Gardening Bethnal Green Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Bethnal Green publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to affirm our commitment to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and any form of modern slavery within our operations and supply chains. This modern slavery policy for Gardening Bethnal Green reflects our zero-tolerance stance: we will not tolerate exploitation, poor working conditions or deceptive recruitment practices. Our aim is to be transparent about the steps we take to identify, prevent and respond to risks.

We operate as a local horticulture and landscaping organisation and recognise that even small organisations must take active measures. Our zero-tolerance policy is embedded in procurement, contracting and day-to-day management. All staff and contractors are made aware—through training and written policies—that any evidence of modern slavery, forced labour or human trafficking will trigger immediate investigation and appropriate action, including termination of contracts where necessary.

Our slavery statement for Gardening Bethnal Green applies across our domestic operations and to the suppliers and subcontractors we engage. We conduct risk-based due diligence to prioritise areas of greatest concern, and we require suppliers to adhere to our code of conduct. Supplier expectations are communicated in tender documents and purchase orders, and contracts include clauses that forbid exploitative labour practices.

To give effect to our commitments we carry out regular supplier audits and compliance checks. Audits combine document review, on-site inspections and questionnaires about recruitment practices, wage payments, working hours and worker freedom of movement. Where necessary we require corrective action plans and follow-up assessments. Our supplier audits are proportionate to risk, with higher-risk vendors subject to more frequent and comprehensive review.

We maintain clear reporting channels to enable employees, contractors and third parties to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery safely and confidentially. Reporting options include an internal whistleblowing route, a named safeguarding officer and anonymous reporting mechanisms. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and documented. We emphasise non-retaliation: anyone raising a concern in good faith will be protected.

Our reporting channels are supported by a procedure that outlines investigation steps, evidence collection and decision-making authorities. Investigations may involve external experts where specialist knowledge is required. If modern slavery is confirmed, we will take decisive action: this may include terminating supplier relationships, notifying authorities and providing support to affected workers in line with legal and ethical obligations.

Governance of our anti-slavery efforts is overseen by senior management and reported to the board of trustees. We maintain a cross-functional team responsible for tracking compliance, coordinating supplier audits and reviewing incident responses. Training is provided to staff involved in procurement, site management and human resources to ensure consistent application of the anti-slavery policy across Gardening Bethnal Green.

We also use contractual and operational measures to reduce risk: enhanced supplier pre-qualification, labour-supply due diligence, and clause-based remedies in contracts. Our procurement standards require proof of lawful employment, transparent payroll records and verification of recruitment agents where used. We reserve the right to audit and to suspend or terminate partnerships for breaches of our slavery statement.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

Review cycle and public reporting

We commit to an annual review of this Modern Slavery Statement and related policies to assess effectiveness and identify improvements. The annual review includes analysis of audit results, incident logs, training uptake and feedback from stakeholders. Outcomes from the review inform action plans for the coming year, strengthening supplier audits, refining reporting channels and enhancing staff training. We will update this slavery statement and our procedures as required to reflect emerging risks and best practice.

In summary, Gardening Bethnal Green maintains a no-tolerance approach to modern slavery and is committed to continuous monitoring, transparent supplier engagement and accessible reporting mechanisms. Through regular supplier audits, secure reporting channels and a formal annual review process, we seek to prevent, detect and remediate any instances of forced labour, human trafficking or related abuses in our operations and supply chain.