Modern Slavery Statement — Garden Maintenance New Cross
Garden Maintenance New Cross is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. This modern slavery statement sets out the policies and measures we have implemented. Our zero-tolerance approach to forced labour and exploitation is central to our values as a local provider of garden maintenance in New Cross. We maintain a clear policy stance that any form of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking is unacceptable, and we will act decisively where risks are identified.
We operate across New Cross and surrounding areas providing professional grounds and garden services. As part of our commitment, the company requires all employees and contractors to comply with our zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery. Employment practices include checks on right to work, fair pay, legal working hours and safe working conditions. We also emphasise training and awareness so that staff recognise signs of coercion or exploitation and understand their responsibilities to report concerns.
Our supplier relationships are reviewed regularly and we apply proportionate due diligence. We expect suppliers involved in landscaping, plant supply, waste removal and subcontracted labour to meet high ethical standards. Supplier contracts include clauses requiring compliance with anti-slavery laws and the right to audit. Where risks are identified, we work collaboratively with suppliers to remediate issues and, if necessary, terminate relationships where suppliers fail to meet our standards.
We conduct periodic supplier audits and checks as part of our procurement process. These audits are risk-based, covering areas such as recruitment practices, evidence of identity and employment contracts, pay and working conditions. Audit findings are documented, and corrective action plans are agreed with suppliers. For higher-risk categories we require additional verification or on-site assessments to ensure compliance. Our approach to supplier audit is designed to be constructive, ensuring improvement while protecting vulnerable workers.
Reporting channels are in place for anyone to raise concerns. Staff are encouraged to report suspected modern slavery via internal reporting lines to managers and through anonymous options where available. We maintain clear procedures for handling reports, ensuring confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers. External stakeholders, including subcontractors and the public, can also raise alerts through designated channels maintained by our governance team. Reports are investigated promptly and proportionately, with remedial steps taken where necessary.
Key actions and commitments
- Zero-tolerance policy: Clear corporate policy forbidding modern slavery in all forms across our operations and supply chain.
- Supplier audits: Regular, risk-based audits and contractual clauses to ensure compliance with anti-slavery requirements.
- Reporting channels: Secure and confidential mechanisms for raising concerns, protecting whistleblowers and ensuring rapid investigation.
- Training: Ongoing training for staff and managers to recognise and respond to signs of exploitation.
Our governance includes senior accountability for human rights, with clear responsibilities assigned to those overseeing procurement and human resources. We embed checks within our recruitment and subcontracting practices for New Cross garden maintenance projects, requiring documentation and traceability of labour sources. Where temporary or agency labour is used for seasonal landscaping work, we pay particular attention to the recruitment chain and any third-party fees that could signal exploitation.
We monitor effectiveness through key performance indicators, audit outcomes and incident logs. Any non-compliance triggers remediation plans and, if necessary, termination of supplier relationships. The Board reviews compliance matters and significant incidents, ensuring our actions align with our policy of protecting workers and preventing exploitation across the garden-maintenance New Cross sector.