Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Abbey Wood

Gardening Abbey Wood publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to set out our clear and unwavering commitments. As a local gardening and landscaping organisation operating under the name Gardening at Abbey Wood and Abbey Wood gardening, we recognise the serious nature of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking risks within horticulture, grounds maintenance and seasonal supply chains. This statement explains our approach to prevention, detection and response to any form of slavery or exploitation across our operations and procurement. Our pledge is zero-tolerance — we will not accept exploitation of workers, whether direct, contracted or within our supply chain.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

Our zero-tolerance policy is clear: any evidence of modern slavery, bonded labour, or human trafficking will lead to immediate action including termination of contracts and cooperation with authorities. We require all staff, subcontractors and suppliers to comply with our standards and sign declarations that disallow exploitative practices. We emphasise transparency and expect partners to demonstrate ethical recruitment and lawful working conditions. To support this, Gardening Abbey Wood maintains a written code of conduct, regular training for supervisors and an expectation that everyone reports concerns. In practice we will:

• Require supplier commitments to anti-slavery clauses;
• Provide training and guidance to staff and managers;
• Refuse to tolerate exploitative or unsafe working conditions.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

We conduct risk-based supplier audits and due diligence across the procurement lifecycle. Our supplier assessment process combines desk-based reviews, self-assessment questionnaires and on-site checks where higher risk is identified. These checks target areas known to be vulnerable in horticulture: seasonal labour, subcontracted planting teams, and imported materials. Where audits reveal non-compliance we require corrective action plans and monitor implementation; persistent or serious failures result in contract termination. We also use third-party certifications, supplier references and random spot checks to strengthen our oversight and reduce the risk of slavery or forced labour in our supply chain.

Reporting Channels

Gardening Abbey Wood provides multiple confidential reporting channels so workers, suppliers and the public can raise concerns safely. Reports can be submitted anonymously through internal whistleblowing systems and via designated managers who are trained to respond sensitively. We emphasise that retaliation will not be tolerated and that reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and escalated to appropriate authorities when necessary. We encourage anyone who suspects modern slavery, forced labour or trafficking to come forward. Reports are investigated impartially and corrective measures are implemented where required.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

Our modern slavery policy and risk assessments are reviewed at least annually and updated in response to legislative change, audit findings and evolving supply chain risks. Each year Gardening Abbey Wood publishes an internal review of progress against key performance indicators, including the number of supplier audits completed, training hours delivered and instances of non-compliance resolved. We use lessons learned to improve procurement specifications, tendering processes and employment practices. Continuous improvement is central: prevention, detection and remediation measures are refined each cycle to strengthen protections for workers.

In summary, Gardening Abbey Wood — also referred to in communications as Gardeners Abbey Wood or Abbey Wood garden services — is committed to eradicating modern slavery and exploitation from our operations and supply chains. We maintain a strict zero-tolerance stance, execute robust supplier audits, provide safe reporting channels and perform an annual review to ensure ongoing effectiveness. This modern slavery statement is owned by senior leadership and implemented across all teams. We expect the same high standards from our suppliers and partners and will continue to act decisively where evidence of exploitation is found.