Modern Slavery Statement for Landscapers Swiss Cottage

Landscapers Swiss Cottage is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and with full respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the principles and practical measures we apply to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. As a local landscaping company, we recognise that our work depends on people, materials, and subcontracted services, and we accept the responsibility to ensure that every part of that chain reflects our zero-tolerance policy toward exploitation.

Modern slavery can take many forms, including debt bondage, withheld wages, coercion, and the abuse of vulnerability. Landscapers in Swiss Cottage must remain alert to these risks, especially where labour is seasonal, manual, or sourced through third parties. We therefore require managers, supervisors, and procurement staff to apply due diligence when selecting suppliers and contractors. Our approach is designed to identify risks early and to prevent harm before it occurs.

Our statement applies to all staff, subcontractors, temporary workers, and suppliers engaged in support of landscaping services. We expect every partner working with Landscapers Swiss Cottage to uphold the same ethical standards. Any form of exploitation is treated as a serious breach of trust and may result in termination of the relationship, reporting to the relevant authorities, and review of internal processes.

Policy and Governance

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy against modern slavery and human trafficking. This is embedded in our recruitment practices, supplier agreements, and day-to-day management controls. All new suppliers are assessed for labour practices, ownership structure, geographic risk, and the transparency of their workforce arrangements. Where concerns are identified, enhanced checks are carried out before any business relationship is approved.

Our management team holds responsibility for overseeing compliance and ensuring that modern slavery risks are considered in relevant decisions. Training is provided to those involved in hiring, purchasing, and site supervision so they can recognise warning signs, such as restricted movement, poor living conditions, signs of intimidation, or unusual payment arrangements. Swiss Cottage landscapers must act promptly if any issue appears suspicious, even where evidence is incomplete.

We also expect open and honest communication throughout our organisation. Workers are informed of their rights and are encouraged to challenge unsafe or unethical practices without fear of reprisal. In line with our values, Landscapers Swiss Cottage will not knowingly benefit from any labour arrangement that exploits an individual or conceals improper working conditions.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

Supplier auditing is a central part of our prevention strategy. We conduct proportionate audits of key suppliers and contractors, with particular attention to labour recruitment methods, pay practices, subcontracting chains, and site-level working conditions. These audits may include document checks, declarations of compliance, and follow-up questions where risks are elevated.

Where a supplier is unable to demonstrate adequate safeguards, we work with them to improve standards within a reasonable timeframe. However, if evidence suggests deliberate non-compliance, we will suspend engagement and consider ending the relationship. Landscapers in Swiss Cottage does not accept profit or convenience as a justification for poor ethical practice.

Monitoring is ongoing rather than limited to annual reviews. We may revisit supplier risk profiles after contract changes, incidents, or concerns raised by staff or third parties. This approach helps ensure that our commitments remain meaningful and that modern slavery risks are addressed wherever they appear in the supply chain.

Reporting Channels, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We provide clear reporting channels so that concerns can be raised quickly and safely. Employees and workers may report suspected breaches to managers or designated senior staff through internal reporting routes, and all reports are treated seriously and confidentially where possible. Retaliation against anyone raising a concern in good faith is prohibited. Landscapers Swiss Cottage will investigate concerns promptly and determine the appropriate response based on the facts.

Investigations may result in corrective action, further supplier review, training, disciplinary measures, or referral to external authorities where required. We recognise that effective reporting channels are essential to prevention because they help uncover hidden exploitation and allow us to intervene early. Every report contributes to a safer and more accountable working environment.

This statement is reviewed annually by senior management to assess its effectiveness and to reflect changes in legislation, operational risk, and best practice. The annual review includes supplier audit outcomes, incident trends, training coverage, and any improvements needed to strengthen our controls. Landscapers Swiss Cottage is committed to continuous improvement and to ensuring that our policies, procedures, and partnerships support a fair and lawful supply chain.