Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Services Barbican
Gardening Services Barbican is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in any part of our operations or supply chains. This modern slavery declaration explains our policies, the steps we take, and the mechanisms available for detection and reporting. Our Barbican gardening services teams and subcontractors must comply with a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labour, child labour and any exploitative working conditions.
We operate local and specialist gardening services in Barbican and work with suppliers and labour providers across the region. Our stance is clear: we will not tolerate any practices that amount to modern slavery. This applies to direct staff, seasonal workers, contractors and all partners engaged to deliver garden maintenance, landscaping and groundskeeping in and around the Barbican.
Our governance framework assigns responsibility for modern slavery compliance to senior management and designated ethics leads. We maintain written policies that require recruitment transparency, legal pay and working hours, freedom of movement and voluntary employment. All managers receive training on recognising signs of exploitation and how to respond.
Supplier Due Diligence and Supplier Audits
We apply proportionate due diligence to our supply chains and perform regular supplier audits focused on higher-risk categories. Audits include document reviews, site visits and worker interviews where appropriate. Key audit elements include:
- Verification of employment contracts and right-to-work documentation
- Evidence of lawful pay, holiday entitlement and overtime practices
- Checks for recruitment fees and third-party broker arrangements
- Health, safety and welfare safeguards for temporary and seasonal staff
Where audits reveal concerns, we require corrective action plans with deadlines and follow-up audits. For serious or uncorrected breaches we will terminate relationships. Our procurement terms include clauses that allow immediate suspension or termination if modern slavery is discovered. We use risk-based criteria to prioritise auditing of suppliers for horticultural materials, landscape contractors and labour providers.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Reporting channels are clearly communicated to staff and workers. We maintain multiple, confidential routes for raising concerns, including anonymous reporting mechanisms provided through independent third-party services. Reports can be made without fear of retaliation; anyone raising concerns in good faith will be protected. Managers are instructed to escalate suspected cases immediately to the appointed compliance officer.
When a report is received, we undertake a prompt, thorough investigation following documented procedures. Investigations aim to protect victims, preserve evidence and ensure legal compliance. If modern slavery indicators are confirmed, we will work with law enforcement, NGOs and specialist support services to secure victim welfare and pursue appropriate sanctions against perpetrators.
We enforce a zero-tolerance policy across all operations: any employee, contractor or supplier found to be complicit in modern slavery will face disciplinary action, contract termination and referral to authorities. The protection of vulnerable workers and the integrity of our Barbican garden services operations are non-negotiable.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
This statement is reviewed and updated at least annually to reflect new risks, audit outcomes and changes in law. Our annual review includes performance metrics, remediation outcomes, audit findings and stakeholder feedback to strengthen our anti-slavery programme. The review results are reported to senior management and inform training, procurement practices and supplier selection for future seasons.
