Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Kingston Upon Thames
Gardeners Kingston Upon Thames is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in our operations and throughout our supply chains.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
We maintain a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. Modern slavery is a crime and a serious violation of fundamental human rights. We are committed to acting with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery does not occur in our business or within our supply chains.
All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act in line with our values of respect, fairness, and transparency. Any behaviour that is inconsistent with these values or that may constitute exploitation, coercion, or abuse is unacceptable and will lead to appropriate remedial or disciplinary action.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Gardeners Kingston Upon Thames provides gardening and related services, working with a range of local and regional suppliers for plants, materials, equipment, and outsourced services. We recognise that certain sectors and regions may present a higher risk of labour exploitation and we pay particular attention to these areas when engaging suppliers or subcontractors.
We seek to build long-term relationships with reputable partners who share our commitment to ethical labour practices and who can demonstrate that they have robust processes to safeguard workers in their operations.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to adhere to labour standards that are consistent with our own policies and with applicable laws. As part of our procurement process, we assess potential suppliers based on their approach to modern slavery, human rights, and worker welfare.
We reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence of compliance from suppliers, including documentation relating to recruitment practices, use of labour agencies, working hours, pay, and health and safety conditions. Where appropriate, we may visit sites or request independent verification to confirm that acceptable standards are being maintained.
If a supplier is found to be in breach of our expectations or relevant legislation, we will work with them to implement corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe. Where serious or repeated non-compliance occurs, we may suspend or terminate the business relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers, and members of the public to report any concerns related to modern slavery or human rights abuses connected with Gardeners Kingston Upon Thames or our supply chains.
Concerns can be raised through our established reporting channels, including speaking directly to a manager, contacting senior management, or using our internal whistleblowing procedures. Reports can be made in confidence, and we will take all allegations seriously.
We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. All reported concerns will be investigated promptly and, where appropriate, referred to relevant authorities.
Training and Awareness
We provide guidance and, where necessary, training to employees involved in procurement, supplier management, and site supervision so that they can recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns.
Awareness of modern slavery risks is promoted throughout our operations, including through internal communications and management discussions, to help embed a culture of vigilance and responsibility.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and that risks can change over time. Gardeners Kingston Upon Thames is committed to continuous improvement in our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by our management team. As part of the review, we will consider any reported incidents, audit findings, legislative changes, and stakeholder feedback to strengthen our approach and update our measures where needed.
By publishing this statement, Gardeners Kingston Upon Thames affirms its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of all individuals who work for and with us, and to playing our part in the broader effort to eliminate modern slavery and human trafficking.
