Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

London Gardeners is committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly. We recognise our duty to respect and promote human rights across all our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement explains the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking in connection with our business activities.

Modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including forced labour, bonded labour, servitude, child labour, and human trafficking. London Gardeners opposes all forms of modern slavery and expects the same commitment from everyone we work with.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

London Gardeners operates a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery. We will not knowingly engage with, support, or do business with any individual or organisation involved in modern slavery or human trafficking.

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are required to act with integrity and comply with applicable laws relating to labour, human rights, and employment. Any breach of our zero-tolerance policy may result in the termination of employment, contracts, or business relationships, as well as notification to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chain

London Gardeners provides gardening and grounds maintenance services, working with a range of suppliers that may include plant nurseries, equipment manufacturers, tool suppliers, uniform providers, and subcontracted service providers.

We acknowledge that certain parts of our supply chain may be more exposed to risks of modern slavery, particularly where goods or materials are sourced from higher risk sectors or regions. We are committed to identifying and addressing these risks proactively.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to adhere to standards that are consistent with our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. Our expectations include the prohibition of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, fair and lawful recruitment practices, safe and hygienic working conditions, and the prevention of child labour.

London Gardeners assesses suppliers based on their approach to labour and human rights. Where appropriate, we conduct audits or request evidence to confirm compliance with our standards, including information on workforce practices, working hours, wages, and health and safety measures. Suppliers are required to cooperate fully with any review or audit we undertake.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards on modern slavery, we will take appropriate action, which may include working with the supplier on a corrective action plan or, where necessary, ending the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We provide guidance to relevant employees on identifying signs of modern slavery and understanding the risks within our sector and supply chains. This includes awareness of indicators such as restricted freedom of movement, withheld identification documents, or evidence of coercion or debt bondage.

Managers responsible for procurement, supplier management, and subcontracting are expected to incorporate these considerations into their decision-making and to escalate concerns in line with our reporting procedures.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

London Gardeners encourages anyone who has concerns about potential modern slavery connected to our business to speak up. Concerns can be raised internally to a line manager or a senior manager. We also support anonymous reporting where this is appropriate under our internal policies.

All reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith, whether they are an employee, contractor, supplier, or any other stakeholder.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery. Each year, London Gardeners reviews this statement, our policies, and our due diligence processes to assess their effectiveness and to identify areas where we can strengthen our controls.

The annual review considers changes in our business operations, the evolving risk landscape, feedback from audits and supplier assessments, and any incidents or concerns reported. Where necessary, we will update our practices, training, and supplier engagement to enhance our prevention and detection measures.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement has been approved on behalf of London Gardeners and reflects our ongoing commitment to act ethically, with integrity, and with respect for human rights in all that we do.