Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Deptford

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Deptford to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Deptford provides gardening and related services, and we recognise our responsibility to respect and uphold human rights in every aspect of our business.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Deptford has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking, including forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, servitude, and any form of exploitation. We are committed to conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner and expect the same standards from everyone we work with.

All staff, contractors, and suppliers are required to act in a way that is consistent with our values and our commitment to human rights. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts, engagement, or employment, as well as reporting concerns to appropriate authorities where required.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards

Our supply chain includes providers of tools, plants, materials, equipment, transport, and outsourced services. We recognise that the risk of modern slavery can be higher in certain sectors and geographies, and we work to reduce that risk through careful selection and ongoing oversight of suppliers.

We seek to work with suppliers who can demonstrate that they uphold legal and ethical standards for labour and human rights. Where appropriate, we incorporate clauses in supplier agreements that require compliance with applicable modern slavery and human trafficking legislation, as well as with our own standards.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Deptford undertakes proportionate due diligence when engaging and reviewing suppliers. This includes assessing the nature of the goods and services supplied, the location of the supplier, and any known sector-specific risks. Where heightened risks are identified, we may carry out additional checks or request further information.

We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits, either announced or unannounced, to verify compliance with our modern slavery standards. These audits may include reviewing relevant documentation, discussing labour practices with management, and, where feasible, speaking confidentially with workers. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards, we will work with them to implement corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe or, where necessary, terminate the relationship.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities

We aim to ensure that relevant staff understand the signs of modern slavery and how to respond to concerns. This includes providing guidance and awareness-raising materials to managers, supervisors, and those involved in procurement and supplier management.

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery lies with senior management, who ensure that our policies are implemented and that issues are escalated and addressed. Line managers are expected to promote an open culture where concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Deptford encourages employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns about modern slavery or human rights abuses connected to our business or supply chains. Concerns may include suspicious working conditions, signs of coercion, retention of identity documents, or unreasonable recruitment fees.

Reports can be made through established internal reporting channels, such as raising the issue with a manager or senior leader, or using any designated whistleblowing or grievance routes provided by the company. Reports will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Monitoring, Improvement, and Annual Review

We are committed to continually improving our approach to identifying and addressing the risk of modern slavery. This includes reviewing our processes, supplier relationships, training materials, and escalation procedures to ensure they remain effective and appropriate to our business.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by the senior management of Gardeners Deptford to reflect any changes in our operations, supply chains, or legal requirements. Any significant updates to our practices or policies will be reflected in future versions of this statement.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Deptford, who are responsible for its implementation and for ensuring that the business continues to uphold a robust stance against modern slavery and human trafficking.