Gardeners Earlsfield Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Earlsfield in relation to our operations and supply chains. It sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking. Gardeners Earlsfield is committed to conducting business in an ethical, transparent, and responsible manner, respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals involved in our services and supply chains.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Earlsfield has a strict zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any practice that exploits individuals or deprives them of their freedom, whether within our own operations or in the businesses with which we work. This commitment applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers who are expected to act in accordance with our standards and values.

We are dedicated to ensuring that employment with Gardeners Earlsfield is based on free choice and fair treatment. All workers must be employed voluntarily, paid fairly and promptly, and treated with respect. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts or other appropriate actions.

Our Supply Chain Standards

As a gardening and grounds maintenance business, our supply chains include but are not limited to providers of plants, landscaping materials, tools, machinery, uniforms, and ancillary services. We expect all suppliers and contractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery and to comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

Suppliers are required to maintain working conditions that uphold human rights, including safe workplaces, fair pay, reasonable working hours, and the prohibition of forced, bonded, or compulsory labour. We reserve the right to review and, where necessary, terminate relationships with suppliers that fail to meet these standards.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Earlsfield embeds due diligence into our supplier selection and ongoing management processes. Where appropriate and proportionate to the risk, we conduct checks and audits on existing and prospective suppliers to assess their compliance with our expectations on modern slavery.

Audits may involve requesting documented evidence of labour practices, reviewing policies and procedures related to modern slavery and human rights, and asking targeted questions during supplier onboarding or renewal. We prioritise higher-risk categories or regions for enhanced scrutiny. Where issues are identified, we work collaboratively with suppliers to implement corrective actions within clear timeframes, and we monitor progress closely.

Reporting Concerns and Raising Issues

Gardeners Earlsfield encourages a culture of openness where concerns about modern slavery can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees, agency workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspicions or evidence of modern slavery in our operations or supply chains through established internal reporting channels.

Concerns can be raised with line managers, senior management, or designated safeguarding and compliance contacts within the business. All reports are taken seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. Where needed, we will cooperate with relevant authorities and take appropriate remedial action, which may include suspending work with particular suppliers or sites while investigations are carried out.

Training and Awareness

Gardeners Earlsfield is committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among our team. Relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and site supervision, receive guidance to help them recognise potential indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond to concerns.

By promoting awareness and understanding throughout the organisation, we seek to ensure that everyone involved in our operations plays an active role in identifying and preventing modern slavery.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year by the leadership of Gardeners Earlsfield. As part of the review, we consider changes in our operations, evolving legal requirements, developments in best practice, and any issues identified over the previous period.

We are committed to continuous improvement and will strengthen our approach where necessary, including refining supplier audits, enhancing staff training, and improving our reporting and escalation mechanisms. By reviewing this statement annually, Gardeners Earlsfield aims to maintain a robust and effective framework for combating modern slavery and protecting the rights of all individuals connected with our business.