Modern Slavery Statement for Gardening Services Gardeners

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions Gardening Services Gardeners is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a provider of professional gardening and grounds maintenance services, we recognise our responsibility to respect and uphold human rights and to ensure that our business does not cause, contribute to, or benefit from any form of exploitation.

Our Zero-Tolerance Commitment

Gardening Services Gardeners has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, servitude, and any form of inhumane or degrading treatment. This commitment applies to all aspects of our business, including our directly employed workforce, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers involved in the provision of gardening tools, plants, equipment, uniforms, transport, and ancillary services.

We expect every person working within or with our business to be treated with dignity, paid fairly in line with applicable laws, and to work voluntarily and freely. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy will be treated as a serious matter, may result in termination of contracts or employment, and will be reported to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Governance and Responsibilities

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with senior management, who are accountable for ensuring that appropriate policies, procedures, and controls are in place. Managers are responsible for implementing these measures within their teams, and all staff are required to comply with this statement and associated internal policies on ethics, recruitment, and health and safety.

We communicate our zero-tolerance stance through induction, ongoing training, and internal updates so that colleagues understand the signs of modern slavery and know how to respond if concerns arise.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of gardening supplies, machinery, vehicle hire, waste disposal, and seasonal labour. We are committed to working only with suppliers and contractors who share our commitment to ethical labour practices.

As part of our due diligence, we assess potential suppliers on their labour standards and require confirmation that they comply with all relevant employment, health and safety, and human rights legislation. Where appropriate, we request information on their own modern slavery policies and the steps they take to manage risk in their operations and supply chains.

We reserve the right to conduct audits or request independent audits of higher-risk suppliers. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and interviews with workers, focusing on working conditions, recruitment practices, payment of wages, and freedom of movement. Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we expect suppliers to implement corrective action plans within set timeframes. Failure to address serious issues can result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Protection

We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers, and members of the public to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery connected to Gardening Services Gardeners. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to the practices of our suppliers, subcontractors, or labour agencies.

Reports can be made through internal reporting channels, directly to management, or using designated whistleblowing routes within the business. We will handle all reports sensitively, investigate them promptly, and, where necessary, escalate matters to external authorities. No one raising a concern in good faith will suffer retaliation, dismissal, or any form of disadvantage for speaking up.

Training and Awareness

To support effective implementation of this statement, we provide training to relevant staff on the risks and indicators of modern slavery. This includes guidance for managers involved in recruitment, site supervision, and procurement, helping them to recognise warning signs such as withholding of documents, unexplained deductions from pay, or restrictions on workers’ freedom.

We also promote awareness among our wider workforce, emphasising respect, inclusion, and the importance of reporting concerns at the earliest opportunity.

Monitoring, Annual Review, and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that the risks of modern slavery can evolve, particularly in sectors involving seasonal and manual labour. Gardening Services Gardeners is committed to regularly monitoring the effectiveness of our measures and seeking opportunities to improve them.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and aligned with legal and best practice developments. The review considers audit findings, reported concerns, changes in our supply chain, and feedback from employees and stakeholders. Where necessary, we will update our policies, strengthen our due diligence processes, and enhance training to reduce risk further.

By maintaining this comprehensive approach, Gardening Services Gardeners aims to contribute to the elimination of modern slavery and to uphold the highest standards of integrity and respect across our business and supply chains.