Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners New Malden Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners New Malden takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals who contribute to our business, whether directly or indirectly.

Modern slavery includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners New Malden is committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all our business dealings and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery does not occur within our organisation or our wider supply network.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

Gardeners New Malden operates a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any practice that exploits individuals, restricts their freedom, or denies them fair working conditions and pay. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers associated with our business.

We expect everyone we work with to share our commitment to ethical labour practices. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of employment, cancellation of contracts, or the ending of commercial relationships, as appropriate.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Our suppliers play a critical role in helping us deliver high-quality gardening and related services. We require suppliers to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, including those relating to working hours, wages, health and safety, and the prohibition of forced labour and child labour.

Gardeners New Malden is strengthening its supplier due diligence processes to identify and manage the risk of modern slavery. This includes assessing new and existing suppliers, seeking assurances about their labour practices, and reserving the right to request information or documentation that demonstrates their compliance with our standards.

Where appropriate, we will conduct audits or inspections of suppliers, either directly or through trusted third parties. These audits may review working conditions, recruitment practices, employment records, and grievance mechanisms. If we identify concerns, we will work with the supplier on corrective actions within a clear timeframe. Where issues are not resolved, we may suspend or end the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Gardeners New Malden encourages anyone who has concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our business to report them at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be raised by employees, workers, suppliers, subcontractors, or members of the public.

Reports may be made to line managers, senior management, or through any internal reporting processes made available by Gardeners New Malden. We are committed to ensuring that individuals who raise concerns in good faith do so without fear of retaliation or disadvantage. All reports are taken seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly, with appropriate action taken where necessary.

We also encourage our suppliers to establish their own internal reporting and whistleblowing mechanisms so that workers in their operations and supply chains can raise concerns safely and confidentially.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We aim to raise awareness among our team about the risks and indicators of modern slavery. Where relevant, employees involved in procurement, supplier management, and site operations will receive guidance on recognising warning signs and responding to concerns.

Gardeners New Malden is committed to continuous improvement in this area. We monitor developments in legislation, best practice, and guidance on modern slavery and human trafficking, and we adapt our approach as needed to maintain robust protections.

Annual Review of This Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by the leadership of Gardeners New Malden to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with current legislation and best practice. As part of the review, we will assess the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, training, and reporting channels, and identify opportunities to strengthen our response.

By maintaining a zero-tolerance approach, engaging closely with our suppliers, and providing clear reporting routes, Gardeners New Malden is committed to playing its part in combating modern slavery and protecting the rights and wellbeing of all people involved in our business and supply chains.