Modern Slavery Statement — Garden Maintenance Blackfriars

Garden Maintenance Blackfriars is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our business and supply chains. This statement outlines our approach, reflecting a zero-tolerance stance toward forced labour, child labour and exploitation across our groundskeeping and landscaping services. We recognise our responsibility to protect workers and communities connected to Blackfriars garden maintenance and to be transparent about the steps we take.

We operate with a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of modern slavery. Our policy applies to every employee, contractor and supplier engaged in garden maintenance in Blackfriars and surrounding areas. Anyone found to be involved in exploitative practices will face disciplinary action and potential termination of contracts. We expect the same standards from our suppliers and subcontractors.

Scope and responsibility

Our senior leadership team is accountable for ensuring compliance with anti-slavery obligations and embedding ethical practices into day-to-day operations. This Modern Slavery Statement covers all Garden Maintenance - Blackfriars activities, including landscaping, pruning, seasonal planting and groundskeeping contracts. All managers receive training on recognising signs of exploitation and on our mandatory reporting channels.

We conduct robust supplier due diligence as part of our procurement for Blackfriars garden maintenance work. New suppliers must complete a pre-qualification questionnaire and provide evidence of labour standards, right-to-work checks and employment contracts. Existing suppliers undergo periodic reassessment to ensure continuing compliance with our standards.

Supplier audits and monitoring

We carry out regular audits of suppliers and subcontractors. Audits include documentary review, on-site inspections and worker interviews where appropriate. Our supplier audit process covers:

• Verification of employment records and wage payments
• Assessment of recruitment fees and debt-bondage risks
• Health and safety and working hours compliance

To strengthen oversight we operate a risk-based approach: suppliers in higher-risk categories or jurisdictions are audited more frequently. We use audit outcomes to require corrective action plans and to drive improvements. Persistent non-compliance leads to contract review and possible termination. We will not tolerate suppliers who expose workers to exploitative conditions.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing are integral to how we identify and address modern slavery. Garden Maintenance Blackfriars offers multiple secure and confidential routes for raising concerns, including anonymous reporting through internal channels and escalation to senior management. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and protected from retaliation.

Our reporting framework encourages staff, contractors and members of the public with concerns about Blackfriars groundskeeping or any garden maintenance activity to come forward. We ensure protection for whistleblowers, fair investigation procedures and corrective measures where abuse is found. All reports are logged and tracked until resolution.

Training and awareness form a core part of our preventative measures. We provide regular training sessions for employees and procurement teams on spotting signs of trafficking and exploitation, safe recruitment practices and how to use our reporting channels. Empowering staff supports early detection and response.

We are committed to continual improvement. Each year Garden Maintenance Blackfriars undertakes a comprehensive review of policies, supplier performance and incident data. Our annual review process evaluates the effectiveness of supplier audits, training programmes and reporting mechanisms, and sets measurable objectives for the following year.

In summary, this Modern Slavery Statement reflects our ongoing pledge to uphold human rights across all garden maintenance operations in Blackfriars. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach, carry out targeted supplier audits, provide secure reporting channels and perform an annual review to ensure persistent progress. Through vigilance, partnership and accountability we aim to eradicate modern slavery from our operations and encourage ethical practice throughout the landscaping sector.