Gardeners Eastcote Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Eastcote has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard people from exploitation.

Gardeners Eastcote recognises that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights. It can occur in many forms, including forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, child labour, and exploitation through deception or coercion. We are determined that modern slavery has no place in our business or among the suppliers, contractors, and partners who support our services.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to all aspects of our activities, including gardening services, maintenance work, and any related operations conducted on behalf of our clients.

Our zero-tolerance policy means that we will not knowingly engage with any party that is involved in, or complicit with, modern slavery. If modern slavery is identified within our supply chain or operations, we will take immediate and decisive action, which may include termination of contracts, reporting to relevant authorities, and supporting affected individuals where appropriate.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Suppliers and subcontractors play an important role in our service delivery, and we expect them to uphold equivalent standards of ethical conduct. As part of our onboarding and ongoing supplier management, we communicate our expectations clearly, including the requirement to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights legislation.

We conduct proportionate supplier assessments and audits, focusing particularly on higher-risk categories such as labour providers, equipment manufacturers, and outsourced maintenance services. These audits may include reviewing documentation relating to employment practices, right-to-work checks, wage records, working conditions, and the use of further subcontractors.

Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans and monitor progress. Failure to address serious or repeated issues may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Gardeners Eastcote encourages an open culture in which concerns about modern slavery, exploitation, or unethical behaviour can be raised without fear of retaliation. All employees, agency workers, suppliers, and contractors are expected to speak up if they suspect any form of modern slavery in our operations or supply chain.

Concerns can be raised directly with management or through existing internal reporting channels. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will respect the wishes of individuals who request that their identity be protected as far as possible. Every report of suspected modern slavery will be taken seriously, reviewed promptly, and investigated where appropriate.

We will not tolerate any victimisation or discrimination against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken against anyone who seeks to deter or penalise others for speaking up.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

To support our commitment, we provide guidance and awareness to relevant staff so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to report concerns. This includes managers, supervisors, and employees involved in procurement, recruitment, and site operations.

We actively seek to improve our processes and understanding of modern slavery risks over time. This includes monitoring developments in legislation, industry best practice, and the evolving nature of supply chains within the gardening and property maintenance sectors.

Annual Review and Governance

This Modern Slavery Statement is approved by the leadership of Gardeners Eastcote and is reviewed at least annually. The review process considers the effectiveness of our existing policies, supplier audits, training measures, and any incidents or concerns raised during the year.

Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will update our procedures, strengthen contractual requirements, and refine our risk assessment and audit approach. The updated statement is then reissued to reflect any significant changes or enhancements.

Gardeners Eastcote remains firmly committed to preventing modern slavery in all its forms and to working collaboratively with employees, suppliers, and stakeholders to protect human rights across our operations and supply chains.