Gardening Lambeth Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Lambeth is committed to preventing all forms of exploitation. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to identifying, preventing and remedying modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility under the modern slavery and human trafficking statement principles, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy to slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking across every aspect of our work.

We publish this anti-slavery statement to provide transparency about our policies and actions. Our trustees, staff and volunteers must comply with these standards, and we require partners to do the same. The anti-modern slavery policy applies to all Gardening Lambeth activities, including community gardening, procurement of plants and materials, and contracts for services delivered on our behalf.

Our commitment extends beyond words: we actively assess potential risks and take proportionate steps to mitigate them. This slavery and human trafficking statement outlines key obligations for suppliers and staff, and how we respond to identified concerns. We embed the principles of fair treatment, safe work conditions and lawful recruitment into our governance and project delivery.

Policies, Controls and Due Diligence

Gardening Lambeth's Modern Slavery policy requires all procurement and contracts to include clauses prohibiting forced labour and human trafficking. We conduct due diligence when engaging new suppliers and service providers, and we require evidence of compliance with labour standards. Our verification steps include reviewing documentation, certifications and declarations to ensure suppliers meet our expectations.

We operate a programme of supplier audits and risk-based assessments to verify compliance. Audits may be desk-based or on-site where appropriate. Audit criteria include recruitment practices, wage payments, working hours, health and safety measures, and freedom of movement for workers. Where non-compliance is found, we require corrective action plans and monitor implementation through follow-up reviews.

We also maintain a clear escalation path: repeated or severe breaches may result in contract termination and referral to authorities. To support continuous improvement, we provide training for staff and partners so they can recognize and respond to potential indicators of exploitation in gardens, events and supply chains.

Reporting, Remediation and Review

We provide multiple reporting channels so concerns about modern slavery can be raised confidentially and without fear of reprisal. These reporting channels include internal escalation to senior managers and independent review by the trustees. Reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly following our safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures. Our reporting framework is designed to protect victims and ensure proportionate action.

Reporting channels are supported by training and clear instructions on how to record and escalate concerns. We encourage staff, volunteers and third parties to report suspected exploitation, and we commit to cooperating with relevant authorities to achieve remediation. Where victims are identified, we prioritise their safety and access to appropriate support services.

Annual review is integral to our approach. Each year Gardening Lambeth publishes a review of our anti-slavery activities, evaluates the effectiveness of supplier audits, updates risk assessments and revises policies as needed. This annual review process ensures the modern slavery statement remains current and responsive to evolving risks and stakeholder expectations.

To summarise our commitments: zero-tolerance to slavery and exploitation; robust supplier audits; accessible and confidential reporting channels; and an annual review cycle that drives improvement. We will continue to strengthen our procedures and collaborate with partners to eliminate forced labour from our operations and supply chains.

Key actions include:

• Zero-tolerance policy: clear contractual obligations and immediate action on breaches.
• Supplier audits: systematic assessments and follow-up for remediation.
• Reporting channels: secure, confidential mechanisms for raising concerns.
• Annual review: regular evaluation and public reporting of progress.

Gardening Lambeth is committed to continuous improvement of its anti-slavery measures and to ensuring that our community gardening activities and procurement practices reflect the highest ethical standards. This modern slavery statement, our anti-slavery policy and ongoing actions demonstrate our determination to prevent exploitation and protect human dignity in all that we do.