Gardeners Southborough Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Southborough is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical and socially responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our own operations and our supply chains. It applies to all staff, temporary workers, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Gardeners Southborough.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly work with any organisation, supplier, or individual that engages in or condones forced labour, child labour, bonded labour, deceptive recruitment, or any form of exploitation. We expect the same high standards from all parties with whom we conduct business, and we reserve the right to terminate relationships where these standards are not met.

Our leadership team is responsible for ensuring that this policy is embedded in our culture, communicated effectively, and consistently applied across all levels of the organisation.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Southborough provides gardening, grounds maintenance, and related services. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, soils, tools, machinery, uniforms, and other materials required for our operations. We recognise that parts of the horticultural, manufacturing, and logistics sectors can carry an elevated risk of labour exploitation, particularly where long and complex supply chains are involved.

We are committed to understanding these risks and taking practical steps to identify, mitigate, and address potential instances of modern slavery within our sphere of influence.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers to uphold the same ethical standards that we set for ourselves. As part of our supplier onboarding process, we assess key risk factors such as geographic location, industry sector, and the nature of the goods or services provided. We require confirmation that suppliers comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, and that they do not tolerate forced or exploitative labour practices.

Where we identify higher-risk suppliers, we may conduct additional due diligence, which can include requests for policy documents, workforce information, and evidence of their own supplier controls. We reserve the right to conduct audits or request third-party audits of suppliers where appropriate. If any supplier is found to be involved in modern slavery or fails to address credible concerns promptly and effectively, Gardeners Southborough will take action, which may include suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Internal Controls and Staff Responsibilities

We maintain internal controls to help prevent and detect modern slavery risks. This includes clear recruitment procedures, verification of identity and the right to work, and ensuring that employment terms are transparent, fair, and freely agreed. All workers must receive wages that meet or exceed legal minimums and must not be subject to unlawful deductions or threats.

Managers are responsible for remaining vigilant to warning signs of exploitation, particularly in high-risk roles or where third-party labour is used. We promote a culture in which concerns about unethical conduct can be raised without fear of retaliation.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Southborough encourages anyone who has concerns or suspicions about modern slavery in our business or supply chains to report them at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be raised internally with line managers or senior management. Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly.

We will not tolerate victimisation of any person who raises a concern in good faith. Where appropriate, we will involve specialist advisers or relevant authorities and will cooperate fully with any external investigations.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff. Where relevant, training will be provided so that employees, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management, can recognise indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond.

We also encourage suppliers to provide suitable training within their own organisations and to cascade awareness of modern slavery risks through their supply chains.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Southborough recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to reviewing and improving our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes over time. Each year, we will undertake a formal review of this Modern Slavery Statement and our related practices to assess their effectiveness, respond to any incidents or new risks, and identify opportunities for improvement.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Southborough and will be updated on an annual basis to reflect our continued commitment to ethical and responsible business conduct.