Gardening Morden Modern Slavery and Ethical Sourcing Statement

Gardening Morden is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct across our operations. We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking in any part of our business, whether in direct employment or through suppliers providing garden maintenance, landscaping and planting services. This statement sets out our approach to preventing exploitation within Morden gardening supply chains and our broader local horticultural activities.

As a provider of garden services in Morden, we recognise our responsibility to ensure that all workers engaged directly by Gardening Morden or indirectly through contractors are treated fairly. Our zero-tolerance stance is embedded in company culture: any credible allegation of modern slavery results in immediate investigation, suspension of relationships where necessary, and remedial actions to protect affected individuals.

We apply proactive risk assessment across procurement for goods and labour used in gardening in Morden and Morden gardening projects. Risk factors are mapped against supplier location, recruitment methods and work conditions. Where risks are identified we deploy additional checks and monitoring to ensure compliance with our standards and relevant legislation.

Supply Chain Controls and Supplier Audits

Gardening Morden operates a robust supplier onboarding process. New and existing suppliers must sign our Code of Conduct which highlights expectations on wages, hours, working conditions and prohibition of forced labour. We carry out supplier audits and site visits to verify compliance with our policies. These audits include document reviews, worker interviews and inspection of payroll records where appropriate.

Audit frequency is risk-based: higher-risk suppliers and labour-only agencies undergo more frequent checks. We keep detailed records of supplier performance and corrective action plans. If a supplier fails to remedy issues within agreed timescales, we terminate the relationship to protect workers and maintain integrity across the Gardening-Morden community.

Key supply chain controls include:

• Pre-contract checks on recruitment practices and identity verification;
• Periodic on-site audits and unannounced inspections;
• Contract clauses requiring adherence to anti-slavery policies and immediate disclosure of any breaches.

Reporting Channels, Training and Annual Review

We maintain multiple confidential reporting channels so workers, suppliers and community members can raise concerns. Reports may be made through designated internal channels and are treated seriously and investigated promptly. All allegations are assessed and escalated to senior management, ensuring effective remediation and protection for whistleblowers.

To embed awareness we deliver regular training for staff, site supervisors and relevant suppliers on how to spot signs of modern slavery and how to respond. Training emphasises the identification of coercive recruitment, excessive working hours, withheld wages or confiscation of identity documents. We support a culture where team members involved in gardening in Morden feel empowered to act.

Annual review: Gardening Morden conducts a formal annual review of this statement and our policies. The review evaluates the effectiveness of supplier audits, reporting outcomes, training uptake and any corrective actions taken. Findings inform continuous improvement: we update risk assessments, strengthen contractual requirements and enhance monitoring tools where necessary.