Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Battersea
Gardeners Battersea is committed to conducting its business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers who provide goods or services to Gardeners Battersea.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Gardeners Battersea has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, and exploitation. We do not knowingly engage with any organisation or individual involved in these practices and will terminate relationships where credible evidence of such activity is found and not promptly and effectively remedied.
All managers and team leaders are responsible for promoting a culture where unethical practices are challenged and concerns can be raised safely. Every member of staff is expected to behave in a way that upholds our values and supports our zero-tolerance stance.
Our Operations and Supply Chains
Gardeners Battersea provides gardening, landscaping, and related services. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, soils, aggregates, tools, equipment, uniforms, and other materials, as well as the use of subcontractors who may provide labour or specialist services on our behalf.
We recognise that parts of the horticulture, construction, and labour supply sectors can carry an elevated risk of modern slavery. We therefore remain vigilant in assessing and managing these risks, particularly where seasonal, temporary, or subcontracted labour is involved.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. Our procurement processes are designed to include ethical considerations alongside price and quality. We seek to work with organisations that can demonstrate robust employment practices and adherence to applicable labour laws.
Gardeners Battersea may conduct supplier audits, both announced and unannounced, to verify compliance with our standards and relevant legislation. These audits may include reviewing employment records, right-to-work documentation, working hours, wage records, and health and safety arrangements. Where appropriate, we may also conduct site visits and speak with workers to gain assurance that they are employed freely and treated fairly.
If non-compliance is identified, we will work with the supplier to develop a corrective action plan with clear timescales. Where serious or repeated breaches occur, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship.
Reporting Channels and Protection
Gardeners Battersea encourages anyone who has concerns about possible modern slavery in our operations or supply chains to report them without delay. Concerns can be raised internally with a line manager or a senior member of the management team, in person or in writing.
We will investigate all reports promptly, fairly, and sensitively. No one reporting a concern in good faith will suffer any form of retaliation, victimisation, or disadvantage. Confidentiality will be respected as far as is reasonably possible, and we will involve specialist agencies or authorities where appropriate.
Training and Awareness
We aim to build awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, site management, and supplier oversight. Training and guidance may include information on recognising signs of exploitation, understanding our reporting channels, and following our procedures when engaging new suppliers or subcontractors.
Through regular communication and updates, we reinforce the message that raising concerns is a responsibility shared by everyone at Gardeners Battersea.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing this Modern Slavery Statement and related practices rests with the senior management of Gardeners Battersea. We monitor compliance through our procurement processes, supplier audits, internal reporting mechanisms, and feedback from staff and partners.
This statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with changes in legislation, industry practice, and our own operations. Where improvements are identified, we will update our procedures and communicate changes to staff and suppliers.
By maintaining a zero-tolerance approach, strengthening our supplier oversight, and promoting transparent reporting, Gardeners Battersea seeks to play its part in eliminating modern slavery and protecting the dignity and rights of all workers connected to our business.
