Gardeners Northolt Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Northolt has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within our operations or supply chains. Gardeners Northolt operates within the gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance sector and recognises its responsibility to uphold the highest ethical and human rights standards.

Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners Northolt is fully committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business dealings and relationships.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

Gardeners Northolt has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any form of modern slavery in our own operations or in the activities of our suppliers, contractors, or business partners. We expect all individuals and organisations we work with to share this commitment and to demonstrate it through their own policies and practices.

Our senior management team is responsible for promoting this zero-tolerance culture throughout the organisation. Modern slavery risks are considered in our business decisions, procurement processes, and day-to-day management. Where credible concerns are identified, we will investigate promptly and take appropriate action, which may include terminating relationships with organisations that fail to meet our standards.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of plants, equipment, materials, and ancillary services. Gardeners Northolt seeks to work only with suppliers and contractors who uphold human rights, provide safe working conditions, and treat workers fairly and lawfully. We communicate our expectations clearly, requiring suppliers to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights legislation.

We undertake proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers, focusing on those where the risk of labour exploitation may be higher. This may include questionnaires about labour practices, requests for evidence of compliance with employment laws, and consideration of third-party certifications or accreditations where available.

Gardeners Northolt reserves the right to conduct audits or request audits of suppliers where there is a perceived or identified risk of non-compliance. These audits may consider pay and working hours, recruitment practices, use of labour agencies, worker accommodation, and grievance mechanisms. Where non-compliance is identified, we will work with the supplier on corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe. Persistent or serious failures may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Northolt encourages all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns about modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices. We are committed to providing safe and accessible channels to raise concerns in good faith, without fear of retaliation or adverse consequences.

Reports can be made to line managers or directly to senior management through internal communication channels. Concerns will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. Where appropriate, Gardeners Northolt will cooperate with law enforcement or relevant authorities and take remedial action to safeguard impacted individuals.

We also expect our suppliers to establish their own mechanisms for workers to raise concerns confidentially and without reprisal. We view effective reporting channels as a key safeguard against modern slavery and an important means of continuous improvement.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Northolt is committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff. Training and guidance are provided to relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and site management. This helps them recognise potential indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond appropriately if they encounter concerns.

We monitor evolving best practice and legislation relating to modern slavery and human rights, and we seek to refine our procedures over time. Feedback from employees and suppliers is welcomed as part of our continuous improvement approach.

Annual Review and Governance

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every twelve months by Gardeners Northolt senior management. The review considers any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier assessments or audits, changes in our operations or supply chains, and developments in relevant legislation or guidance.

Where improvements are identified, we will update our policies, procedures, and training accordingly. The updated statement will reflect any changes made and will continue to reinforce our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business.