Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Services Blackwall
Gardening Services Blackwall is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chain. This statement outlines our approach and actions during the reporting period. We operate with a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of forced labour, child labour, exploitation or human trafficking, and we require the same high standards from all those who work with or for our Blackwall gardening service.
Our commitment applies to employees, contractors and suppliers engaged by Gardening Service Blackwall and to temporary and agency staff providing grounds maintenance, horticultural contracting, landscaping and related services. We define modern slavery broadly to include forced labour, servitude, debt bondage, and any form of coercion. These definitions underpin our policies for recruitment, procurement and contractor management across gardening services in Blackwall and adjacent operations.
Policy and Governance
Zero-tolerance: We enforce a zero-tolerance policy where any evidence of modern slavery results in immediate suspension of contracting relationships and prompt investigation. This policy is approved at senior management level and communicated throughout our teams. All contractors and suppliers must comply with our standards as a condition of engagement with Blackwall gardening services.Supply Chain Risk and Expectations
Our procurement approach identifies high-risk categories such as seasonal labour, subcontracted landscaping crews and materials sourced through third parties. We require suppliers to provide assurances that their workforce is employed lawfully and that no fees, deposits or practices exist that could lead to debt bondage. For the Blackwall gardening service, contractual clauses mandate compliance with labour laws, right-to-work checks and transparent pay practices.Supplier Audits and Monitoring
We implement a structured audit program to verify compliance. Audits include documentation review, on-site visits and worker interviews where appropriate. Key audit components include:
- Verification of recruitment practices and recruitment fee policies
- Review of payroll records, working hours and holiday entitlements
- Site inspections and confirmation of safe accommodation where provided
Suppliers found non-compliant are required to undertake corrective action plans; repeated or serious breaches will lead to contract termination. We also maintain a register of high-risk suppliers for the gardening services in Blackwall and prioritise them for frequent review. Risk-based screening is applied during onboarding and at regular intervals thereafter.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We provide secure, confidential reporting channels so staff, contractors and third parties can raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Reports can be made via internal HR escalation routes, dedicated compliance reporting tools and designated safeguarding officers. Anonymous reporting is supported, and every report is reviewed by our compliance team with documented outcomes.
Training and awareness form part of our preventative measures: employees and onsite supervisors receive regular briefings on identifying signs of exploitation, and contractors engaged by Gardening Services Blackwall are required to complete supplier awareness modules prior to mobilisation. Regular toolbox talks reinforce expectations on ethical conduct and worker welfare.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
We undertake an annual review of our modern slavery approach, incorporating audit findings, incident reports and legislative changes. The review informs policy updates, training enhancements and any necessary changes to supplier audits. Senior management and governance committees assess performance against measurable indicators, including the number of audits completed, remedial actions taken and training completion rates.Gardening Services Blackwall remains resolutely committed to eradicating modern slavery from our operations and the networks that supply our gardening service in Blackwall. We will continue to strengthen our controls, collaborate with partners and report transparently on progress in subsequent statements. This statement is approved by our leadership and will be reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains effective and responsive to emerging risks.
