Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Paddington

Gardeners Paddington, operating as Gardeners in Paddington and Paddington gardeners, confirms a firm commitment to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking and labour exploitation in our business and supply chains. This statement describes the measures we take across landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticultural supply chains to identify, assess and address risks. We expect all employees, contractors and suppliers to adhere to our standards and to treat people with dignity. Our leadership endorses this policy and allocates resources to implement, monitor and improve our anti-slavery programme throughout Paddington operations. We require transparent records, fair recruitment practices, and access to remedy for affected people where necessary.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any form of forced labour, servitude, child labour or coercion. All staff and contractors must comply with our Code of Conduct and procurement terms. Non-compliance will result in robust action including contract termination, remedial measures and referral to authorities when appropriate. Senior management and the board hold responsibility for oversight and compliance, ensuring that policies are enforced and that corrective action is swift. Our commitment extends to promoting lawful pay, safe working conditions and freedom of movement for workers engaged by Paddington gardeners and subcontractors.

Supplier Audits and Risk Assessment

We undertake regular supplier audits and risk assessments combining desktop reviews, documentary checks and on-site inspections. Audits are risk-based and focus on sectors and services with higher vulnerability such as seasonal planting, temporary labour and landscaping subcontracting. Our process includes the following actions and expectations:

• Pre-qualification checks to screen suppliers before engagement
• Periodic on-site inspections and confidential worker interviews
• Clear contractual clauses that require adherence to anti-slavery standards
• Corrective action plans with deadlines and follow-up verification

We maintain a central supplier register and apply enhanced scrutiny to high-risk suppliers. Our procurement team maps supply chains and identifies nodes where exploitation could occur, using third-party intelligence and local knowledge. We require transparent labour supply chains and conduct background checks on recruitment agencies. Where evidence of non-compliance is found we apply proportionate remedies including suspension, remediation, or termination and we monitor the effectiveness of those measures. Collaboration with peers and industry groups helps us share best practice and raise standards across the gardening sector in Paddington.

Reporting Channels and Worker Support

Gardeners Paddington provides multiple reporting channels that are accessible, confidential and appropriate for the workforce. Workers can report concerns through internal lines, anonymous hotlines and through designated managers trained to respond sensitively. We guarantee protection for whistleblowers who report in good faith and ensure that investigations are impartial, timely and documented. Support measures include helping affected individuals access safe accommodation, medical care and legal advice when needed, and working with external agencies to ensure appropriate remedy.

Training, Review and Continuous Improvement

We deliver regular training on modern slavery awareness, safe recruitment, and supplier management to staff and procurement teams. Training completion is monitored and reported to senior management. We review our policies, supplier audit outcomes and incident responses at least annually to measure effectiveness and to update controls. This Modern Slavery Statement is approved by senior leadership and will be reviewed yearly. By maintaining a strong compliance framework, conducting supplier audits, providing clear reporting channels and committing to annual review, Gardeners Paddington seeks to eradicate modern slavery from our operations and supply chains. We engage directly with suppliers to support remediation, share resources and encourage adoption of good practice. Where appropriate we require independent verification of corrective actions and we reserve the right to terminate relationships that fail to remedy serious breaches. Our approach is pragmatic, victim-centred and focused on prevention as well as remediation, prioritising the welfare of workers and sustainable supply chain improvements.