Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps that Gardeners Homerton is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Homerton provides gardening and related services and is committed to conducting all business activities with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Homerton has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We do not accept, condone, or knowingly engage with any practice that exploits individuals or deprives them of their fundamental rights and freedoms. This commitment applies to all aspects of our business, including our direct workforce, agency workers, subcontractors, and suppliers.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting a culture where exploitation is never acceptable and where concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Where suppliers or subcontractors are found to be in breach, Gardeners Homerton may suspend work, terminate contracts, or take other appropriate steps.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards

Our supply chain includes providers of plants, tools, equipment, protective clothing, transport, and various support services. We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to uphold the same high standards that we set for ourselves. As a condition of doing business with Gardeners Homerton, suppliers are required to comply with all applicable labour and human rights laws and to actively prevent modern slavery in their own operations and supply chains.

We communicate our zero-tolerance stance to existing and potential suppliers and make clear that modern slavery risks must be identified, managed, and remediated. We reserve the right to request evidence of policies, training, and practices that suppliers have in place to address these issues, and we may review this information as part of our ongoing risk assessment.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Homerton is committed to taking reasonable and proportionate steps to assess and manage the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain. This includes implementing supplier due diligence checks and, where appropriate, conducting audits to verify compliance with our standards.

Our approach to supplier audits is risk-based. Factors such as geographical location, type of work, sector risk, and previous performance are considered when determining the level of scrutiny required. Audits may include requesting documentation, reviewing employment practices, and discussing working conditions with relevant parties. Where areas of concern are identified, we will work with the supplier to agree corrective actions and timescales. Failure to address significant concerns may lead to a review of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns

Gardeners Homerton encourages all employees, agency workers, subcontractors, and suppliers to report any suspicion, concern, or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business or supply chain. Reports can be made to a line manager, a senior manager, or a designated company contact responsible for ethics and compliance. Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing, and can be made anonymously where permitted by local law.

We are committed to handling all reports sensitively, confidentially, and promptly. No person will suffer any detrimental treatment for raising a concern in good faith. Any allegations will be investigated and, where appropriate, reported to relevant authorities. We will take steps to protect victims and to ensure that any identified exploitation is addressed and remediated.

Training and Awareness

Gardeners Homerton recognises that effective prevention of modern slavery requires awareness and understanding across the organisation. We provide information and guidance to relevant employees on identifying the signs of modern slavery, understanding our policies, and using the available reporting channels. Managers with responsibility for procurement, recruitment, and supplier management receive enhanced guidance to help them address modern slavery risks in their areas.

Monitoring, Annual Review, and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed annually by Gardeners Homerton. As part of the review, we consider changes in our business activities, updates to legal requirements, and lessons learned from any concerns raised or audits undertaken. Where necessary, we update our policies, procedures, and training to strengthen our approach.

We are committed to continuous improvement and to working collaboratively with employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains. This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Homerton and reflects our ongoing commitment to act ethically and responsibly in all that we do.