Local Gardener Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the commitment of Local Gardener to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking across our operations and supply chain. The Local Gardener group, the local gardener team and colleagues working under the LocalGardener name maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, involuntary servitude, debt bondage, or human trafficking.
We believe that every person deserves to work free from coercion and exploitation. This statement applies to all employees, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers engaged by Local-Gardener and sets out the steps we take to identify, mitigate and remedy modern slavery risks. It complements our existing policies on ethics, procurement and safeguarding.
![A backyard garden scene featuring a neatly maintained grassy lawn bordered by a variety of flowering plants and shrubs. In the foreground, there are potted plants with colorful flowers, including pink and purple blooms. A large green plastic watering can is positioned centrally, surrounded by additional small plant pots. To the right, a small gardening fork is visible on the grass. The background includes lush green foliage, with a mature tree trunk partially visible on the left and taller plants creating a dense, natural boundary. The scene is well-lit with natural daylight, suggesting a clear weather day, and the overall setting reflects a cared-for outdoor space suitable for gardening activities, with no visible weeds or debris. The setting aligns with professional gardening maintenance services offered by Local Gardener in [POSTCODE], near [TOWN], contributing to an inviting and well-structured garden environment.](/pub/_photos/gardening/f1385938944.jpg)
Our obligations are supported by a clear set of expectations for suppliers and partners. We require vendors to comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct which includes commitments to fair wages, freedom of movement and safe working conditions. We apply risk-based due diligence and carry out compliance checks where necessary to verify adherence to these standards.
Policies, Due Diligence and Supplier Audits
Local Gardener operates a systematic due diligence process to assess and address modern slavery risks. Our approach includes supplier questionnaires, contractual clauses and periodic audits. We prioritise higher-risk suppliers for deeper review and verification.
![A woman in a garden crouching beside a bed of flowering plants, including pink and red blooms, with lush green foliage and a wooden fence in the background. She is wearing an off-white blouse with lace details, a long coral skirt, and orange gardening gloves. The garden features a variety of healthy, dense plants, with visible soil and paved pathways nearby, under bright natural sunlight. The scene depicts a well-maintained outdoor space suitable for gardening and landscape enhancement services offered by Local Gardener in the vicinity of [POSTCODE] / [TOWN], showcasing elements typical of a residential garden, including flowering shrubs, leafy plants, and neatly edged planting beds.](/pub/_photos/gardening/f1422609776.jpg)
Audit activities for the local gardener supply chain include site visits, document reviews and worker interviews where permitted. Key elements of our supplier audit program include:
- Risk assessment and mapping of suppliers by geography and service type;
- On-site or remote audits focusing on employment conditions, hours, pay and recruitment practices;
- Corrective action plans with clear timelines where non-compliance is found.
We reserve the right to terminate contracts for serious breaches of our anti-slavery requirements. For less severe issues, we work collaboratively with suppliers to implement remediation actions and to monitor progress until compliance is restored.
Reporting Channels and Worker Protection
All individuals who work with or for Local Gardener are encouraged to report concerns. We provide multiple safe reporting channels for staff and suppliers, including anonymous reporting where appropriate. Reports are investigated promptly and with confidentiality. Workers who report potential modern slavery cases will be protected from retaliation.
![A colourful garden scene in a residential outdoor space features a yellow wheelbarrow filled with vibrant red and yellow flowering plants, positioned on a well-maintained green lawn. Surrounding the wheelbarrow are various gardening tools, including a red watering can resting inside the wheelbarrow and a pair of bright red rubber boots placed nearby on the grass. Several empty terracotta pots and a white container grow bag are arranged on the ground beside the wheelbarrow, with some small pots stacked next to each other. In the background, lush green shrubs and trees with full foliage provide a natural backdrop, and a wooden fence encloses the garden area. The scene suggests ongoing gardening activities or preparation for planting, with natural daylight highlighting the vivid colours and textures of the plants and garden equipment. This outdoor space exemplifies typical garden features such as grass, potted plants, and garden tools, embodying a manicured, inviting environment suitable for gardening services near the [POSTCODE] in [TOWN], connected with the services of Local Gardener.](/pub/_photos/gardening/f1387069440.jpg)
To facilitate transparency, our reporting framework includes:
- Internal reporting to designated compliance officers;
- Anonymous channels for whistleblowers and affected workers;
- Clear processes for referral to relevant authorities and support organisations when exploitation is suspected.
We emphasise training for staff and contractors so they can recognise signs of exploitation and know how to act. Training covers recruitment practices, worker interviews, and indicators of forced labour. The Local Gardener team conducts regular awareness sessions.
![The image shows a man in gardening attire, including a light-colored hat and checked shirt, working outdoors in a garden setting. He is holding a small potted shrub with green foliage and a cluster of white flowers, positioned on a work surface covered with a red and orange protective sheet. The garden features a combination of lush green grass, soil beds, and a variety of plants. In the background, there are tall, dense trees with bright green foliage, indicating a well-maintained landscaped outdoor space typical of suburban gardens in the UK. The weather appears clear with natural sunlight illuminating the scene, suggesting a bright, possibly spring or summer day. The scene demonstrates typical gardening activities, aligned with services provided by local landscapers or garden maintenance specialists, involving planting and garden care. The image conveys a professional yet natural atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of garden upkeep and planting for local homeowners, such as those in the [POSTCODE]. The setting reflects an organized and vibrant outdoor environment suitable for garden design, plant care, and landscape enhancement by local gardening services like Local Gardener.](/pub/_photos/gardening/f1985036288.jpg)
Accountability sits with senior management and the board. Our leadership maintains oversight of modern slavery risks and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. We use performance indicators and audit results to track improvement and to inform decision-making.
Local Gardener commits to continuous improvement and collaboration with suppliers, peers and stakeholders. Where issues are identified, we seek to remediate promptly and to support affected individuals. We also seek to share learning across the sector to strengthen collective action against exploitation.
We will review this statement and our practices annually to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to identified risks. The annual review will consider changes in our operations, supply chains and the wider regulatory environment and will guide updates to our policies, supplier audits, reporting channels and training programmes.
By publishing this statement, Local Gardener reiterates its unwavering commitment to eradicating modern slavery from our business and supply chain. We operate a zero-tolerance policy and will continue to take robust, proportionate steps to protect workers and promote ethical practices across every part of our operation.