Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners East Bedfont

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners East Bedfont in respect of our financial year and sets out the actions we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to acting ethically, transparently, and with integrity in all our business dealings.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners East Bedfont maintains a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, human trafficking, and child labour in all forms. We are committed to ensuring that all work is voluntary and that every individual working for or with us is treated with dignity and respect.

We expect the same high standards from all our suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners. Any involvement in modern slavery or failure to uphold our standards will be treated as a serious breach of contract, which may result in the termination of business relationships and the reporting of concerns to appropriate authorities where necessary.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners East Bedfont provides gardening and related services. Our supply chains include, but are not limited to, the sourcing of plants, gardening materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and related services from a range of suppliers and subcontractors.

We recognise that certain sectors and regions present a higher risk of modern slavery. We therefore focus particular attention on suppliers who operate in higher-risk industries, rely on seasonal or migrant labour, or are based in regions with weaker labour protections or enforcement.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers and subcontractors to comply with all applicable laws relating to labour, employment, and human rights, and to uphold our values in relation to modern slavery. Our supplier selection process includes consideration of ethical and labour practices, and we seek to work only with organisations that can demonstrate their commitment to fair and safe working conditions.

Gardeners East Bedfont carries out proportionate checks and audits of suppliers, focusing on those areas we consider to present a higher risk. These activities may include reviewing supplier policies, requesting supporting documentation, and, where appropriate, conducting site visits or remote assessments to verify compliance with labour standards and working conditions.

Where audits or assessments identify concerns, we work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans with clear timescales. Continued non-compliance or unwillingness to address identified issues can lead to the suspension or termination of the commercial relationship.

Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns

We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to speak up if they have any concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to Gardeners East Bedfont or our supply chains. Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or through other established reporting routes within our organisation.

Reports can be made confidentially, and we will take all concerns seriously and handle them sensitively. No individual who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any form of retaliation, victimisation, or disadvantage. Where allegations of modern slavery or related abuses arise, we will investigate promptly and, where appropriate, involve relevant authorities.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among our workforce. Relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment, receive information or training to help them identify potential indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns.

By embedding awareness within our daily operations, we aim to ensure that our people are alert to potential risks and feel confident to raise issues where they arise, supporting our wider commitment to ethical business practices and responsible sourcing.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners East Bedfont recognises that combating modern slavery requires ongoing effort and continual improvement. We regularly review our policies, procedures, and risk assessments to ensure that they remain effective and proportionate to the nature and scale of our operations.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed on an annual basis by our management team. As part of this review we consider any incidents reported, the outcomes of supplier audits, emerging best practice, and changes in legislation or guidance. Where necessary, we update our procedures, strengthen controls, and introduce new measures to improve our approach.

This Statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners East Bedfont and reflects our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains.