Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Mitcham
Gardeners Mitcham confirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by the Gardeners of Mitcham to identify, mitigate and remediate risks. We operate with zero tolerance for forced labour, exploitation or any practice that undermines the dignity of workers.
We maintain a clear zero-tolerance policy that applies to everyone engaged by Mitcham gardeners, from employees to contractors and suppliers. All procurement and contracting processes embed anti-slavery clauses and expectations. Our leadership team has endorsed this statement and ensures accountability through governance and resource allocation to prevent modern slavery.
Our expectations of suppliers are explicit: suppliers to the gardeners in Mitcham must comply with relevant labour and human rights laws, provide safe working conditions and prohibit practices such as bonded labour, debt bondage, child labour and human trafficking. We require evidence of employment rights and robust human resources processes as part of onboarding and ongoing engagement.
Risk Assessment and Supplier Audits
We conduct regular risk assessments across our supply chain to prioritise high-risk categories, regions and vendors. This risk-based approach allows the Gardeners of Mitcham to allocate resources where they are most needed, focusing on seasonal labour and subcontracted landscaping services which can present heightened vulnerabilities.
Supplier audits form a core part of our due diligence. Audits include document reviews, on-site inspections where practical, and worker interviews. Audits are scheduled based on risk level: high-risk suppliers are audited annually, medium-risk suppliers every two years and low-risk suppliers through periodic desktop assessments.
To support transparency, we integrate anti-slavery clauses into contracts and request evidence of payroll, recruitment practices and right-to-work checks. Where non-compliance is identified, we require corrective action plans and monitor implementation until compliance is achieved.
Policies, Training and Remediation
Our policy framework is reinforced through targeted training for staff and contractors. Training modules cover recognition of modern slavery indicators, how to escalate concerns and the responsibilities of line managers. We believe that informed colleagues are essential to prevention and early detection.
The gardeners in Mitcham operate remedial procedures for victims and affected workers. Where exploitation is found, we take proportionate remedial action which may include supporting access to safe employment, medical care and legal assistance, and terminating contracts with culpable suppliers. Remediation is survivor-centred and seeks to restore safety and dignity.
Reporting channels are accessible and protected: staff and third parties can report concerns through internal escalation routes and anonymous mechanisms established within our governance framework. Reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly and kept confidential. We prohibit retaliation against anyone who raises concerns in good faith.
Our supply chain transparency work is complemented by continuous improvement initiatives. We commit to supplier engagement, capacity building and collaboration with peer organisations to strengthen industry standards and reduce the risk of modern slavery across horticultural and maintenance services.
Gardeners Mitcham publishes this statement to be open about our approach. Key actions include:
- Maintaining a strict zero-tolerance approach and embedding anti-slavery clauses in agreements;
- Conducting regular supplier audits and risk-based due diligence;
- Providing staff training and protected reporting channels;
- Implementing remediation plans where issues are identified.
We will review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to assess effectiveness and update our approach in line with evolving risks and best practice. The annual review will consider audit outcomes, incident response records, supplier performance and training completion rates, ensuring the gardeners of Mitcham remain vigilant and accountable.
Approval and commitment: This statement has been approved by senior management and reflects the ongoing commitment of Mitcham gardening services to eradicate modern slavery from our operations and supply chains. We will continue to act decisively, transparently and collaboratively to protect workers and uphold human rights.
