Modern Slavery Statement for Garden Decking Service
Garden Decking Service is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our operations. This zero-tolerance policy applies across our entire organisation, including sub-contractors and suppliers who provide materials, installation and maintenance for garden decking projects. We recognise our responsibility as a decking provider to uphold labour rights and ensure that our garden decking services do not contribute to exploitation.
Our statement covers the policies and procedures we maintain to mitigate risk in the supply chain for garden decking service activities. We strive to ensure fair working conditions, lawful wages and safe environments for all people engaged in the manufacture, delivery and installation of decking for gardens. To reinforce this, we require all employees and partners to adhere to our code of conduct and mandatory compliance training.
![A woman with dark hair tied back, wearing a pink and white striped long-sleeve top, is outdoors in a garden during daytime, engaging with two young children. The girl, wearing a pink headband and a purple jacket, and the boy, dressed in a yellow shirt with green overalls, are involved in gardening activities. They are tending to potted plants placed on a large wooden table, which includes various containers with soil and young plants. The garden features a lush lawn, a mature tree trunk on the left, and a background of green shrubbery and a blurred stone wall, suggesting a landscaped backyard typical of a suburban area in the UK. The scene is illuminated by natural daylight, indicating pleasant weather. The image highlights outdoor gardening activities aligned with professional gardening services such as lawn care, planting, and garden maintenance, subtly supporting local gardening needs in the area near [POSTCODE], [TOWN]. The overall atmosphere is one of family enjoying outdoor gardening in a well-maintained outdoor space.](/pub/_photos/gardening/f1990049792.jpg)
Scope and Supply Chain Transparency: The supply chain for our Garden Decking Service includes timber and composite suppliers, fastener and fixture manufacturers, logistics partners and local installation crews. We conduct due diligence to identify areas where forced labour risks are heightened, including high-risk sourcing regions and labour-intensive manufacturing processes. Our approach is to map suppliers, assess risk and implement proportionate controls to address identified issues.
Policies, Due Diligence and Supplier Audits
We have embedded anti-slavery clauses into our contracts and expect suppliers to demonstrate compliance with ethical labour practices. Our procurement standards require evidence of lawful employment, verification of worker age and fair payment records. We also maintain a supplier code that sets clear expectations for human rights and environmental stewardship.
![On a weathered wooden garden table, there are several gardening tools and supplies including a pair of pruning shears, a roll of twine, and a collection of potted plants with lush green foliage. A large, bright green watering can is prominently positioned on the right side, ready for outdoor watering tasks, while behind the pots, there is a tall, silver garden fork. The background features a blurred view of vibrant green garden foliage, suggesting a well-maintained outdoor space, possibly in a rural or suburban area near [TOWN] or [POSTCODE]. The scene captures a typical gardening setup during daylight hours, with natural sunlight illuminating the equipment and plants, supporting professional gardening services like those offered by Garden Decking Service in local landscaping and lawn care projects. The presentation emphasizes practical tools, healthy plant growth, and a neat outdoor environment, reflecting detail and care suited to professional garden maintenance and landscaping solutions in the UK.](/pub/_photos/gardening/f1397194752.jpg)
Supplier Audits: Regular audits are a central part of our supplier assurance. We perform a mix of desk-based reviews, self-assessment questionnaires and on-site inspections for critical suppliers. Audits examine recruitment practices, working hours, health and safety, and the use of middlemen or recruitment agencies. Where we find non-compliance, we set corrective action plans with time-bound milestones and follow-up verification.
We work collaboratively with suppliers to build capacity in ethical procurement, offering training where needed on labour standards and record-keeping. In some situations, we will terminate relationships with suppliers who fail to remediate serious breaches, consistent with our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery.
Reporting Channels, Employee Training and Redress
We provide multiple reporting channels for concerns relating to suspected modern slavery in our garden-decking services and broader operations. Employees and third parties can raise issues confidentially through our internal reporting mechanisms and anonymous whistleblowing pathways. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and escalated to senior management where appropriate.
![A gardener and a young boy are working together in a well-maintained front garden, which features a neatly trimmed grass lawn, lush green foliage, and a variety of plants and shrubs. The gardener, wearing a light blue shirt, jeans, and a straw hat, is carefully planting or tending to a small flower bed or shrub, using a hand trowel. The boy, dressed in a bright green t-shirt and jeans, is assisting by holding or positioning plants alongside the gardener. Surrounding them are gardening tools including a silver watering can, a terracotta pot, and a small black tray, indicating active gardening work. The garden is bordered by a backdrop of dense leafy bushes and trees, creating a natural privacy screen. The scene suggests a typical outdoor gardening maintenance activity on a mild, overcast day, with natural shades of green, brown, and the muted tones of the gardening equipment, reflecting the attention to landscaping and outdoor care by Garden Decking Service, serving the local area near the postcode in [TOWN].](/pub/_photos/gardening/f1369374720.jpg)
Reporting Channels: To encourage reporting we emphasise non-retaliation, protection for whistleblowers and clear investigation timelines. We also work with third-party specialists to ensure impartial review of allegations and, where necessary, provide support to affected workers, including liaison with local authorities and NGOs when remediation requires external assistance.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement: This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior leadership and the board to ensure it remains effective and aligned with evolving best practice. Our annual review includes assessment of audit results, training completion rates, supplier performance and any incidents or near-misses. We set measurable objectives for the following year to reduce risk and improve supply chain transparency for our deck installation service and related offerings.
Governance and Accountability: Responsibility for implementation sits with our compliance lead, supported by procurement, operations and legal teams. We maintain records of due diligence activities, supplier audit outcomes and remedial actions. Senior management sign off on annual outcomes and progress towards our objectives.
Commitment to Stakeholders: We commit to communicating this statement to suppliers, partners and relevant stakeholders involved in garden decking services, and to updating our practices as risks and regulations evolve. Our ambition is to play a proactive role in eradicating modern slavery within the landscaping and outdoor living sector.
Conclusion: Through clear policies, robust supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and an annual programme of review and improvement, Garden Decking Service aims to prevent modern slavery in all forms. We maintain a firm, enforceable zero-tolerance position and will act decisively where breaches are identified to protect workers and uphold ethical standards across our decking for gardens operations.
