Modern Slavery Statement for Gardening Gardeners

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardening Gardeners to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Gardening Gardeners is committed to conducting business ethically, transparently, and with integrity. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to identify, prevent, and address any potential risks of modern slavery associated with our activities.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardening Gardeners maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, child labour that is exploitative or unlawful, and any form of servitude. We will not knowingly engage with, support, or benefit from any business practice that involves exploitation or abuse of individuals.

This commitment applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of Gardening Gardeners. It also extends to all tiers of our supply chain. We require that everyone engaged with our business upholds the same standards of dignity, fairness, and respect for human rights.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

We assess the risk of modern slavery by reviewing the nature of our services, the locations in which we operate, and the types of goods and services we procure. Our initial focus is on higher risk categories such as seasonal labour, outsourced services, and products sourced from regions or sectors identified as vulnerable to labour exploitation.

Where elevated risks are identified, we undertake targeted due diligence, which may include requesting further information from suppliers, reviewing their labour policies, and evaluating their own supply chain oversight. If a supplier cannot demonstrate adequate controls, we will work with them to improve or consider alternative sourcing arrangements.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Gardening Gardeners expects all suppliers and subcontractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. We seek to incorporate modern slavery and human rights clauses into our supplier terms and conditions, requiring compliance with applicable labour laws and international standards.

We carry out proportionate supplier audits to verify compliance, prioritising suppliers based on risk, scale of engagement, and strategic importance. These audits may include document reviews, site visits where appropriate, and discussions with management. We reserve the right to conduct follow-up audits and request corrective action plans if non-compliance is identified.

If a supplier fails to address issues relating to modern slavery within agreed timeframes, Gardening Gardeners may suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We provide internal guidance and awareness raising for relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and contract management. This training helps staff recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns safely and effectively.

Gardening Gardeners encourages all workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any suspected case of modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised through our internal reporting channels, which include line managers and designated senior management contacts. Reports may be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation.

All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly. Where concerns are substantiated, we will implement appropriate remedial actions, which may include supporting affected individuals, improving internal controls, and engaging with external authorities where required.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. Gardening Gardeners is committed to continuously improving our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes in light of new risks, evolving legislation, and best practice guidance.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to assess its effectiveness and to identify areas for enhancement. The review considers audit outcomes, reported concerns, changes in our operations or supply chain, and feedback from stakeholders.

Following each annual review, we will update our approach as necessary, strengthen our controls where needed, and communicate any significant changes internally and to key suppliers. Through these efforts, Gardening Gardeners aims to contribute to the wider elimination of modern slavery and the protection of vulnerable workers in the communities in which we operate.