Modern Slavery Statement — Garden Clearance Tower Hamlets

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the commitments and actions of Garden Clearance Tower Hamlets and associated local teams to prevent and address modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains. Our declaration applies to all staff, contractors and partners engaged in garden clearance, green waste removal and property clearance across Tower Hamlets and the surrounding boroughs. We unequivocally reject any form of forced labour, human trafficking or exploitative working conditions.

We operate with a zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery. That policy is embedded in our procurement procedures and staff handbooks, and we require that every supplier, sub-contractor and labour broker working on behalf of our Tower Hamlets garden clearance services agrees to our standards. Our leadership team has made clear that compliance is mandatory and non-negotiable: any credible allegation will lead to immediate investigation and appropriate contractual or legal action.

The steps we take to reduce risk include detailed pre-contract due diligence, worker interviews where practicable, and mandatory contractual clauses prohibiting forced labour. We maintain a risk register for each contract and regularly review high-risk categories such as manual waste handling, temporary labour supply and subcontracted landscaping and clearance jobs. These measures support our commitment to deliver ethical garden clearance in Tower Hamlets and to promote responsible supply chain practices.

Supplier Audits, Assessments and Ongoing Due Diligence

Our supplier assurance programme combines desktop checks, site inspections and third-party audits. We prioritise audits for suppliers who provide labour or who operate in sectors with elevated risk of exploitation. Audits examine payroll records, working hours, recruitment fees and accommodation arrangements where relevant. If concerns are identified, we require corrective action plans and follow-up evaluations until compliance is demonstrated.

Key elements of our audit approach include:

• Pre-contract vetting and credentials verification for all subcontractors engaged in garden clearance and clearance services in Tower Hamlets.
• Periodic on-site inspections of working conditions and verification of lawful employment documentation.
• Payroll sampling and verification to ensure workers receive lawful wages and are not subject to unlawful deductions.

We require all suppliers to sign our anti-slavery clause and to provide evidence of their own policies and training. Our procurement teams use a mix of scheduled and spot-check audits to ensure sustained compliance and to detect instances of non-compliance early.

Reporting Channels, Training and Worker Voice

We promote accessible and confidential reporting channels so that staff, contractors and community members can raise concerns about modern slavery without fear of retaliation. Reporting routes include internal incident reporting mechanisms, anonymous reporting options and escalation to senior management. We ensure reports are triaged quickly, investigated by qualified staff and, where necessary, referred to appropriate authorities.

Training is provided to managers and frontline staff involved in garden clearance Tower Hamlets operations to help them identify red flags and respond appropriately. We emphasise the importance of worker voice, encouraging crews and subcontractor staff to speak up about unsafe, coercive or exploitative practices. We also provide targeted guidance for procurement officers and project managers carrying out due diligence checks.

To reinforce transparency and continuous improvement we have established annual reviews of our policies and processes. Each year, the senior leadership team conducts a formal assessment of our anti-slavery measures, reviews audit outcomes and updates the risk register. Findings lead to policy revisions, enhanced training modules and adjustments in supplier selection criteria to strengthen protections for workers and communities.

We recognise that eliminating modern slavery requires sustained effort, collaboration and openness. Garden Clearance Tower Hamlets is committed to working with contractors, local authorities and industry peers to share best practice and to improve standards for garden clearance and waste removal across the borough. Our intention is to build resilient supply chains where dignity and lawful employment are foundational, not optional.

We will publish progress updates and a summary of audit outcomes in our internal governance reports and will continue to refine our approach so that our Tower Hamlets clearance services remain robust, ethical and compliant. Wherever evidence of exploitation arises we will act swiftly to protect affected workers and to prevent recurrence.

This statement is endorsed by senior management and will be reviewed at least annually to ensure that our anti-slavery commitments align with evolving risks and best practice in garden-clearance operations in Tower Hamlets and adjacent areas.