair remediation. We review and update this modern slavery policy and our operational controls at least once a year as part of an annual review cycle to reflect changes in legislation, supply chain structure and emerging risks.
As part of our continuous improvement, the Camberwell gardening team measures performance through audit results, corrective action completion rates and training uptake. We use these metrics to adjust risk assessments, amend supplier engagement criteria and enhance our monitoring activities. Our collective goal is to ensure that the gardening services delivered by Gardeners Camberwell and the wider network are dignified, lawful and free from exploitation.
We remain dedicated to collaboration with industry peers, local stakeholders and enforcement bodies where appropriate, sharing learning and aligning our practices with recognised standards. This statement will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect progress and any new measures implemented across our operations.
By publishing this modern slavery statement, Gardeners Camberwell reinforces a public and internal pledge to uphold labour rights, eliminate forced labour from our supply chain and support vulnerable workers. We will continue to embed these values across the organisation and pursue robust actions to prevent modern slavery in all aspects of our gardening and landscaping activities.
